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System planning hub

Solar and Whole-Home Battery Backup

Start with critical loads, outage duration, and recharge strategy. Portable batteries, expandable power stations, and installed home systems solve very different problems.

Tier 1

Portable essentials

1–2kWh station for fridge, Wi-Fi, lights, CPAP, and device charging.

Tier 2

Expandable backup

2–8kWh modular system with faster solar recovery and higher output.

Tier 3

Installed whole-home

Permanent battery, transfer equipment, and professional electrical design.

Critical-load planner
LoadWattsHours/dayWh/day
Refrigerator150 avg.8 cycle eq.1,200
Router1224288
Lights406240
CPAP408320
Total2,048Wh/day
Example plan

Two days of critical loads

4.1kWh

Add reserve and charging losses, then choose solar input that can replace daily consumption.

Daily solar recovery estimate
400W array1.2kWh
800W array2.4kWh
1,200W array3.6kWh
1,600W array4.8kWh

Illustrative only. Weather, panel angle, temperature, shading, and controller limits change output.

System safety

Installed transfer equipment requires qualified electrical work.

Never backfeed a home through an outlet. Follow product instructions and local electrical requirements.
Recommended platforms

Choose by system tier

Use separate tables for portable, expandable, and professionally installed solutions.

Portable tier
Best for 2kWh backup

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max

9.1SCORE
2,048Wh2,400WExpandable

Strong bridge between portable and modular backup.

Expandable tier
Best for RV & multi-day use

Jackery 2000 Plus

8.9SCORE
2,042Wh3,000WExpandable

High output with modular batteries for longer runtime.

Installed tier
Best for whole-home loads

Home battery system

PlanningSCORE
Professional designTransfer equipmentPermits

Use a planning lead form, not a one-click retail button.

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