Buying guide
How to choose a backup power solution for load shedding
Load shedding turns backup power into a genuine need-to-know decision. Here's how to think about it, without assuming you already know the jargon.
The problem
Load shedding turns "will the lights stay on" into a real planning question, not a hypothetical. The backup power category is also one of the most confusing to shop in — capacity ratings, inverter types, and installation requirements are rarely explained in plain language. This guide exists to make that decision less anxious, not to sell you the biggest system you can afford.
Key considerations
What are you actually trying to keep running? A small portable power station can keep a router, some lights, and a laptop charged through a few hours of load shedding. Keeping a fridge or home theatre running through a longer outage needs a larger-capacity system. Start from what you need powered, not from the biggest number on the shelf.
Installation matters as much as capacity. Some backup power products are genuinely plug-and-play. Others need a qualified electrician to wire into your home's circuits — factor that cost and lead time into your decision before you buy, not after.
Subscription and app dependency. Some smart backup power systems tie monitoring or scheduling to a companion app or subscription. If working reliably without an internet connection matters to you (which, during an outage, it often does), check this before buying.
Warranty is a real signal of confidence. Backup power products take real strain — check the warranty term on each product page rather than assuming it's standard across the category.
Recommended products
Products for this guide are still being curated — check back soon.
Which is right for you
A comparison table will appear here once at least two products are curated for this guide.
FAQs
Do I need an electrician to install a backup power system?
It depends on the product. Small portable power stations are plug-and-play with no installation. Anything wired into your home's circuits (inverters, transfer switches) needs a qualified electrician. Check each product's installation difficulty in its specifications before buying.
How long will a backup power solution actually last during an outage?
Runtime depends entirely on the capacity you buy and what you're running on it — we don't publish a single number here because it varies by product and by household. Check each product's own specifications for its rated capacity, and size your purchase against what you actually plan to keep running.
Is backup power the same as solar power?
No. Backup power (batteries, inverters, portable power stations) stores energy for use during an outage. Solar panels generate new energy from sunlight. Some products combine both (hybrid systems); check the power source field on each product page to see which applies.