Power & Utilities

Backup Power Systems

Learn how generators, solar arrays, and battery banks work together so critical loads stay on during an outage.

Ray Okonkwo, Off-Grid Systems Engineer 35 min 4 lessons

Intermediate

0% complete

Video / Training Content

Lesson 1 of 4

Calculating Your Critical Loads

10 min · Watts, watt-hours, and the runtime math that matters.

List only what must run: refrigerator (~1.5 kWh/day), CPAP (~0.5 kWh/night), phones, lights, a fan or space heater.

Multiply each device's watts by hours per day to get watt-hours. Add 20% headroom for inverter losses.

Starting surge matters: a fridge compressor may draw 3x its running watts for a second.

Put it into practice

Champion 5000W Tri-Fuel Generator

Portable tri-fuel backup power for household essentials.

$700

Westinghouse WGen9500DFc

Dual-fuel portable home backup with remote electric start.

$1,399

Generac Guardian 22kW Standby System

Automatic standby power with a 200-amp whole-house switch.

$6,979

Watch & Learn

Hand-picked videos from trusted public safety organizations that support this course.

Carbon Monoxide & Generator Safety

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Be Prepared for Power Outages

Source: FEMA

Knowledge Check

Score 80% or higher to pass and earn your certificate. Finish every lesson first for the best result.

1. How far from the house should a fuel generator run?

2. What unit measures the energy a battery station can deliver?

3. How often should a standby generator be exercised?

4. What is the safe way to power house circuits from a generator?