Quick answer
Start by choosing the backup scope: essentials only, partial-home backup, or whole-home backup. Then compare kWh capacity, kW output, backed-up circuits, and recharge plan.
Backup scope choices
| Scope | Good fit | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Essential loads | Most homes seeking practical outage resilience. | Requires choosing circuits carefully. |
| Partial home | Homes that want some large loads plus essentials. | May need load shedding or multiple batteries. |
| Whole home | High-budget projects with clear outage goals. | HVAC and heating loads can overwhelm runtime. |
Home battery products to compare
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Enphase solar homes, Staged battery expansion, Essential-load backup
- Usable energy
- 5.0kWh
- Continuous output
- 3.84kVA
- Range
- Installed quote varies by battery count, controls, labor, and incentives
Model total kWh and backup circuits explicitly
Request partner quote Manufacturer specs
Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla solar customers, Whole-home backup goals, High-power essential loads
- Usable energy
- 13.5kWh
- On-grid power
- 11.5kW
- Range
- Installed quote varies by system design, location, incentives, and installer
Compare installed quote vs payback assumptions
Request partner quote Manufacturer specs Bluetti EP900 Home Battery
Whole-home backup planning, Solar + storage retrofits
MOQ 1 · 22d partner response
- Capacity
- 9.2kWh class
- Output
- 9kW class
- Range
- $7,500-$9,500
Confirm panel capacity and transfer switch
Request partner quote Manufacturer specsFAQ
Can one home battery back up the whole house?
Sometimes for short periods, but HVAC, electric heat, water heating, and large appliances can drain capacity quickly.
What is essential-load backup?
Essential-load backup usually covers selected circuits such as refrigerator, WiFi, lights, outlets, garage door, sump pump, or medical equipment.
Should I size by kWh or kW?
Use kWh for runtime and kW for how many loads can run at once. Both matter.