Start with what you need to run and for how long. Everything else follows from that. This guide covers the eight specs that matter, with real models from our model table. Prices are as of November 8, 2026. Many are sale prices, and several models are pre-orders or ship later, so check the maker's page before you buy.
Capacity: how long it runs
Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). A watt-hour is one watt of power used for one hour. A 1,000 Wh unit can run a 100 W load for about 10 hours, before losses. Our sizing guide shows how to work out your number. Here are common size bands.
| Band | Model | Capacity | Output | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About 1,000 Wh | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 | 1,024 Wh | 2,000 W | $549.99 |
| About 1,000 Wh | BLUETTI AC180 | 1,152 Wh | 1,800 W | $499 |
| About 2,000 Wh | BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 | 2,073.6 Wh | 2,600 W | $899 |
| About 2,000 Wh | EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 2,048 Wh | 2,400 W | $1,029 |
| About 3,000 Wh | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra | 3,072 Wh | 3,600 W | $1,299 |
| About 3,000 Wh | Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh | 3,600 W | $1,499 |
| 5,000 Wh and up | Anker SOLIX S5000 | 5,024 Wh | 4,500 W | $2,499.99 |
| 5,000 Wh and up | Oukitel BP5000 Pro Max | 5,120 Wh | 5,000 W | $1,899 |
Output and surge: what it can start
Output is the most power the unit can supply at once. Add up the watts of everything you plan to run together, and stay under that number. Surge output is a short burst for motors and compressors that draw more when they start. The Anker SOLIX F3000 lists 3,600 W output and 7,200 W surge. The Oukitel BP5000 Pro Max lists 5,000 W and 10,000 W. Some models, such as the BLUETTI Apex 200, do not state a surge figure.
Expansion: room to grow
An expandable unit accepts extra batteries. This lets you start small and add capacity later. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 starts at 1,024 Wh and expands to 5,000 Wh. The Jackery HomePower 1000 Plus v2 expands to 11,000 Wh. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro goes to 25,000 Wh, and the Anker SOLIX S5000 to 30,000 Wh. Extra batteries cost more, and a maker's expansion pack can be sold out or discontinued, as the Jackery page says of the Explorer 1000 Plus pack. Compare options on the expandable list.
120V vs 240V
Most units here give 120V only. Homes in North America are wired with split-phase power, 120V and 240V. Large appliances such as a well pump or an electric dryer often use 240V. If you need that, look for a model that lists both. Among our published models, that includes the BLUETTI Apex 200 at $1,099, the BLUETTI Apex 300, the Anker SOLIX S5000, the Oukitel P5000 Plus and the Pecron F5000LFP. Our panel guide covers how these connect to a house.
Solar input
Solar input is the most power the unit accepts from panels. A higher number recharges faster in good sun. The Pecron F5000LFP lists 5,800 W. The Anker SOLIX S5000 and BLUETTI Apex 200 list 3,000 W. Many 1,000 Wh models list 500 W to 600 W. See the solar list.
UPS mode
Some units switch to battery quickly when the grid drops. The listed times run from 0 ms on the Pecron F5000LFP to 20 ms on the Anker SOLIX C1000X. Details are in our UPS guide.
Warranty
Read the term and its conditions. BLUETTI and Anker SOLIX list 5 years as standard. EcoFlow lists 3 years, and its 5 year headline needs registration in the EcoFlow app. ALLPOWERS lists 2 years, and 5 years needs free registration. Oukitel lists 1 year, and 2 extra years need a subscription. Jackery lists 5 years, made of 3 standard plus 2 included for jackery.com purchases.
A short checklist
- List the devices you must keep running and add up their watts.
- Pick a capacity band, then check output and surge.
- Decide if you need 240V or expansion.
- Match solar input to the panels you own or plan to buy.
- Read the warranty conditions.
Then compare ranked options: home backup, under $1,000, under $2,000, expandable, solar, UPS and fast charging.
