A little preparation.
A more power-ready home.
Make sense of backup power. Explore generators, battery backup, and the questions that help you plan your next step.
Good questions.
Clearer answers.
Wherever you are in the process, start with the topic that matters most to your home.
Backup Power
Compare options and plan your outage priorities.
Explore topicHome Generators
Explore sizing, fuel, costs and installation.
Explore topicBattery Backup
Plan battery capacity, costs and backup needs.
Explore topicElectrical Upgrades
Understand panels, service capacity and readiness.
Explore topicEV Charging
Plan charging, installation and electrical capacity.
Explore topicTransfer Switches
Understand safe connections and transfer options.
Explore topicProject Planning
Prepare for site visits and compare complete quotes.
Explore topicCalculators & Tools
Estimate generator loads and organize your next steps.
Explore topicYour home.
Your priorities.
Your power plan.
A more confident decision starts with a little understanding.
A clearer way to
think about power.
- 1
Start with your priorities
Think about the questions you want your backup power plan to answer.
- 2
Get to know your options
Explore generator and battery topics, with room to compare what matters to you.
- 3
Prepare for the next conversation
Bring a clearer set of questions to a qualified professional.
Help homeowners make informed decisions.
Home power can come with a lot of questions. Home Power Helper makes the options easier to understand with practical guides to backup power, electrical upgrades, and home EV charging.
More about usLess guesswork.
More confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a generator or home battery backup?
Start with what you need to power and how long outages usually last. A generator can support longer outages while fuel is available, but needs maintenance and suitable outdoor placement. Batteries provide quiet backup with a limited amount of stored energy; their runtime depends on your loads and opportunities to recharge.
Does whole-house backup mean I can run everything at once?
Not necessarily. The equipment rating, starting demands of large appliances, and any load-management controls determine what can run together. Decide whether you need essential circuits or broader coverage before choosing a system.
How do I work out what size generator I need?
List the appliances and circuits you want to back up, then account for running power and motor-starting demands. Our generator size calculator can help organize an initial estimate. A qualified installer should confirm the loads, equipment requirements, and installation design before you buy.
Can I use home battery backup without solar panels?
Yes. Some home battery systems can charge from the grid and supply selected loads during an outage. Without an available charging source during the outage, backup lasts only until the usable stored energy is depleted. Confirm that the system supports outage backup and has the required transfer equipment.
Will installing an EV charger require a panel upgrade?
Not always. An electrician needs to assess the existing service, panel, household loads, and proposed charging demand. A suitable charging rate or approved load-management system may make an upgrade unnecessary, while other homes need additional capacity or panel work.
What should I prepare before talking to an installer?
Write down your backup or charging goals, priority appliances, typical outage duration, and any future electrical projects. Gather existing equipment details and accessible photos without opening electrical equipment. Ask for an itemized scope covering equipment, permits, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.