Choose what needs power first. Then check energy, simultaneous running watts and any relevant starting requirement.
Give the plan a clear job
Decide which devices matter and how long you want to use them. A laptop for a few work sessions is a different plan from equipment that must remain on for the whole period. Include any separate modem or other network equipment you also need, rather than counting only the router.
ChooseWatt’s first version estimates AC loads connected directly to the power station. It does not design a connection to home wiring or automatically recommend equipment for medical or other critical uses.
A one-day laptop-and-router example
All figures here are illustrative, editable inputs. They are not typical-device claims or measured results.
- Laptop: 60 W average × 4 h total = 240 Wh.
- Router: 10 W average × 8 h total = 80 Wh.
The running-power inputs are 65 W for the laptop and 10 W for the router, giving 75 W simultaneously. The laptop’s 60 W average describes the energy assumption; its separate 65 W running input sets the output check.
These hours apply within one 24-hour planning period. They do not mean either device runs for a full day. The example assumes no additional starting requirement for these two loads; edit that assumption if your actual equipment requires one.
With default settings, the finder deducts 72 Wh of assumed output idle energy across that day, as well as applying its usable-charge and efficiency assumptions. The 320 Wh device total is therefore not a battery-capacity recommendation.
Check the constraints separately
Replace the sample values with documented consumption or measurements at each device’s AC plug, including its adapter, for your settings and usage. Use average watts with total hours, or watt-hours per day with days. Choose one route per device.
Adding a refrigerator or another cycling appliance changes more than the device list. Obtain a time-based energy figure and its relevant starting requirements. Unknown startup remains an open question even when the estimated energy and running-power checks pass.
Compare the exact US 120 V model, its total continuous AC rating, number of suitable outlets, weight and dimensions. Several outlets share the model’s stated total output; their count does not multiply its power.
No recharging, solar input or extra battery is included. A numerical match means only that the entered plan meets the stated checks and assumptions. It is not a measured runtime or a guarantee of uninterrupted operation.
Ready to compare real candidates? Our US RIVER 3 / DELTA 3 buying comparison applies this same plan to two different battery sizes and explains when carrying less is realistic.
Review and edit the example before using it for your own equipment.
Sources and assumptions
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy UseGeneral background on appliance energy. ChooseWatt supplies the example inputs and separate planning checks.
- ChooseWatt calculation method