When the power goes out there are a number of options to power your house. You can power the whole house or power individual gadget in your house. Keep in mind, backup power is often not cheap. * Solar + Battery System You can get these systems from solar installers, Duracell, Tesla, Enphase, SolarEdge are the most common. "Battery Energy Storage System" (or "BESS" for short), at their heart are [rechargeable batteries](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery "Rechargeable battery"), typically based on [lithium-ion](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery "Lithium-ion battery") or [lead-acid](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery "VRLA battery") controlled by computer with intelligent [software](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software "Software") to handle charging and discharging cycles.” This is “an integrated battery system that stores your solar energy for backup protection, so when the grid goes down your power stays on. Your system detects outages and automatically recharges with sunlight to keep your appliances running for days.” **Generators & Portable Batteries** Consumer Reports has a comprehensive guide on the different generator types. They do include portable batteries and calls them portable power stations : [https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/generators/buying-guide/](https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/generators/buying-guide/) * Portable batteries New York Times has an [article](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-power-stations/) about the best portable power stations If you’re going off the grid or prepping for an emergency, portable batteries can keep your electronic gear running for hours—or even days. They are about the size of a microwave. They are without the noise of a gas powered generator. There are output ports—like AC, USB-A, and two USB- ports. This allows you to charge a variety of gadgets ranging from laptops, phones and appliances. * Whole House Generators [Generac](https://www.generac.com/for-homeowners/home-backup-power) is a common type of generator and is installed with natural gas that powers the generator Forbes has an [article](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/best-whole-house-generators/) on the best whole home Backup generators According to [Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standby_generator) “A **standby generator** is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically.[\[1\]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standby_generator#cite_note-Hickey02-1) Within seconds of a utility [outage](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_outage "Power outage") an automatic [transfer switch](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_switch "Transfer switch") senses the power loss, commands the generator to start and then transfers the [electrical load](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_load "Electrical load") to the [generator](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_generator "Electric generator"). The standby generator begins supplying power to the [circuits](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_network "Electrical network").[\[2\]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standby_generator#cite_note-2) After utility power returns, the automatic transfer switch transfers the electrical load back to the utility and signals the standby generator to shut off. It then returns to standby mode where it awaits the next outage. To ensure a proper response to an outage, a standby generator runs weekly self-tests. Most units run on [diesel](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_fuel "Diesel fuel"), [natural gas](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas "Natural gas"), or [liquid propane gas](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane "Propane").[\[3\]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standby_generator#cite_note-3)” “Residential standby generators are increasingly common, providing backup electrical power to [HVAC](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVAC "HVAC") systems, security systems, and household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and [water heaters](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_heating "Water heating").“ * Portable Generators Here is an [article](https://bestreviews.com/home/generators/best-portable-generators) that describes portable generators and gives some recommendations. Here is another [article](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/amp/) on recommendations. Here is a popular mechanic’s [article](https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/g36741514/top-home-generators/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_pop_m_bm_comm_lft_us_g36741514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8NC9q-CN-gIV6BlMCh2B1QNvEAAYASAAEgK5pfD_BwE). Most run on gasoline or propane and someone can hook into gas lines. You will need a professional for the hookup. Used for extra power or during an emergency. They can run small appliances, lights, and other devices. They have different wattage ratings. Higher wattages can power larger appliances and for longer times.