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Pick the backup that matches the outage you're planning for
Texas outages range from a two-hour thunderstorm blackout to multi-day events like Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 and Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. The right setup depends on how long you need to last and what you must keep running.
Portable power stations
Quiet, indoor-safe batteries for phones, Wi-Fi, CPAP machines, lights and a fridge. Best for short outages and apartments.
Buying guide →Whole-home batteries
Wall-mounted batteries that switch on automatically. Pair well with solar. Higher cost, lowest hassle.
Read the guide →Generators
Portable, inverter and standby generators: the most runtime per dollar for long outages, with real safety rules.
Compare options →Outage checklist
A printable Texas checklist for heat waves, freezes and hurricanes, from medications to water.
Get the checklist →Quick sizing: what you can run
| Backup type | Typical capacity | Good for | Rough cost range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small power station | 250–700 Wh | Phones, laptop, router, LED lights, CPAP for a night | $200–$600 |
| Mid power station | 1–2 kWh | Fridge for most of a day, fans, devices | $500–$1,500 |
| Large expandable station | 3–6+ kWh | Fridge, well pump, window AC for a few hours, some circuits via a transfer switch | $2,000–$5,000+ |
| Whole-home battery | 10–15 kWh per unit | Essential circuits automatically; many hours or days with solar | $10,000–$20,000+ installed |
| Portable / inverter generator | 2,000–10,000 W running | Long outages as long as you have fuel | $500–$3,000 plus transfer switch |
| Standby generator | 10–26 kW | Whole home, including central AC, runs on natural gas or propane | $8,000–$20,000+ installed |
Cost ranges are general 2026 market estimates for planning only. Get current prices and installation quotes.
Three questions to answer first
- How long? Hours, a day, or a week? Batteries shine for hours; fuel wins for a week unless you have solar to recharge.
- What must run? List each device and its watts. Medical equipment, the fridge, internet and fans usually come first. Central AC needs a large system.
- Where do you live? Apartment dwellers can't run generators. Homes with natural gas can run a standby generator without refueling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to keep a fridge running in an outage?
A portable power station of roughly 1 to 2 kWh will run a typical modern refrigerator for most of a day if you keep the door shut, and a small solar panel can top it up. For multi-day outages, a fuel generator or a larger battery is more practical.
Do I need an electrician?
Not for plug-in power stations or a portable generator run with extension cords outdoors. You do need a licensed electrician for anything wired into your home: a transfer switch, a generator inlet, a standby generator or a whole-home battery.
Will a home battery work during a grid outage?
Only if it is installed with backup capability (an automatic transfer or islanding device). Some grid-tied solar systems shut off in an outage unless a battery and the right equipment are installed.