How We Research

Every article on UnpluggedWatts follows the same process. This page explains it so you can judge how much weight to give what you read here.

We don’t physically test products

We do not buy, receive or physically test the products we write about. We compare published specifications and run the numbers. If that ever changes for a specific article, the article will say so clearly.

Where our information comes from

In order of preference:

1. Manufacturer spec sheets and user manuals. Capacity (Wh), continuous and surge output (W), charging inputs, operating temperatures and battery chemistry.
2. Public agencies and standards bodies. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and safety organizations such as NFPA and UL.
3. Published power-consumption data for appliances and devices, usually from the device maker.

Each article keeps a list of the sources we used. If we can’t find a reliable source for a number, we leave it out or label it as an assumption.

We show the math

When we estimate runtime or size a system, we show the formula and an example. For instance:

We explain every assumption, such as the inverter efficiency (0.85 by default), how much a solar panel really produces compared with its rating, and startup surges for motors and compressors. Real-world results vary with temperature, battery age and how a device cycles on and off, so treat our numbers as planning estimates.

Specs are dated

Product specs and prices change. Every product table includes the date we checked the manufacturer’s page. We never make up prices. When we mention one, we note that it was the price at the time of writing.

Safety first

We don’t give instructions for connecting equipment to a home’s electrical panel, permanent wiring or modifying batteries. Those jobs belong to a licensed electrician. We also remind readers that fuel-burning generators must never run indoors because of carbon monoxide.

Corrections

If you spot an error, please tell us through the Contact page. We review every report and update the article when needed, along with its “Updated on” date.

Independence

We may earn money from ads and affiliate links. That doesn’t change our process or our conclusions. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.