What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need for UK Power Cuts?

When the power goes out unexpectedly, the last thing you want is to realise that your backup power setup isn’t ready. Yet many UK homeowners make the same simple mistakes when preparing for outages — mistakes that leave them in the dark when it matters most.

At VoltReady™, we’ve helped thousands of people build reliable emergency setups using portable power stations, solar panels and expansion batteries. In this guide, we break down the top five backup power mistakes UK homeowners make — and how to avoid them with confidence.

1. Underestimating how much power you actually need

The biggest mistake is choosing a power station that’s too small for real-world use. Many people only think about their phone charger or a lamp, but forget about:

• Wi-Fi router and modem (20–30 W)
• LED lighting in 1–2 rooms (30–60 W)
• Laptop for work (50–80 W)
• TV (70–120 W)
• Fridge/freezer (60–120 W once running)

Add these together and even a small household can easily draw 150–300 W during a blackout.

Fix: Use the VoltReady Backup Power Calculator to estimate your real load and choose a suitable battery size.

2. Forgetting about recharge time and solar input

A power station only lasts as long as the energy inside it — unless you can recharge it. Many UK homeowners overlook solar recharging entirely, leaving them vulnerable during longer outages.

Fix: Choose models that support fast AC input and solar charging. Mid-size favourites like the Bluetti AC180P portable power station offer rapid charging and excellent solar performance, giving you much more flexibility.

3. Skipping essential accessories

Even the best power station can be held back by missing cables or connectors. In a real power cut, you need everything ready to go — not buried in a drawer or incompatible.

Fix: Stock up on essentials from the Power Station Accessories UK collection, including extension leads, MC4 connectors, adaptors and DC cables.

4. Not testing the setup regularly

A surprising number of people buy a power station and never test it. Weeks or months later — usually on the night of a storm — they switch it on and find something isn’t connected properly.

Fix: Do a quick test every few months. Plug in your essentials, run the station for 10–20 minutes, and make sure everything behaves as expected.

5. Buying from unverified or overseas sellers

Backup power is something you depend on. Buying cheap imports or ordering from unverified sellers often leads to problems with warranty claims, shipping delays and reliability.

Fix: Buy from official UK retailers like VoltReady™ who provide full Bluetti manufacturer warranty, fast UK dispatch and trusted support.

Real examples from popular VoltReady picks

• Bluetti EB3A – Compact 268 Wh unit ideal for Wi-Fi, lights and phones during short cuts.
• Bluetti AC60P – Perfect mid-range option for laptops and longer outages. Great for home working.
• Bluetti AC180P – A 1,440 Wh powerhouse offering excellent runtime and fast solar charging — ideal for UK homes preparing for winter storms.

Should you add solar panels?

If you're preparing for multi-day outages, solar makes a huge difference. A folding panel from the Solar Panels UK collection lets you recharge your power station during daylight, even in cloudy weather.

Your next steps

1. List the devices you want powered during an outage.
2. Use the Backup Power Calculator to size your system.
3. Choose a reliable power station and any accessories you need.
4. Do a quick practice run so you're ready for the next storm.

Being prepared isn’t about overcomplicating things — it’s about clear decisions made ahead of time. When the next blackout hits, you’ll feel calm, confident and ready.

Stay powered when the lights go out

Explore our full range of portable power stations, solar panels and power station accessories to find the ideal setup for your home.

When the grid goes dark, VoltReady™ keeps you glowing.