Umair Gaines
Unforeseen emergencies like power outages can be disruptive to our daily routines, so it's important to have a backup power supply to meet your household's needs. There are several options for backing up your electricity, including solar panels, solar batteries, and traditional generators. Solar panels can be used to convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid. Solar battery backups are ideal for the environment and can charge appliances during power outages. Traditional generators can be tricky to install and should be placed on high ground where there is no risk of flooding. They also require building code requirements to be taken into account. Another option is to use a service like Base Power, which provides a battery-powered home energy service that protects against power outages and reduces energy bills.
How do I back up my electricity?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Backup power options | Generators, solar battery, Base Power's home battery |
| Cost of traditional generator | Tens of thousands of dollars |
| Cost of solar system and solar battery | Massive upfront investment |
| Cost of Base Power's home battery | $495 for a 25 kWh battery or $995 for 50 kWh dual battery system |
| Cost of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro | N/A |
| Cost of Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus | N/A |
| Power information | Check labels and manuals of appliances |
| Power calculation | Watt = volts x ampere |
| Backup power capacity needed for a 24-hour power outage | 12.24kWh |
| Backup power safety | Do regular safety checks, ensure proper ventilation, maintain generator, store fuel outside |
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What You'll Learn
Calculate your electricity needs
To calculate your electricity needs, you must first identify the essential appliances that must be ensured to operate without interruption during power outages. These might include lighting, communication devices, refrigerators, life-saving medical equipment, etc.
Once you have determined the critical appliances, you need to obtain their power information. You can do this by checking the labels and manuals of your appliances. The power consumption of an appliance is typically specified on the label in terms of power rating, which is measured in watts (W). If the power consumption is not specified, you can calculate it using the formula "watt = volts x ampere" if the label indicates "A" (Ampere, unit of current) and "V" (Volt, unit of voltage).
After determining the power ratings of each appliance, you need to consider their corresponding usage durations. This involves listing the time each appliance will be used within a 24-hour period during a power outage.
Finally, you can calculate the total energy required by these appliances during the 24-hour period by multiplying the power rating of each appliance by its corresponding usage duration. This calculation will give you the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy required. For example, if an appliance with a power rating of 1 kilowatt (kW) operates for 2 hours, the energy consumed is 1 kW x 2 hours = 2 kWh.
By summing up the energy requirements of all the essential appliances, you can determine the total backup power capacity needed to endure a 24-hour power outage. This information will help you choose an appropriate backup power solution, such as a generator or battery system, to meet your specific electricity needs during an outage.
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Solar battery backups
There are several types of batteries commonly used for solar energy storage, including Lithium, Flooded Lead-Acid, and Sealed Lead Acid batteries. Lithium batteries are often a popular choice due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements. However, they come with a higher upfront cost. In contrast, Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries are more cost-effective for smaller solar systems and are widely available, but they may not be suitable for high power output needs.
The number of solar batteries you will need depends on your energy consumption, the size of your solar system, and your desired level of energy independence. A 10 kWh storage capacity can provide partial home backup, allowing you to run essential appliances like a refrigerator, computer, and TV. If you require whole-home backup, a larger storage system of 20-40 kWh would be more suitable to account for energy-intensive loads like a well pump, air conditioning, laundry, and dishwasher.
Solar battery kits also offer benefits beyond power backup. They allow you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels, reducing your reliance on the grid and utility companies. By strategically using this stored energy during peak hours, you can lower your utility bills and make your energy usage more financially efficient.
Some companies, like Base Power, offer battery-powered home energy services at a low upfront cost. Their business model involves using the battery for grid balancing, charging when electricity is cheap and discharging when it is expensive. This helps the battery pay for itself over time, and customers benefit from lower monthly energy bills and reliable backup power.
Additionally, companies like Goal Zero offer home battery backup systems that can be paired with solar panels for limitless power. Their systems include portable power stations, integration kits to connect to your breaker panel, and optional expansion batteries. Their kits are designed to meet diverse needs, ensuring your essential circuits remain powered during outages.
Overall, solar battery backups provide a reliable and efficient way to ensure you have power during outages, and they can also help optimize your energy usage and reduce costs.
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Generators
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can also be hazardous. They are intended to provide basic power for shorter periods and can be costly and loud. They can range in price from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. The size of the generator you need will depend on what equipment you want to power. They can be charged with solar power or from an electrical outlet before a power outage.
Permanent generators are trickier to install and are usually placed outdoors, on high ground where flooding is unlikely. They require professional installation and are subject to building code requirements. They can run on natural gas or liquid propane, depending on the fuel source available. Permanent generators can also be costly, with prices ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
To ensure safety, it is important to operate the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, and to avoid any enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from toxic engine exhaust is a significant risk, so adequate ventilation is crucial. Other hazards to avoid include electric shock, electrocution, and fire. Regular safety checks, maintenance, and adhering to the manufacturer's instructions are essential for safe and proper use.
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Grid-balancing batteries
In addition, grid-balancing batteries can provide backup power during power outages, helping to keep essential appliances like lighting, communication devices, refrigerators, and life-saving medical equipment running. This is especially important in the context of an increasing number of extreme weather events, which can cause power outages that last for extended periods of time.
The adoption of Lithium-ion battery systems for grid-scale storage is becoming more common, and it is important to understand how these systems behave to optimise their performance. Grid-balancing batteries can also be used in conjunction with solar photovoltaic systems to prolong the duration of backup power, leading to greater energy independence and self-sufficiency.
In the future, the rise of Battery Electric Vehicles (EVs) will create a "battery on wheels" that can be utilised as part of a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system. EV owners will be encouraged to keep their vehicles plugged in, and a smart charging system will decide when to charge based on time-of-use tariffs, charging when there is excess renewable energy and avoiding charging at peak demand times. In this way, V2G systems will be able to supply energy back to the home or the electricity grid, helping to balance the grid and maximise the use of renewable resources.
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Safety checks
Electrical safety is paramount, especially when considering backup power sources. Here are some detailed safety checks to ensure your backup electricity system is secure:
Regular Safety Checks:
Conduct regular safety checks on your backup power system to ensure it operates optimally during an emergency. This includes testing the system periodically and ensuring you have adequate fuel reserves to last several days. Regular checks also help identify potential issues, allowing for timely resolutions.
Qualified Installation:
Engage a qualified professional to install your backup power system. A permanent generator, for instance, should be placed on high ground, away from potential flooding. Ensure compliance with building code requirements and prevent power backfeed into main power lines. Have any wiring changes inspected by the relevant local authorities.
Maintenance and Manufacturer's Instructions:
Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and maintenance guidelines for your backup power system. This includes using the correct extension cords to prevent overheating and never running cords under rugs or carpets. Always store fuel outside the house and ensure proper ventilation for exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electrical Safety Checks:
Regular electrical safety checks are essential to identify hidden hazards and ensure your electrical system meets safety standards. These checks include inspections of fuses, wiring, sockets, and switches. If renting, your landlord is responsible for ensuring electrical safety and providing you with an electrical safety report. If you own your home, consider an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to identify any faults and recommended improvements.
Smoke Alarms:
Install smoke alarms connected to mains power and equipped with backup batteries. This is a crucial safety measure, especially in older homes constructed before 1st August 1997, which may rely solely on battery-powered smoke alarms.
Remember, electrical safety is a serious matter. By conducting thorough safety checks and following the recommended guidelines, you can help prevent accidents, fires, and potential fatalities associated with electricity and backup power systems.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either install a solar energy storage system or purchase a generator.
Solar energy storage systems are ideal for the environment and can be used to charge appliances when the electricity grid is down. They can also provide energy independence and self-sufficiency. However, they require a massive upfront investment which can take longer than the lifespan of the system to pay back.
Generators are more affordable than solar energy storage systems upfront, but they are harder to install and require regular maintenance. They also need to be placed outdoors where their exhaust can safely vent to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
