Home Backup Power in Europe: Sizing a Portable Power Station (230V) and Balcony Solar Basics
The same installer-style sizing method we use for US homes, adapted for Europe.
Step 1: size it
Use the power station size calculator and the fridge runtime calculator. As a rough guide, about 1,000 Wh covers phones, Wi-Fi and lights for a day; keeping a fridge running for a full day as well usually takes about 2,000–3,000 Wh, depending on the fridge.
Step 2: local things to check
- The calculator works the same at 230 V: add up watts × hours from your appliance labels.
- Balcony solar (plug-in solar) is popular in Germany and nearby countries. Rules on inverter size and registration vary by country and change over time, so check your national rules before you install.
- Buy from the official EU store or an authorised retailer in your country so the warranty and returns are local.
Step 3: buy the local version
Official stores for Europe:
Model line-ups, prices and promotions differ by country, so we do not list prices here. Check the local store for current details. Some links on this site may become affiliate links; we will always disclose this.
Frequently asked questions
What size power station do I need in Europe?
List what you need to run, multiply each appliance’s watts by the hours you will use it, add them up, divide by about 0.85 for inverter losses and multiply by the days you want to cover. Our calculator does this for you. The power station also needs enough output (W) for everything that runs at once, plus the starting surge of the largest motor.
Can I use a US power station in Europe?
Most of continental Europe runs at 230 V / 50 Hz. Germany and the Netherlands use Type F (Schuko) sockets; France and Belgium use Type E. Buy the EU version of a power station, not a US 120 V model.
Are the calculators accurate outside the US?
Yes. The math (watts × hours) does not depend on voltage. The default appliance wattages are typical estimates, so replace them with the numbers on your own appliance labels.