8 Secret Things You Didn't Know About BATTERY BACKUP VS. GENERATOR
Why need a backup power source
In extreme weather or regular power outage conditions, battery backup systems provide an essential power source for your home. Various battery backup systems are available on the market, each to keep your lights and appliances operational when primary power is unavailable.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has announced that this summer will bring a higher than average risk of blackouts to much of North America. Drought and higher temperatures increase the chances of power outages, making areas from Michigan to the Gulf Coast especially vulnerable.
A backup power system is an excellent investment for your home to avoid being left without power during a prolonged outage. Battery backup systems are a reliable and efficient way to keep your home running even when the power goes out.
What happened to generators
People have traditionally used fuel-powered standby generators to power their homes during a power outage. However, battery backups have become more popular in recent years due to reported carbon monoxide poisoning associated with generators.
But what exactly is the difference between battery backups and generators? Generators and battery backups are two distinct machines. Every system has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. This article will compare battery backups and generators to help you decide which option is right for you.
Battery backups
For modern homeowners, battery backups are becoming increasingly popular for power backup systems. A battery backup system stores energy that can be used to power your home in the event of a power outage. Battery backups usually run on electricity from your home solar system or the electrical grid.
It would be best to consider battery backups because they are much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. Not to mention, battery backups are also cheaper in the long run. You might save a lot on your energy costs if you install a battery backup system and have a time-of-use utility plan.
During peak usage hours, battery backup systems can power your home using the stored energy instead of drawing from the grid and raising high electricity rates. In off-peak hours, you can use your battery backup system to recharge so that it’s ready to power your home again during the next peak usage period.
To sum it up, battery backup systems are a cleaner and more cost-effective power backup solution for modern homeowners.
Generators
Standby generators are linked to your home’s electrical panel when the electricity goes out and starts automatically. To maintain electricity during a power outage, generators need fuel, such as natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Some generators have a “dual fuel” feature that allows them to run on natural gas or liquid propane.
A natural gas or propane generator can connect to your home’s gas line or propane tank and be refilled automatically. Diesel generators, on the other hand, must be refuelled from time to time.
How do battery backup and generator compare?
Pricing
One of the primary distinctions between battery backups and generators is price. Battery backups are usually more expensive to install, but generators require fuel to run, which can add up over time.
An average-sized battery backup system for a home can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 just for the battery and installation fees. For generators, the price to purchase and install can range from $7,000 to $15,000.
However, keep in mind that generators will need fuel to actually function. The cost of fuel, propane, or natural gas may need to be considered.
The amount you spend on fuel will be determined by several factors, including the size of your generator and how frequently you use it.
Installation
People may think that battery backups are slightly better than generators since they can be installed on the floor or wall. However, both types of installation will require a professional’s help and may cost thousands of dollars.
Installing a generator requires not only the machine but also a concrete slab, a reliable fuel source, and a transfer switch. All of this takes a full day to set up.
Battery backup installation may be slightly easier since it can be mounted, but generators may have an edge in other areas.
Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, battery backups are the clear winner. They don’t produce any emissions, so there’s no need to worry about irritating yourself or your neighbours.
Additionally, they’re quiet and run independently, so you won’t have to deal with the noise or disruptions that generators can cause.
Plus, battery backups don’t require ongoing maintenance, so you can set it and forget it.
On the other hand, generators may be quite noisy and disturbing when employed. Additionally, they emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which fuel they run, which may irritate you or your neighbours.
So, battery backup is the way to go if you’re looking for a power backup solution that is easy to maintain and won’t cause disruptions.
Keeping your home powered
Standby generators may power your house for up to three weeks at a time, but battery backups normally only offer power for a few hours. For example, the Tesla Powerwall has a storage capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours, providing power for a few hours. However, the advantage of battery backup systems is that they can be part of a solar panel system, or multiple batteries can be used in a single system.
As part of a solar panel system, battery backups can provide power even when the sun is not shining. Multiple batteries in a single system can provide backup power for a longer period.
Comparing battery backup and generator costs
The cost of installing battery backup or generator power at your home or business depends on a few factors, such as the power you need and the equipment you choose.
For battery backup, you can expect to pay around $6,000 for the battery alone before installation costs. In many cases, you’ll require multiple batteries to provide whole-home power, which can drive the price up to $10,000 to $20,000.
Generators are less expensive than battery backups, with many options available to power a typical American home in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. However, the installation cost can add a few thousand dollars to your total price tag.
Finally, your energy requirements and use will determine the optimum alternative for you. If you want to use more energy than your neighbours, you’ll need a bigger generator or more batteries.
Expected lifespan and warranty
You may be wondering how long your battery backup or generator will last. Here’s a breakdown of the expected lifespan and warranty for each type of backup power source.
Regarding battery backups, they usually come with longer warranties than standby generators. Nevertheless, please be advised that these warranties have varied TERMS. For example, over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge – like phones and laptops.
As a result, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating. This measures how effectively a battery will hold a charge by its warranty period.
For instance, Tesla guarantees that its Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by its 10-year warranty. Not only this, but some battery backup manufacturers also offer a “throughput” warranty. This company guarantee is for the number of cycles, hours or energy output (referred to as “throughput”) that their product will withstand.
In contrast, it will be easier to estimate the lifespan of a standby generator. With proper maintenance, standby generators can run for 3,000 hours. So, running your generator for 150 hours per year should last about 20 years.
In short, battery backups and generators have different expected lifespans and warranties – so it’s important to research to find the best backup power source for you and your needs.
The Top 5 Best Home Battery Backup Systems in 2022
Overall, the ideal batteries for your house provide expansion, dependability, and durability. Check out some of the industry’s best home batteries to learn more about them.
5KWH Powerwall Energy Storage System
The Green One Power brand offers a variety of solar energy systems, focusing on top-of-the-line energy storage systems (ESS). These ESS products are recognized for their reliability and chemical stability. Some key features include the ability to function on an on-grid/off-grid system, CAN and RS485 communication capabilities, quick charging, lightweight, long lifespan, and non-memory. The quality of Green One Power products is backed by a 25-year warranty. The solar products offered by the company can help you save energy and money. Contact the company today to learn more about how its solar products can save energy and money.
- On-grid/off-grid options
- RS-485 Communication and CAN (Controller Area Network)
- A faster charge than other battery systems
- Lightweight
- Non-memory
- A long lifespan.
The Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is currently the most popular home battery. This smart storage device is easily installed in any house and is guaranteed for 25 years. It comes with software that lets you manage your energy use remotely, which may be particularly useful in areas where variable electric rates impact how much you pay for power based on the hour of the day.
LG Chem RESU
The LG Chem RESU home battery is compatible with grid and solar panel systems, which is a huge benefit since most homes in Canada are connected to the electrical grid. It has a 94.5 per cent round-trip efficiency, meaning that 94.5% of the energy it stores will be converted into useful energy. This device’s size is one of its greatest strengths; it’s one of the smallest on the market regarding space requirements.
Generac PWRcell
Generac PWRcell is comparable to LG’s home battery and can be used with a solar system or grid. The most useful quality of the PWRcell is its ability to give an instantaneous power surge to appliances, which outpaces other batteries on the market. If you need instant power for an appliance that requires quick startup rather than continuous powering, this is the best battery option out there! This home battery storage solution also comes with an app, so all your battery’s performance metrics and savings are available anytime from your smartphone.
Panasonic EverVolt Home Battery
The EverVolt home battery backup system has four variants: two AC-coupled and two DC-coupled modules. Your choice depends on whether you are connecting your battery to a new or existing solar system. This particular model has a power capacity of up to 17.1 kWh.
The EverVolt is also highly scalable. Each version features a modular design that allows it to stack up to 102 kWh of power production, enough to power your home entirely. There’s a remote control and an online app for the EverVolt, allowing you to keep track of its performance and energy use in real-time.
Which one is right for you?
In general, battery backup systems are more beneficial than traditional generators. They’re simpler to install and usually cheaper in the long run. Additionally, they have longer lifespan warranties. Even though standby generators might be a better option under some circumstances since you only need one generator to power everything during an outage and can last longer without a recharge, upfront costs for standby generators are higher.