Solar Battery Backup Solutions That Keep Your Home Running Smoothly
More and more homeowners across the US are looking for new alternatives for their energy. Between rising electricity bills and increased natural disasters, it’s no surprise you’d want to find a more reliable and efficient energy system for your home. We'll walk you through solar battery backup, how it works, and how to choose the right one for your home.
Why Solar Battery Backup Matters for Modern Homes
Solar battery backup gives homes more control over their energy. Instead of relying on the grid—which is prone to outages and blackouts—you can have peace of mind that you’ll never be left stuck without power in an emergency. Some of the main benefits of whole-home solar energy include:
No relying on the grid: Solar power offers energy freedom. Forget depending on the grid supply and power your home using your own clean energy.
Lower electricity costs: Who doesn’t want lower electricity bills? With solar energy, you can save money using your stored energy when utility rates spike or at peak times.
Made to last: Most portable power stations and solar panels are designed to be durable. They can last up to 10 years or more and often come with a solid guarantee.
Better for the planet: Solar energy = clean energy. If you’re environmentally conscious, solar-powered energy is a great option. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and is one step towards a greener future.
Exploring the Three Main Battery Backup Options
There are three main solar battery backup options for you to consider for your home. These include:
UPS: Protecting Electronics and Servers
An Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is mainly used for short-term power needs and is useful for keeping power running during a power surge. For example, if you’re working from home and there’s a sudden loss of power, the UPS will immediately kick in, so you can keep working and not lose your unsaved data. It also protects your devices from hardware damage that can occur during an unexpected dip.
They’re usually relatively small and compact, and most often used for things like Wi-Fi routers and modems. They’re a great budget-friendly option for homeowners who want extra peace of mind that their data and info are protected.
Solar Generators: Portable Power for Essentials
Solar generators are portable battery storage systems powered by solar panels. They have a bigger capacity and are better suited to powering multiple appliances and devices simultaneously, like refrigerators and TVs.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) has a power output capacity of 1800W, and because it’s solar, you can be sure you have enough clean energy to power your whole home. Other methods of powering your portable power station include charging through a car’s 12V socket or an AC input. It also features smart technology, so you can manage and monitor your energy usage directly from the EcoFlow App.
One of the best things about these solar generators is their portability. Their flexibility allows you to easily move them around the house, or even take them out of town and on camping trips. They also require minimal ongoing maintenance.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) provides the same reliable backup with a 1800W output capacity and ultra-fast charging. It’s an excellent option for home, outdoor, and RV backup.
Whole-Home Batteries: Powering the Entire Home
This is a battery that can power your entire home for days—or weeks—at a time. It’s a reliable source when a natural disaster strikes, and will keep your home connected even when the grid is down.
Whole-home batteries can keep multiple home appliances running at once—everything from small devices like phone chargers to larger appliances like refrigerators and HVAC systems.
Delta Pro Ultra: A Scalable Whole-Home Solar Generator With Backup Battery Storage
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is a whole-home battery with a capacity of 7.2-21.6kW, powerful enough to run your entire home, even with an AC unit. It gives you the peace of mind that you have a reliable, clean energy source when there’s an outage, so you’ll never get left in the dark.
Add more batteries to scale up your power system and keep the whole house running for prolonged periods. Whether you just want to cover the basics or go all-in, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra can fit seamlessly into your home and offers a new way to generate energy.
Choosing the Right Solar Battery Backup for Your Home
Before choosing a solar battery system, there are a few things to consider:
Choosing Between AC-Coupled and DC-Coupled Systems
When introducing solar battery systems into your home, one of the biggest decisions is whether to opt for AC-coupled or DC-coupled systems. Both methods have their pros and cons.
AC-Coupled
Pros: Easy installation and flexible since you’re not restricted in where the inverters and batteries can be located.
Cons: Slightly less efficient since the power goes through more conversion steps, and they also tend to be more expensive than DC-Coupled Systems.
Best for: Homes that already have solar installed and want to add a battery backup without replacing their inverter.
DC-Coupled
Pros: They tend to be cheaper than AC and more efficient since they only have to convert the current once.
Cons: Limited flexibility as the inverter needs to be close to the battery. Less reliable since if the inverter fails, the solar panel and battery capacity are lost.
Best for: If you have a new solar installation, DC coupling makes it much more efficient. Also good for off-grid living, or if you live in an area prone to long power outages.
Sizing Your System: Capacity, Runtime, and Load
Understanding your battery capacity and household needs is crucial to finding a system that works for you.
0.5kWh: Small batteries used to power the essentials—like lights, phone charging, and Wi-Fi—for a couple of hours.
1kWh: Similar to 0.5kWh capabilities, this can power the same essentials for a longer time, up to roughly 8 hours.
2kWh: Allows you to power bigger appliances like fridges and TVs for around 8-12 hours.
Incentives and Financing Options
Homeowners can claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit, formerly known as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It’s currently 30% for any homes installing solar up until 2032. There are also local incentives and State rebates for battery storage, like SRECs. Some brands may offer flexible payment plans so you can spread the cost over time.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 10KW Battery Enough to Run a House?
This varies depending on your home’s energy use, but usually, a 10KW battery wouldn’t be enough to power your entire home. Instead, it would be more suited to running everyday appliances like fridges, Wi-Fi, and some outlets. It typically lasts between 8 and 10 hours, but this depends on what and how many appliances you’re running.
How Much Is a Solar Battery Backup for a House?
Prices will vary among different brands and sizes, and you can expect to pay more for premium products. If you’re worried about the costs of setting up your home, it’s worth looking into what incentives and rebates you may be eligible for.
Can I Run My Home off Solar Battery if the Power Goes Down?
Yes! The beauty of solar-powered energy is that even when the grid goes down, you can keep your whole home running smoothly—provided you remember to charge the batteries. Just ensure you’re set up ahead of time so you’re not left struggling during an emergency.
How Long Can a Solar Battery Power a House During an Outage?
This depends on battery size and what you’re powering with it. But, with solar batteries, you have the potential to power your house for weeks at a time, so long as you’re able to get enough sunlight to keep the battery charged.
Ready To Protect Your Home and Reduce Energy Costs With Delta Pro Ultra Whole-Home Solar Generator?
Solar battery backup is the new way to power your home. From whole-home backup to lower energy costs and potential scalability, solar battery backup is the next step towards a more energy-efficient home. Check out the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra for a reliable, clean way to power your life.