Why Solar + Battery Backup Systems Are a Canadian Necessity for Disaster-Prepared Homes
Extreme weather in Canada is hitting harder and more often these days. Residents are seeking energy independence for their homes to protect themselves from outages, and the pairing of solar and battery backup is an amazing and resilient option.
Discover why this combination has become essential for a self-sufficient home in the face of Canadian disasters.
What is a Solar Battery Backup System?
A solar battery backup system uses solar panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity. The energy can be used right away, but the “backup” aspect refers to the battery that stores electricity for later use. It can be used at night or when the grid fails, providing an alternative energy source to power your essential devices and appliances.
When your system is sized correctly, it can even serve as a whole-home generator. You won’t have to choose essential circuits to support; you can power everything as usual. That means keeping your lights on, AC or heat running, refrigerator on, and more.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)
Why Canadian Homes Need Solar and Battery Backup Systems
Canadian homes are facing increasingly frequent natural disasters, which lead to power outages, and the increased demand for energy has driven the cost of energy up. In a time of weather extremes and growing solar incentives, it makes sense to invest in solar and battery backup systems.
Increasing Risk of Natural Disasters
The severity and frequency of storms are escalating across Canadian provinces, making it more critical than ever to be prepared for emergencies. Wildfires, windstorms, snowstorms, ice dams, and flooding are all real threats that can disrupt infrastructure. Solar and storage can keep homes running even when the grid fails.
Power Outages
Frequent outages are directly related to the extreme cold, storms, and aging electricity grid in Canada. Backup batteries can provide continuous electricity, and when the power is sourced from solar, you can avoid the risk of fuel shortages that are common with traditional gas or diesel generators.
High Energy Costs
Electricity prices in Canada have been trending upward, rising faster than general inflation and making it more expensive to meet the same energy needs. As homeowners seek ways to offset these price hikes, they’re discovering how solar energy can help offset peak usage and reduce their reliance on costly grid power.
Cold Climate
The cold, harsh winters in Canada mean that every resident turns on their furnace, and this demand can strain the utility networks. The last thing you want is to be left without power and heat during a brutal cold front. Batteries can keep your heating system on, and solar systems can still work well in the winter. In fact, their performance often improves on cold and clear days.
Growing Solar Incentives
Federal and provincial renewable energy incentives are making solar installation more affordable than ever. Rebates and financing options can further reduce the cost, encouraging residents to take action now and install their own solar and battery storage systems.
The Cost of Solar Battery Storage in Canada
The prices of solar batteries in Canada are primarily influenced by the size of the storage, measured in kWh, but factors such as inverter type and installation complexity also play a role.
A higher-capacity battery is more expensive upfront, but provides more coverage during outages, which can be well worth it in such a cold climate that experiences frequent weather disasters.
Labour costs will also vary depending on where you live, with remote and rural installations often costing more than in urban or suburban areas.
Incentives and rebates can offset thousands of dollars of the upfront cost. And, since there’s minimal maintenance and no refuelling required, there are hardly any ongoing costs once the system is installed and working. You also save money on every electric bill, resulting in long-term savings throughout the system's lifetime.
How to Choose the Best Solar Battery Storage
If you’re in the market for a solar battery storage system, here’s what to keep in mind.
Battery Capacity
Capacity refers to the amount of energy that can be stored in the battery. To determine the right capacity, assess your daily kWh usage patterns, and consider if you want your battery system to support only essential loads or your whole-home demands.
Power output
Output determines the number of appliances you can run simultaneously. If you have startup-heavy devices, such as pumps and refrigerators, always account for high surge capacity. You can also consider pairing multiple units for larger homes or growing energy demands.
DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station
Compatibility
Ensure that your battery, solar panels, and inverter are all compatible with each other. Ideally, purchase all of them from the same manufacturer for seamless integration. You also want to choose a system that is compatible with either grid-tied or off-grid operation, depending on what approach you’re taking.
Lifespan
Battery chemistry is a significant determining factor in longevity, with lithium-ion and LiFePO4 offering the longest lifespan. Cycle count refers to the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery is expected to last, so a battery that lasts 3,000+ cycles means it can run for that long before it begins to degrade.
Panel Space
The total wattage needed will determine your panel footprint, but you must ensure that you have sufficient space for an array of that size on your roof or property. Flexible options like the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel can help supplement fixed arrays if space is an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Battery-Powered Devices Important During Disasters?
Battery-powered energy storage devices are crucial during disasters because they can provide immediate and reliable energy in the event of a grid failure. They can keep critical appliances and electronics operational, providing safety and peace of mind. They’re functional without fuel, eternal power, or grid access.
Why Is It Important To Be Prepared for a Natural Disaster Emergency Situation?
Proactive preparation for natural disaster emergencies minimizes their disruption in your daily life. It also protects the health and safety of your entire family, allowing overwhelmed emergency services to focus on those who genuinely need help.
Explore EcoFlow’s Solar Battery Backup Systems
Solar plus battery systems can enhance your Canadian home’s preparedness against rising electricity costs, weather-related disasters, and power outages. A system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) can provide clean and stable backup power, increasing your energy independence and giving you peace of mind. Explore options that can support your home for the long term.