You need about 700 Wh — and 31 units fit. The smallest sufficient is the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core; we never push more capacity than your load can use. Surge to clear: 2,150 W.
The math
Running watts (everything on at once) = 1,050 W
Surge watts (worst single startup + the rest running) = 2,150 W
Average draw (cyclic loads counted by their duty cycle) = 210 W
Watt-hours = 210 W × 3.0 h ÷ 90% usable reserve = 700 Wh
1
Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Coresmallest that fits
983 Wh1,200 W cont · 2,400 W surge~4.2 h on this load$$
A 1 kWh / 1,200 W unit for outage essentials at a friendlier price.
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Can a specific unit run a sump pump (1/2 hp)?
31 of the units we track deliver enough watts to run a sump pump (1/2 hp). Check a specific one for the runtime and the full verdict:
What size power station do I need to run a sump pump (1/2 hp)?
A sump pump (1/2 hp) draws about 1,050 W running, with a startup surge near 2,150 W. So you want a unit with at least 1,050 W continuous output and 2,150 W+ surge. For 3.0 h of runtime that's roughly 700 Wh of capacity — the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is the smallest unit that clears all of it.
How many watts does a sump pump (1/2 hp) use?
About 1,050 W while running, spiking to roughly 2,150 W on startup. It only draws power about 20% of the time, so over an outage its energy use is well below 1,050 W × the hours — which is why a modest battery lasts longer than you'd expect.
Sources: Sump Pump (1/2 HP) wattage — Standard appliance-wattage / generator-sizing charts (representative values; verify your nameplate); station specs — manufacturer published specifications (compiled 2026-08-10; approximate). Informational only — a computed sizing estimate from published appliance-wattage charts and manufacturer station specs. It is not an electrical guarantee. For hardwired or whole-home backup, transfer switches, or any permanent install, consult a licensed electrician.