How to calculate what you need

Before looking at brands and models, you need two things: which appliances you want to keep on and how many hours of autonomy you need. With those two numbers, the calculation is straightforward.

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The formula

Add up the watts (W) of all appliances you want to keep on. Multiply by the hours of autonomy you want. That's the minimum Wh you need. Add a 20% safety margin.

Example: router (12W) + 2 cameras (20W) + laptop (55W) + LED lights (30W) = 117W. For 8 hours: 117 × 8 = 936 Wh. With 20% margin: you need at least 1,120 Wh.

Real consumption by appliance

ApplianceReal consumption300 Wh500 Wh1,000 Wh2,000 Wh
WiFi router10–15W20–30h33–50h66–100h133–200h
IP camera5–15W20–60h33–100h66–200h—
Laptop45–65W4–6h7–11h15–22h30–44h
43" LED TV80–120W2–3h4–6h8–12h16–25h
LED lights ×525–40W7–12h12–20h25–40h—
Fridge A++80–150W2–3h3–6h6–12h13–25h
Microwave 800W800–1,000W18–22 min30–37 min1h2h

W vs Wh: the most common confusion

A simple analogy: imagine a water tap. Watts (W) are how fast the water flows (instantaneous power). Watt-hours (Wh) are the total tank capacity (stored energy).

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Practical example

A 1,000 Wh battery can deliver 1,000W for 1 hour. Or 500W for 2 hours. Or 100W for 10 hours. Maximum output power (W) is different from total capacity (Wh).

Solutions by what you need to keep on

Essential

Router + cameras + phone

€50–300

  • UPS (€50–150) for instant switchover
  • Or 300–500 Wh station for more autonomy
  • Router active 24–50h
  • Phone and tablet charging
⭐ RecommendedComfort

+ Laptop + TV + Lights

€400–800

  • Work from home during the cut
  • TV on 4–8h
  • LED lights all night
  • Fridge active 3–5h
Full autonomy

+ Fridge + Full home

€900–2,000

  • Fridge active 8–15h
  • Home running normally
  • Solar chargeable
  • Ideal for frequent cut areas

Brand comparison

BrandTop modelCapacityTechnologyCharge speedApprox. price
EcoFlowDELTA 21,024 WhLFP80% in 50 min~€700
BLUETTIAC1801,152 WhLFP80% in 45 min~€800
JackeryExplorer 1000 Pro1,002 WhNMC80% in 1h~€650
Anker SOLIXC10001,056 WhLFP80% in 58 min~€600

🛒 Recommended products

EcoFlow DELTA 2
🛒 View on Amazon →
APC Back-UPS 700
🛒 View on Amazon →
BLUETTI AC180
🛒 View on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as the battery has at least 1,000W continuous output and can handle the compressor startup surge (can be 2,000–3,000W for 1–2 seconds). Check the battery's peak power spec before connecting a fridge.
A UPS has instant switchover (0–4ms) — equipment never actually shuts off. A power station may have a small delay. For sensitive equipment (routers, computers), the UPS is better. For extended autonomy and more devices, the power station wins.
LiFePO4 batteries (EcoFlow DELTA 2, BLUETTI) are rated for 3,000–3,500 cycles to 80% capacity. Charging once a week, that's 57–67 years. In practice 15–20 years of real use is easily achievable.