Three affordable ways to keep your house running during a power outage

When Hurricane Fiona tore through Nova Scotia in 2022, the wind howled, the trees cracked and the lights went out. For three days, my wife and I cooked on a camp stove and rationed phone use so we could stay in touch with family and check the news. The moment power returned, I knew I needed a better solution for the next outage. Most of my neighbors use enormous gas-powered generators, which work, but I wanted something greener and quieter. Rooftop solar panels seemed like an obvious step, but the tall maple trees surrounding my home block too much sunlight, and whole-house backups such as a Tesla Powerwall cost thousands. Fortunately, there are plenty of more affordable options. In the end, I invested in three different products that will keep my home running for everything from a few hours to a few weeks, with both a small carbon footprint and small cost. We’re going to need a bigger battery A portable battery pack can top up a phone a few times, but most people need electricity for much more than that. Unless I’m satisfied with crackers and dip for the foreseeable future, I need a way to cook. Small appliances such as an Instant Pot, electric kettle and induction burner make efficient use of limited power but still draw up to 1,800 watts, which is way more than a small battery can supply. With output up to 2,200 watts, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is more than up for cooking, phone charging and even occasionally running a space heater. At just more than 10in wide, it’s relatively compact compared with older models and easy to deploy wherever you need it. Ours sits in a corner, charged and ready. Aside from emergencies, I find it handy to use in the corner of the yard instead of an extension cable to run tools. Its capacity of 2,042 watt-hours is plenty for a solid day of moderate use, but beyond that it starts to run low. So I ordered the bundle with two 100W solar panels. $699 at Lowes $799 at Jackery In seconds, I can unfold the panels, angle them toward the sun using an embedded guide and start charging. Since I live in the north, I’ve never achieved the 200W the panels are rated for: the highest I’ve seen is 165W, with an average of about 90W. Realistically, the best I can hope for is adding about 25% to the battery in a day, which is why I need another layer of power. The generator you already own In a perfect world, I’d stockpile enough battery power and solar panels to last through a multiday outage. But it’s impossible to predict how many batteries would be sufficient, and “just in case” capacity can cost multiple thousands of dollars. Fortunately, I have a massive amount of energy sitting in my driveway: my Toyota Prius C. With the Twing 1000W car inverter, the car can act as a power source, charging a MacBook, iPad, iPhone and Pixel at the same time, or even refill smaller battery packs. $59.84 at LenonLures $74.99 at Amazon I turn on the car, connect the inverter, and have power that lasts long after the sun goes down. It’s important to connect the inverter directly to the car battery, rather than the standard accessory jack inside, which supplies just a tiny fraction of the power. A backup for the backup While three-day blackouts are rare, the odds of a repeat increase as electrical demand outpaces infrastructure. Add in frequent superstorms due to the climate crisis, and the need for long-term power is clear. That’s why a whole-house battery or an EV that can double as a power station is still on my shopping list. In the meantime, I added a small inverter generator. The Maxpeedingrods 2300W is light enough to heft with one hand and about the same size as the Jackery. Inverter generators cost a bit more, but they’re quieter and more efficient than standard models. It starts easily, runs reliably and requires minimal maintenance. $499.99 at Amazon $523 at Maxpeedingrods Exhaust and noise are both low for a gas-powered motor but still noticeable, so I set it up well away from the house and neighbors and treat it as my energy source of last resort. I prefer the clean, quiet power of the Jackery, but when there’s insufficient sunlight to recharge with solar, I can charge it from the generator and even use the battery alongside the generator to run more appliances at once. Peace of mind and power to share When a storm hits, I can avoid the long lines at the gas station since my hybrid car, efficient generator and solar-charged power station keep fuel demands to a minimum. The portability of this setup, which easily fits in the trunk of a car, also means I can lend it to friends and family when other areas are affected. After Hurricane Fiona, some people in rural areas of my province went without electricity for over two weeks, long after it was restored in my town. Having backup power options in place also allows me to focus on other storm prep, such as securing loose items against strong winds, clearing gutters to prevent flooding, and ensuring windows and doors are well sealed to keep out the chill. For general preparedness, I pay attention to practical advice on how to survive a power outage, such as keeping a radio, cash and basic supplies on hand. And it’s always a good idea to keep some pocketable battery packs and LED headlamps nearby. They’re handy when traveling or camping and double as emergency gear to help you find your way and stay connected. Alan Truly is a consumer journalist who enjoys sharing insights and recommendations on fitness, outdoor gear, kitchen tools, life hacks and more. Based in Nova Scotia and raised in the American south-west, he has faced the extremes of hiking blistering Arizona trails and navigating an icy Canadian forest in the winter. Since 2020, Alan has been covering a range of interesting topics and essential products.