In-depth guides, comparisons and how-tos for power stations, solar and backup power.
How many watts does a microwave use? More than the box says. The “1,000W” on the front is cooking (output) power. The magnetron and electronics are only about 60–70% efficient, so a 1,000W microwave typically draws about 1,400–1,700W from the outlet. That’s the number that matters for inverters and batteries. Electrical work can be dangerous: […]
Generac vs Powerwall 3 often comes up for homeowners who already know Generac for standby generators. Generac’s current home battery is PWRcell 2, a modular AC-coupled system. Tesla’s Powerwall 3 is an all-in-one battery with a built-in solar inverter. Here’s how they compare on the makers’ published specs. Generac vs Powerwall 3: Specs Spec Generac […]
How many watts does a refrigerator use? A modern full-size fridge typically draws about 100–250W while the compressor runs, with a startup surge several times higher. It cycles on and off, so its daily energy is usually around 1–2 kWh. Those are the numbers you need for backup power. Electrical work can be dangerous: follow […]
Victron ESS explained simply: ESS (Energy Storage System) is a mode on Victron’s MultiPlus-II and Quattro inverter-chargers that turns a battery bank into grid-tied home storage. A GX device (like the Cerbo GX) and a grid meter tell the inverter how much to charge or discharge so your home uses its own solar first and […]
The Anker SOLIX X1 is Anker’s modular home battery system. It’s built from a power module plus stackable 5 kWh battery modules, and several systems can run in parallel. This review uses Anker’s US product page and published datasheets. We haven’t tested one ourselves, and specs differ by region, so check the US model your […]
How many watts does an air conditioner use? It depends on size and type. A small window unit can run on around 500W, while a 3-ton central AC can pull 3,000W or more. The startup surge matters as much as the running watts when you’re sizing backup power. Electrical work can be dangerous: follow the […]
Amps vs volts comes down to how the two work together: current (amps) flowing through the body causes the harm, while voltage decides how much current can push through your skin. OSHA’s electrical safety guidance puts the danger in milliamps, not amps, which is why both numbers deserve respect around batteries, solar arrays and household […]
The EG4 18kPV is a 48V split-phase hybrid inverter that’s become a favorite for DIY-minded homeowners building whole-home solar storage. It pairs with 48V server-rack or wall-mount LFP batteries such as EG4’s WallMount Indoor 280Ah. This review uses EG4’s spec sheet and manual. We haven’t tested one ourselves. Electrical work can be dangerous: follow the […]
The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra sits between a portable power station and a permanent home battery. It’s a stackable inverter and battery system on wheels that can back up a whole home through EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 2. This review uses EcoFlow’s published specs. We haven’t tested one ourselves. Electrical work can be dangerous: follow […]
What is a kilowatt-hour? It’s the unit your utility bills you in, and the unit home batteries are rated in. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts used for one hour, or 100 watts for 10 hours. Once you understand it, you can estimate what any appliance costs and how big a battery or solar system […]
