When the lights go off, Ghanaians reach for one of three backups. Each has a clear place.
Quick comparison
| Petrol generator | Portable power station | Solar system | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | Loud | Silent | Silent |
| Indoors? | Never | Yes | Batteries indoors, panels outside |
| Fuel | Petrol | Mains, car or solar charging | Sunlight |
| Runtime | As long as you refuel | Limited by battery size | Depends on panels and batteries |
| Heavy loads (AC, pumps) | Yes, if sized right | Larger units only, briefly | With a large system |
| Running cost | Fuel and servicing | Very low | Very low after setup |
Petrol generator
Best for long outages and heavy loads. The downsides are fuel cost, noise, servicing and safety: never run a generator indoors or near windows, because carbon monoxide kills. Use a changeover switch installed by an electrician.
Portable power station
A large rechargeable battery with sockets. It is silent, fume-free and safe indoors, which makes it ideal for laptops, Wi-Fi, TV, lights and fans. Look for:
- Capacity (Wh): how long it runs.
- Output (W): must exceed your biggest device.
- Pure sine wave output for electronics.
- LiFePO4 battery for a longer lifespan.
- Solar input if you want to recharge from panels.
Solar
Panels plus batteries and an inverter can cut both outages and bills. It costs the most upfront and needs proper design for your load, but the sun is free. A power station with solar panels is an easy first step.
Which should you choose?
| Your need | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Laptop, Wi-Fi, lights, TV during outages | Portable power station |
| Fridge, pumps and more for many hours | Generator (outdoors) |
| Cut bills and outages long term | Solar system |
| Just stay cool and see at night | Rechargeable fan with light |
Ask our team on WhatsApp to size a backup for your home.
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Published October 10, 2026 · 2 min read