If you’ve ever experienced a power outage, you know how difficult it can be to return to your daily routine. Many of our household appliances won’t work without electricity, and staying connected with the outside world can be challenging. Fortunately, backup power solutions are available to keep your home running during an outage. Let’s look at the backup power systems that are popular today.
Solar Generators
Solar generators are quickly becoming one of the most popular options for backup power during an outage. Unlike traditional gas or propane generators, a solar generator for your house does not require any fuel and is completely silent when in use. The best part is that they generate electricity using renewable energy from the sun, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel during an emergency.
Solar generators are more expensive than traditional gas or propane models and may not provide enough power for larger households. Still, the ROI on a solar generator is also great; after paying off the system, you’ll make that money back in free energy in just a few years.
If you like this idea, you can use the online calculator from NREL to estimate the energy production and cost of a solar array on your roof.
Gas or Propane Home Standby Generator
If you want reliable backup power but don’t want to deal with the hassle of refueling a generator every few days, then a gas or propane home standby generator may be the right choice. These units automatically turn on when the power goes out and stay running until electricity is restored.
They also provide significantly more wattage than solar models and can easily handle large appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners without issues. The downside is that these generators can be noisy and require regular maintenance to run properly over time.
Gas or Propane Portable Generators
Gas or propane portable generators are optimal for powering up during a power outage. Although gas and propane generators typically require more maintenance, their portability is handy when experiencing outages away from a permanent residence.
Gas and propane portable generators tend to be noisy and require venting for safety, which may be challenging depending on the space around them. They also have limited run time, so you should always have adequate fuel supplies for emergencies.
Backup Battery
Backup batteries are one of the most cost-effective options for residential backup power systems because they only require minimal maintenance over their lifetime. They also provide plenty of wattage and can easily handle small household appliances like lights, microwaves, and TVs without a problem. However, they typically only last a few hours before needing a recharge.
Pro Tip: Combine a backup battery with a solar array to create a solar generator for your home that you’ll never have to recharge or refuel.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of backup system you choose for your home, make sure it meets your needs regarding wattage output and run time capacity before making a purchase decision. It’s also important to remember that all types of backup power systems require some maintenance, so learn what’s involved before investing in one. With these tips in mind, you’ll have everything you need to keep your home powered during an outage!