Portable Power Backup Systems for Blackouts and Other Emergencies

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A Solution Fit for Seniors

Portable Power Backup Systems provide options that allow you to select the power system that meets your backup needs.  These units are fit for seniors and caregivers. They can be carried with you or easily maneuvered within the home. Each unit comes with accessories that make it more functional, and each unit provides electricity. 

Sometimes the accessories are optional and sometimes not. For portable backup power systems, the accessories are usually solar panels or a trolley. Some have multiple charging methods. Charging can be done using the following

  • wall socket
  • your car
  • solar panels
  • a combination of wall and solar panels

These units are so powerful that they can power several large appliances or medical equipment within your home. They have been commonly used to power recreational vehicle or electric vehicles. As per technological advances, units have gotten conveniently smaller in size and weight with an average dimension of 14″H X12″W X 6.5″D.

Aerial shot of Interstate 10 in a blacked-out Houston, Texas on a warm summer night, following the derecho storms that struck the Gulf Coast on May 16, 2024.

Portable Power Backup Systems

These units can be expanded to include additional battery packs or daisy chained together providing the option to add more power.  A portable power backup system is one of the essential items you should have in your home to help power your medical equipment or your home in an outage.

It should especially standby alongside your “Bug-Out” bag in the event you must leave your home.  Just ensure it is always charged.  These systems can run multiple devices inside and outside of your home.   I have my favorite, which is the Pecron, but I’d advise you to do your homework also. 

Read as much as possible on these essentials and make the best choice for you. These units are safe and convenient and most or all of them will not use gasoline and can be charged using your AC wall outlet or solar panel(s).

Uninterruptible power supply source. Workspace on sofa with laptop, tablet, smartphone and portable power station

Portable Power Backup Unit Specifications

For each unit discussed in this article we have summarized the type of power created which will always be electricity, the source used to charge the unit which could be batteries, wall power, solar or any renewable energy. 

This article also summarizes, the number of ports each unit supplies, the BMS (Battery Management System) which is generally an internal system that allows you to manage your unit.  It summarizes the power source it uses to recharge, the charge time which varies according to what type of power source you are using to recharge your unit, to include the durability, noise and weight of the unit. 

We try to also note UPS capabilities but left out the milliseconds it takes to switch over in the event of a power outage.  Most of the units have a phone app to help manage the BMS system and some don’t.  There are accessories as we mentioned earlier, and they are required for some units to fully provide you with the functionality you need. 

Example: You will need a solar panel to recharge a solar Power backup system. There is only one unit below that uses gasoline to fuel itself. The rest are either wall outlets, car batteries, solar or a combination of both.

Four Charging Methods

Most units have LED.  Some have an onboard light that you can see in the dark or flash out an SOS.  There are several charging methods for all stations.  Lastly, we note whether the station is expandable, but we did not note to what extent and whether some units had a wireless charger for your cell phone. 

Units at a Glance

We have provided what you can assess for each unit at-a-glance without having to deep dive here.   But know that you must do your own homework and purchase what is best for you.  So, research, research.  We’ve done the baseline.  You will need to delve into which unit will support your needs in the event of an outage or emergency. Also note, we have discovered that this article does not show well on the mobile phone as the table below is elongated. We will continue working with the information below to see if we can get it in a better format for the cell phone. In the interim, pls read this article using your desktop or tablet.

(6) Six Portable Power Backup Solutions Fit for Seniors:

The Honda Portable Power Station

Try this one!
The EU2200i is a portable power station that operates at 48 to 57 dBA, which is less noise than a normal conversation. Stable, clean power in a smaller, lighter package. The precision of Honda’s inverter technology ensures this inverter generator produces power that is just as reliable as the power you get from your outlets at home.
The Jackery Portable Power Station

Try this one!
The Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station features 20ms seamless switching, keeping your essentials running through hurricanes, storms, and power outages. UL1778 test certified for Uninterruptible Power Systems, it guarantees reliable backup power, ensuring you’re fully prepared for emergencies with complete peace of mind.
The Pecron Portable Power Station


Try this one!
E2000LFP has 16 output ports that can run up to 15 devices at a time, including 4x2000W AC outlets, 1×30 AMP outlets, 6x USB ports up to PD 100W, 1x Cigar port, 2x DC ports, and 1x 15W wireless charger, compatible with virtually all essential devices.
The Bluetti Portable Power Station


Try this one!
Equipped with Turbo-Boost technology this device charges up to 80% in just 50 minutes with dual AC and DC charging, maximizing.  Low power consumption for extended performance. The upgraded app offers intuitive control and real-time power insights to ensure smooth operation and efficiency wherever you are.
The EcoFlow Portable Power Station


Try this one!
Solar generator. 1800W standalone portable power station. 7 X Faster Charging. 0-80% in just 50 mins and 0-100% in 80 mins with AC input. Power all your appliances with 1800W output, that’s on par with outdoor generators without the fumes or noise. With 15 outlets and its huge output, you can power 90% of your appliances.
The SolarPlay Portable UPS


Try this one!
Provides continuous power supply. Equipped to detect main power failure. Switches to 2400W Battery power supply. Ultra-Fast charging, emergency home backup

Portable Power Backup System vs. the Traditional Generator

A backup power system, such as a home battery or solar-powered unit, offers significant advantages for seniors during emergencies compared to a traditional bulky generator:

  1. Ease of Use: Backup power systems are often automatic and require minimal setup, eliminating the need for seniors to handle heavy equipment or complicated start-up procedures.
  2. Quiet and Low Maintenance: These systems operate quietly and don’t require frequent refueling or regular maintenance, unlike generators that can be noisy and require handling of gas or oil.
  3. Safety: Backup systems don’t emit dangerous carbon monoxide, reducing the risk of poisoning—a critical safety concern for seniors. They can be used indoors or outdoors.
  4. Reliability: Modern backup systems provide seamless, uninterrupted power during outages, ensuring essential devices like medical equipment, refrigerators, and communication tools remain operational.
  5. Compact Design: They are smaller and more compact than traditional generators, saving space and reducing physical effort during installation or use.
  6. Environmentally Friendly: Solar-powered or battery-based systems are cleaner and sustainable, aligning with eco-conscious lifestyles.
  7. Easily able to be carried:   If you must leave your shelter and shelter somewhere else, these units are portable and can be carried with you! 
  8. General Preparedness: They are perfect for use in your RV and if needed camping outside.  If you have to grab your “Bug Out Bag” in an emergency, remember to grab your portable backup unit as well alongside any of the essential items you have prepared in the event of an emergency!!

Conclusion

These features make backup power systems a more practical, safe, and convenient choice for seniors in emergencies because of their ability to power home appliances, cellphones and any major device that requires electricity.

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Blackout Reference Above- Derecho Storm 3/16/2024 Some Houston power outages could last weeks after storms | The Texas Tribune

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