How we research
The Self-Powered Home is a small, independent editorial team. We publish buying guides about home battery backups, solar generators and backup power for people in the United States who want a clear answer before they spend real money. Every guide is written to help you choose, not to fill a page.
What we do (and don't do)
- We research, we don't lab-test. We don't run hands-on product tests. Instead, we compare manufacturer specifications and manuals, independent certifications and standards, published test data from independent organizations, and patterns in owner reports (recurring problems, warranty claims, returns).
- We show our math. Where it matters we calculate things ourselves (cost per unit, runtime, capacity, sizing) and show the formula, so you can check it.
- We name the downsides. Every pick has a "watch-out" and every guide says who should skip it or call a pro.
- No free products, no paid placements. Brands can't pay to be included or to change a ranking.
Sources we rely on
- Manufacturer spec sheets and manuals (EcoFlow, Anker SOLIX, Jackery, Bluetti and others)
- U.S. Department of Energy and NREL
- Ready.gov and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (generator and CO safety)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (household energy use)
Each guide lists the specific sources used at the bottom of the page.
How we use AI tools
We use AI tools to help gather information and draft text. Nothing is published straight from a tool: every product, number and claim is checked against the sources listed on the page, and products are confirmed to be real and currently sold before they appear in a guide. Header and lifestyle images on this site are AI-generated illustrations, not product photos.
Updates and corrections
Each guide shows the date it was first published and, if it changed, the date of the last real update (new models, price changes, corrected facts). We don't change dates to make a page look fresh. If a fact turns out to be wrong, we correct it and update the date.
How we make money
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link on this site we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown are approximate and change often; always check the current price on Amazon.