Cold weather power station check
Winter outages are when you need the unit most. Many lithium units will not charge below freezing, and all lose usable capacity in the cold. Pick a model, where it sits and the lowest temperature you expect.
How this is worked out
- Limits (can it run, can it charge) are the maker's published operating and charging temperatures, with source and checked date. Models without published figures show "no data".
- Capacity percentage is a planning assumption by chemistry (LFP loses less than NMC), not a maker figure: makers publish limits, not curves. Treat it as a rough guide and leave margin.
- Usable energy = rated Wh × 85% inverter and battery efficiency (as in the main calculator) × the cold percentage.
- Only models verified against the maker's page are listed. Never run or charge a unit outside the range in its manual. Keep fuel generators outdoors, away from windows, and never run them in a garage.
Related: medical device runtime · backup power calculator. We list no prices and have not hands-on tested any product.