Questions answered: Home batteries & backup

Should I get a power station or a gas generator for outages?

Q: Should I get a power station or a gas generator for outages?

A power station has no engine, so it makes no exhaust and can sit next to the fridge, but it stops when its battery is empty unless you recharge it, for example from solar panels. A gas generator runs as long as you keep fueling it, but it must stay outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages, because its exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which the CPSC warns can kill in minutes indoors.

Updated October 25, 2026. Every answer lists the sources we read it from. If we couldn't back an answer, we left the question out.

Home wiring is a job for a licensed electrician. New circuits, outlets, transfer switches and battery connections must meet the National Electrical Code and your local rules, and many need a permit and inspection.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says most generator incidents reported to it involve carbon monoxide from generators used indoors or in partly enclosed spaces, and to never run one in a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, even with fans or open doors and windows. Ready.gov and the CPSC both say to install battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms.

Whichever you pick, power appliances by plugging them into the unit with suitable cords, never by connecting it to a wall outlet (next question).

Run your own numbers: Best portable power stations

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Best portable power stationsEvery size, with real run times.

Estimates only. Your actual costs depend on your utility's rate plan, how and when you charge or use power, and local prices. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.

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