Anker’s new whole-home backup is the power outage solution of my dreams — here’s how

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Anker's new whole-home backup is the power outage solution of my dreams — here's how

Jason Howell/ZDNET

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ZDNET Highlights

  • Anker Solix Unveils the E10 Whole-Home Backup System.
  • The E10 combines battery storage, solar input, and an optional generator.
  • The system is now available for preorder.

Anchor Solix has announced that The E10 is now available for preorderA smart hybrid whole-home backup system that combines battery storage with solar input and optional generator integration. The company claims this is the first system of its kind to seamlessly blend all three power sources for residential use across the US.

I saw the E10 in person at CES 2026 earlier this month, and what immediately stood out was how accessible the system seemed. As someone with solar panels on my roof and who has been considering battery backup for years, I found myself really connected to the modular design. Thankfully, this isn’t the kind of system that requires an electrical engineering degree to understand.

Also: Best Power Banks of 2026: Expert Tests and Reviews

E10 addresses the growing concern among homeowners who have experienced prolonged power outages due to extreme weather events. Instead of forcing customers to choose between battery backup or generator power, Anker Solix designed the E10 to take advantage of both simultaneously, using what the company calls its Power Dock technology.

At the heart of the E10 is a modular 6 kWh battery that increases to 90 kWh when combined with three full systems. Watching the booth demonstration, I was impressed by how easily the batteries went together. This design makes an attractive case for homeowners who want to start with a smaller capacity and expand later, or who plan to add more solar panels down the line and need the extra storage to match.

Anker SOLIX E10 System

Jason Howell/ZDNET

According to Anker Solix specifications, a single E10 unit provides up to 37.2 kW of surge power, enough to start a 5-ton air conditioning unit. The company also offers a turbo output mode that increases power by up to 10 kW per unit for up to 90 minutes during high demand conditions.

The system accepts up to 9 kilowatts of solar input per unit, with compatibility with rigid panels, portable panels, and third-party AC solar systems. When the solar and batteries reach their limits, the smart generator connects directly via DC instead of AC, which Anker Solix says increases backup duration five times compared to a traditional generator setup.

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Two installation paths exist for E10. The Power Dock option provides automatic switchover to backup power within 20 milliseconds, protecting devices during grid failures. For customers wanting a more budget-conscious approach, the Smart Inlet Box offers manual switchover and integrates with existing solar installations.

Anker Solix designed the hardware for outdoor installation, featuring an all-metal NEMA 4 enclosure and an operating range of minus 4 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The stackable, plug-and-play design targets DIY installers, although the company also offers professional installation services nationwide.

Anker Solix Power Dock

Jason Howell/ZDNET

From what I saw at CES, the DIY pitch seemed credible, and the entire system seemed foolproof to someone like me, who doesn’t have a deep understanding of the complex nature of home battery systems. For homeowners who hesitate about installing a battery backup because the process seems intimidating, the E10 appears to be designed to take away that friction.

Also: This little-known way to power your home can come in handy during a power outage

Pre-orders start todayOfficial sales will begin on February 4, 2026. The base E10 system, which includes an inverter and a battery, costs $4,299. The Smart Inlet Box configuration runs $4,599, while the Power Dock version costs $5,799. A complete setup with the E10, Smart Generator, and Power Dock costs $7,399. Anker Solix offers a five-year warranty on all E10 systems, which is extended to eight years for pre-orders.

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