If you live in an area with frequent power outages, you already know the benefits of having a backup power source in your home. Propane, diesel and natural gas generators have long been the system of choice for home and business owners who want to ensure the lights stay on when the neighborhood loses power. Now more and more people are considering newer, cleaner battery options like this one.Tesla-Powerwall.
Home battery backup provides many of the same backup power capabilities as traditional generators, but without the need to refuel. Read on for a comparison of battery backup options versus traditional generators, including a review of factors such as cost, fuel delivery, size and maintenance.
the central theses
- Battery backup can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to a gas-powered generator
- Backup batteries have a high upfront cost, but the lifetime savings can be worth the upfront payment.
- One of the best options is the Tesla Powerwall, but there are alternatives including the LG Chem Resu and the Generac PWRcell.
- Start comparing deals onMercado EnergySagefor maximum savings on solar energy and storage
In this article we will look at the following topics:
- Home Backup Battery 2022 Product Reviews
- Battery backup vs. generator costs
- Battery backup power saving
- Fuel costs for emergency power supply
- Power scaling/loading for backup power options
5 best home battery backup products in 2022
In general, the best batteries to consider for your home are options that offer scalability, reliability, and longevity. Check out some of the industry's leading home batteries and learn more about each product.
Die Powerwall de Tesla
The home battery market is currently led by Tesla Powerwall. This stylish storage system is easy to integrate into any home and comes with a 25-year guarantee. It comes with an app that lets you monitor your wireless energy usage patterns, which can be particularly beneficial in places where variable electricity tariffs change the price you pay for electricity depending on the time of day.
check out ourTesla Powerwall complete reviewfor more details.
LG Chem RESU
The LG Chem RESU home battery can be connected to the grid or installed using a specially designed solar panel system. It has a concentric efficiency of 94.5%, which means that 94.5% of the stored electricity is converted into usable energy. Perhaps the best feature of this product is its size; It is one of the best on the market in terms of compact installation.
fileour full LG Chem RESU reviewHere.
Generac PWRcell
Like LG's home battery, the Generac PWRcell can be connected to the mains or to a solar system. The best feature of the PWRcell is its ability to give devices an instant boost of power, faster than most other home batteries on the market. Its high voltage comes in handy when you need to power devices that require a fast, instantaneous power supply instead of constant current. This home battery storage solution also comes with an app, so all battery performance metrics and savings are instantly available.
fileour full Generac PWRCell reviewTo know more.
Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery
This home battery backup system is compatible with any existing home solar system and has an energy capacity of up to 17.1 kWh. EverVolt is available in four different variants: two AC-coupled modules and two DC-coupled modules. Choosing the right one for you depends on whether you are connecting your battery to a new or existing solar system. This system is also very scalable. Each variant has a modular design that allows you to stack up to 102kWh of output power to power your entire home. EverVolt has a remote control and an online app so you can accurately monitor performance and battery usage.
fileour full Panasonic EverVolt Home battery reviewhere for more details.
Comparison of battery backup and generator costs
The exact amount you will have to pay to install a backup power supply in your home or business depends on how much power you need and the equipment you choose. There ismany standby generator optionsavailable in3.000 $ a 5.000 $Track that can power a standard American home. In comparison, a home backup power supply starts ataround $6,000 before installation costsand in many cases you need multiple batteries to power the entire house. Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere.10.000 $ a 20.000 $install a battery backup system. If you use more electricity than your neighbors, you'll need to buy a bigger generator or more batteries and expect the installation costs to add a few thousand dollars to your total price.
Costs for emergency power supply from domestic batteries according to house size
Compared to generators, backup batteries have a higher upfront cost, and depending on the size of your home and your power needs, you may need more than one battery. For an average-sized home, an initial investment in battery backup can range from $10,000 to $20,000; This is just an estimate for a small battery system that could provide power for about a day. If the same average home integrates a battery backup system into its solar panel system to generate electricity, start-up costs can be $20,000 to $40,000.
Battery backup power saving
The initial price you pay is not the only cost factor to consider. If you install a generator, you'll also need to buy the fuel to keep it running. Fuel costs can add up if you rely on your generator often; This is especially the case if you also need to pay for fuel delivery to your home or business. Not to mention you have to store the fuel somewhere in your house.
By comparison, if you install a backup battery in your home, you can pair it with a solar power system to charge it with renewable energy from the sun. This increases your upfront cost (on average, a below-average 6-kilowatt solar panel system costs16.560 $before incentives), but over time you can saveyou tens of thousands of dollarson your electricity bill.
Even without solar power, your battery can save you money on your electricity bills. Have some utilitiesElectricity Tariffs by Time of Use (TOU), which vary throughout the day. If you have TOU tariffs, a battery pack can actually result in lower utility bills, providing an alternative power source when tariffs are high.
Fuel supply for your emergency power supply
The power source of your home's backup power system is another consideration when comparing your options.
Generators typically run on diesel, liquid propane, or natural gas. Your generator can keep running as long as you have the fuel to run it, and some generators can even be hooked up to an existing natural gas line. If you don't have access to a natural gas line, expect to charge your generator as needed.
In comparison, a home battery backup system runs on electricity and can be charged from the grid or a solar panel on the roof. When you design an off-grid solar plus backup storage system, it can recharge when the grid goes out, adding an extra layer of security for situations where you might be concerned about accessing fuel for a generator. (Not all home battery systems can charge during power outages, so make sure your installer knows this feature is vital for you.)
Power scaling/loading for backup power options
When comparing your backup power options, think about what you'll need to keep it running if the grid goes down.
If you just want to keep the lights on during a power outage, most batteries will do. Many homeowners who choose batteries for backup power can be assured that "critical loads" such as outlets, lights, and small appliances will be powered in the event of a power outage.
However, not all batteries are capable of drawing current fast enough to power energy-hungry devices. If your home relies on a sump pump, sump pump, or other device that uses a lot of electricity to start, you'll need to install a battery specifically designed for backup power.
Installing a conventional generator means you don't have to worry about critical loads. As long as you choose a generator that has been sized properly by your installer, you should be able to keep your home or business running smoothly as long as you have the right fuel in place.
Operate and maintain your home's backup power system
Generators that run on propane or diesel can be difficult to ignore during operation. One of the main benefits of a battery backup system is that, unlike a traditional inflator, it runs silently and consumes no fuel. As a result, you don't have to deal with exhaust fumes or other polluting emissions: a benefit for the environment and the quality of the air around you.
Generators that run on fossil fuels, such as natural gas or diesel, may also have higher maintenance requirements than battery-powered options. In addition to refueling, some generators require regular operation and testing to ensure they are working when you need them most.
Best of both worlds: a battery backup generator
Want to get the most out of your battery? Generac has just introduced its new PWR generator (available Q1 2022), the first generator of its kind specifically designed to charge home batteries directly. The PWR generator integrates with Generac's PWRcell batteries to keep them charged in the event of a power outage, even when the sun is not shining. To learn more about this exciting new technology, visitour articleabout the recent launch of Generac products.
Before you buy, compare solar power and batteries with other generator options
Generators that run on diesel, propane, and natural gas are relatively inexpensive and easily sized to meet your property's power needs, but there are benefits to installing battery backup in your home or business. When combined with solar power, you can actually save money on your utility bills, and batteries provide clean, quiet power that you can't get from a traditional generator.
Backup battery FAQs for your home
How long do home backup batteries last?
Depending on your power needs and how economical you are with stored energy, a home battery backup during a power outage can last a day or two. For optimal energy storage and delivery, consider pairing your battery with a solar panel installation to create a closed system that produces and stores energy, powering your home.
How much backup power do I need for my home?
For the average American home that requires electricity for up to three days off the grid, aBattery bank backup would need to supply more than 100kWh of electricity. Again, battery backup requirements vary based on power consumption and other factors.
How long can a Tesla Powerwall power a home?
Like most home batteries, a Tesla Powerwall cannot power an entire house for more than a few hours. However, if you have a solar panel system powering the Powerwall and a large bank of batteries, it is possible to power your home for days on stored electricity.
Start your Solar Plus storage journey with EnergySage today
If you're talking to a contractor about installing a generator, consider requesting quotes for solar systems that include batteries in the package.Mercado EnergySage. With EnergySage, you can easily compare your solar energy options and view upfront costs and long-term savings information without having to pick up your phone. When joining, simply indicate in your property settings that you are looking for a backup power system.