# HomeBackupCost

> Independent, source-linked guide to sizing and pricing home backup power (portable power stations, whole-home batteries, generators) in the US, plus rebate status by state. All data as of 2026-10-25; estimates are labeled.

Key facts:
- Home page Quick Check: ZIP + 3 questions gives a ballpark kWh, the cheapest portable setup, installed and generator options, and state rebates.
- Federal 25D (battery) and 25C (heat pump) tax credits do not apply to work completed/placed in service after 12/31/2025 (IRS OBBB FAQ).
- Typical installed whole-home battery (~13.5 kWh): ~$15,647; ~$1,130–$1,159/kWh (EnergySage).
- Calculator method: kWh needed = Σ(typical running W × qty × hours/day) × days / 1000 / 0.85 (0.85 usable-capacity factor is an assumption). Peak W = Σ max running W + largest single starting surge.

## Pages
- [Backup power calculator](https://homebackupcost.com/calculator/): kWh, peak watts, matching batteries, cost, rebates by state
- [Portable power stations compared](https://homebackupcost.com/portable-power-stations/): specs and dated prices
- [Whole-home battery cost](https://homebackupcost.com/whole-home-battery-cost/)
- [What size battery or generator do I need](https://homebackupcost.com/what-size-battery-generator/)
- [Rebates by state (HOMES/HEAR status)](https://homebackupcost.com/rebates/) — CSV: https://homebackupcost.com/rebates/homes-hear-status.csv
- [Solar backup](https://homebackupcost.com/solar-backup/): official portable panels per station, recharge times (assumption: 4 peak sun hours, 0.75 derate), rooftop solar + battery cost (EnergySage H1 2026: $2.57/W, $1,130/kWh)
- [Get quotes](https://homebackupcost.com/quotes/): installer quote request (preview, not live)
- [Federal tax credits ended 12/31/2025](https://homebackupcost.com/federal-tax-credits-ended/)
- [Standby generator installation cost](https://homebackupcost.com/standby-generator-installation-cost/): $8,000–$16,000 installed (Generac, as of 2026-10-26)
- [Powerwall installation cost / is my quote fair](https://homebackupcost.com/powerwall-installation-cost/)
- [Questions to ask a battery or generator installer](https://homebackupcost.com/questions-to-ask-backup-power-installer/)
- [Installer red flags](https://homebackupcost.com/backup-power-installer-red-flags/)
- [How to compare backup power quotes](https://homebackupcost.com/how-to-compare-backup-power-quotes/)
- [Transfer switch vs interlock kit vs inlet box; backfeeding is not permitted (NEC 702.5, CPSC)](https://homebackupcost.com/transfer-switch-vs-interlock-kit/)
- [Winter storm power outage: keeping the heat on for 3 days (furnace blower watts, sump pump, space heaters, CO safety per CDC/Ready.gov)](https://homebackupcost.com/winter-storm-power-outage-heat/)
- [Calculator scenario mode: will my backup last X days? (winter storm, hurricane, wildfire PSPS, heat wave)](https://homebackupcost.com/calculator/?scenario=winter)
- [Power station vs generator cost calculator: upfront + fuel gallons/day x days x local gas or propane price (EIA), noise and CO tradeoffs](https://homebackupcost.com/power-station-vs-generator-cost/)
- [Generator safety: 20-foot rule (Ready.gov, CDC), carbon monoxide, CPSC CO-shutoff standards, refueling, no backfeeding](https://homebackupcost.com/generator-safety/)
- [CPAP and medical devices in a power outage: sourced CPAP wattages (ResMed, Champion), battery runtime math, FDA planning; always use your device label](https://homebackupcost.com/cpap-medical-device-power-outage/)
- [Wildfire Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): notice timing, restoration goals, 2-day backup sizing, California rebates](https://homebackupcost.com/wildfire-psps-power-shutoff/)
- [Hurricane power outage: planning backup power for a week without power (Ready.gov, Honda, Generac specs)](https://homebackupcost.com/hurricane-power-outage-week/)
- [72-hour power outage plan: 3-day backup power checklist (Ready.gov, FDA, UK 3-day guidance)](https://homebackupcost.com/72-hour-power-outage-plan/)
- [How to build your own home power plant: 30-day and 90+ day outage setups with sourced costs, fuel storage limits, transfer switches, load shedding](https://homebackupcost.com/build-your-own-home-power-plant/)
- [Methodology and sources](https://homebackupcost.com/about/)
- [Sources, methodology and editorial policy](https://homebackupcost.com/methodology/)
- [About: run by Paul Graves, Dublin, Ohio; independent](https://homebackupcost.com/about/)
- [Contact and corrections](https://homebackupcost.com/contact/)
- [Affiliate disclosure](https://homebackupcost.com/affiliate-disclosure/)

## Optional
- [Sitemap](https://homebackupcost.com/sitemap.xml)