Grant Mercer

Grant Mercer is the founding editor of Power Backup Lab. He leads the site's research process and editorial standards across backup power, portable power stations, home battery systems, and outage preparedness. The Power Backup Lab approach does not rely on marketing claims. Every recommendation is built from three sources: official manufacturer specifications, independent lab and field testing published by trusted third parties, and verified feedback from real owners who live with these products day to day. The goal is simple and practical guidance, with no hype, so readers can choose the right backup power setup for their home and budget.

How to Earn Money With Your Home Battery Through Virtual Power Plant Programs

July 16, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

Home battery enrolled in a virtual power plant

Virtual power plant programs pay home battery owners hundreds of dollars a year. How they work, real earnings, and how to check eligibility.

Power Outage Checklist: 27 Things You Need Before the Lights Go Out

July 16, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

Home emergency supplies station for power outages

A complete, printable power outage checklist: 27 essentials organized by category, plus what to do in the first 10 minutes when the lights go out.

How Long Will a Portable Power Station Run a Refrigerator? (Real Numbers)

July 26, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

Power station running a refrigerator

Real runtime numbers by battery size, the math to calculate your own fridge, and tricks that double how long your power station lasts.

Bluetti AC200L vs EcoFlow Delta 2 Max: Mid-Range Power Station Showdown

July 26, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

Two of the best 2kWh power stations face off round by round: capacity, charging, expandability and which one deserves your money.

Can You Run a Portable Generator in the Rain? (Safety Guide)

July 16, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

Running a generator unprotected in the rain risks electrocution and damage. Here is how to do it safely with covers, canopies and smart placement.

EcoFlow vs Bluetti vs Jackery: Which Portable Power Station Brand Is Best in 2026?

July 26, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

The three biggest power station brands compared head to head: battery life, charging speed, ecosystems and clear verdicts for every type of buyer.

How to Safely Store Generator Fuel at Home (Gas, Propane, Diesel)

July 16, 2026July 10, 2026 by Grant Mercer

How much fuel to store for an outage, which containers are safe, where to keep it, and how long gasoline, propane and diesel actually last.

Best Backup Power Options for Medical Devices (CPAP, Oxygen, Insulin)

July 16, 2026July 9, 2026 by Grant Mercer

How to keep a CPAP, oxygen concentrator, or refrigerated insulin running through a power outage: real wattage numbers, battery sizing, and a three-layer backup plan for every budget.