April 30, 2025, 12:58 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A power outage can bring your entire home to a standstill. However, those who are prepared can continue to operate essential devices or even power the whole house. Discover the available options and what you must pay attention to here.
Power outages are relatively rare in Germany. According to figures from the Federal Network Agency in 2022, they last on average only about 12.2 minutes per year. However, in an emergency, having your own power supply can be crucial. Those who want to be on the safe side can generate or store electricity themselves in case of an emergency. But the rule is: The larger the scope of self-sufficiency, the more expensive and complicated it becomes.
Minimal Solution: Small Energy Storage for Small Devices
A simple and cost-effective option is to have small energy storage devices like power banks or solar chargers on hand. These can power essential small devices such as smartphones, tablets, or battery-powered flashlights—provided the batteries are charged beforehand. However, this solution is not sufficient for larger household appliances.
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Middle Ground: Generate Electricity with Portable Generators or Solar Panels
Specialty stores offer a wide range of mobile power sources—from small generators to balcony power plants with integrated battery storage. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) recommends considering in advance which devices you want to operate. This is the only way to ensure that no overload occurs in an emergency.
Particularly power-intensive devices like electric kettles quickly require between 1,500 and 2,000 watts. If you opt for a generator-powered electricity source with fuel, additional safety rules must be observed:
- Generators should never be operated indoors due to the risk of suffocation from exhaust gases.
- There are legal limits for fuel storage: Currently, up to 10 liters of gasoline or 20 liters of diesel may be stored in basements. However, according to the BBK, gas cylinders should not be stored in the basement.
- If you want to power sensitive electronics like computers, ensure the generator provides stable voltage and frequency.
Maximum Solution: Completely Independent Home Supply
Those seeking comprehensive autonomy can also supply their entire home network independently with electricity. However, this requires proper planning and installation. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) recommends having a professional company conduct the consultation and installation, as only they are authorized to perform work on the home installation. Coordination with the responsible network operator is also necessary.
Whether battery storage, a suitably sized photovoltaic system, or a powerful generator is used depends on local conditions and individual requirements. In any case, it is important to plan early which consumers should be operated in an emergency to ensure the system’s capacity is sufficient.
With material from dpa