Guide · Households
Backup power for power cuts
You can prepare for power cuts with a portable power station or a whole-home battery. The choice depends on which appliances you want to keep running and for how long.
4 min read · updated 2026-10-28
At a glance
What you need to know
- A portable power station (230 V) keeps your fridge, lights, internet, and phones running
- Capacity (Wh) determines how long appliances run; power output (W) determines which appliances can be used
- With a solar panel, a portable power station also recharges at the cabin and on trips
- For whole-home backup power, a home battery with a backup power unit is required
How large a portable power station do I need?
Add up the power draw of your appliances and estimate the required runtime. A fridge, lighting, router and phone charging can easily run on a 2–3 kWh portable power station for several hours. Larger loads, such as a coffee maker or power tools, require higher peak output.
You can expand capacity later with an expansion battery. For example, add-on batteries are available for the ABOK Ark 2800 and Ark 7200 models.
Portable power station for cabin and camping
At an off-grid cabin, a portable power station and a foldable solar panel create a silent, zero-emission power system. Lighter models are ideal for camping and motorhomes.
When is a home battery a better solution?
If you want your entire home to stay powered automatically during a power cut, a home battery with a backup power unit is the right choice. It also delivers savings and Grid Rewards revenue even when the grid is working normally.
Calculate your benefits
How much could a home battery earn you?
The savings calculator estimates your electricity savings and Grid Rewards earnings with your electricity supplier. Request a quote for pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this guide's topic
Can a portable power station run a fridge?
Yes. A portable power station equipped with a 230 V socket will keep a fridge running, provided its output power is sufficient for the fridge's starting current.
Can a portable power station be charged with a solar panel?
Yes. ABOK portable power stations can be charged with a foldable solar panel, mains power, or from a car socket.
Sources and updates
Content reviewed 2026-10-28. Example calculations are indicative: tariffs, reserve market prices and technical suitability are always checked for each site.