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Power stations and solar

A power station is a big battery with outlets: silent, fume-free and safe indoors, for running a fridge, lights or a CPAP through short outages.

Used for: Backup power for your home

Our picks

Compare side by side

Power stations compared. Best in each row is shaded, bold and ticked
Specification Best overall EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station CA$799–CA$1,099 Best lightweight Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station CA$649–CA$1,099 Best whole-home EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Power Station CA$2,999–CA$4,499 Best for big loads Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station CA$3,299–CA$4,999
Price CA$799–CA$1,099 CA$649–CA$1,099 CA$2,999–CA$4,499 CA$3,299–CA$4,999
Our score Our score: 8.2 out of 10 Our score: 7.9 out of 10 Our score: 8.4 out of 10(best in this row) Our score: 8.3 out of 10
Battery capacity 1,024 Wh 1,070 Wh 4,096 Wh(best in this row) 3,840 Wh
AC output (continuous) 1,800 W 1,500 W 4,000 W 6,000 W(best in this row)
Expandable to not listed not listed 48 kWh 53.8 kWh(best in this row)
240 V output No No Yes Yes
Cell chemistry LiFePO4 (LFP) LiFePO4 (LFP) LiFePO4 (LFP) LiFePO4 (LFP)
Solar input (max) 1,000 W not listed 2,600 W 3,200 W(best in this row)
UPS switchover 10 ms 10 ms 10 ms not listed
Weight 27.6 lb 23.8 lb 113.5 lb 136.7 lb
Where to buy
Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)

Before you buy

  • Size in watt-hours Multiply each device’s watts by the hours you need, add them up, and leave a margin: inverters lose some energy.
  • Check surge and outlets Motors need surge well above running watts; 240 V matters only for a well pump or panel kit.
  • Plan how to recharge Solar panels or a generator refill it; check the solar input watts and whether it charges in the cold.

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Guides

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Power station questions

Can I use a power station indoors?

Yes. The Government of Canada says battery- and solar-powered generators make no carbon monoxide and can be used anywhere, unlike fuel generators. Keep it off wet floors, give it air around the vents and follow the maker’s charging temperatures.

Can a power station feed my electrical panel?

Only through a transfer switch or panel kit fitted by a licensed electrician: a battery that feeds the house wiring is a permanent backup system, like a generator, and in most places it needs a permit or a notice to your utility (rules by province and state). Plugging appliances straight into the station needs none of that.

Power station or generator?

A station suits short outages, apartments, CPAP machines and quiet nights; a fuel generator carries far more energy for multi-day outages. Many households keep a small station for the house and a generator outside. Our power station vs generator guide goes through the trade-offs.