Types Of Backup Power Systems

Outages are a common occurrence in New England, especially during the winter months. When the power fails and the grid is down, do you have a plan? Whether it’s battery or generated stand-by power, hundreds of thousands of dollars each year are saved while keeping all the necessities and luxuries running.

Batteries

An uninterruptible power supply usually uses one of three different types of batteries: lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion. Nickel-cadmium was once a popular choice, but in recent years has been phased out. Lead Acid is also not a popular battery choice for home and commercial solar installation. The few times you may see lead acid in use would be for off the grid homes or buildings. All three of the batteries options BD Electrical & Solar installs are lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion

With the growing popularity of this technology, lithium-ion batteries have been used to power smaller electronic equipment. Now, they are fully introduced into the automotive industry like Tesla and are slowly making their way into homes and businesses.

• Compatible with solar and wind-generated power
• Smaller and lighter
• Can be stored in a basement or garage
• Costly but the longer service life evens the financial scales
• Higher dependability

Generac, Enphase, and SolarEdge make top of the line batteries that we install. Look at the chart below to compare the three battery types. If you’re interested in leaning about the right choice for you, give us a call at (508)-617-0800.

	Generac PWRcell	Enphase IQ Battery 10	Enphase IQ Battery 3	SolarEdge Energy Bank
Battery Type	DC or AC	AC	AC	DC
Capacity	9 – 18 kWh	10.08 kWh	3.5 kWh	9.7 kWh
Peak Power	6 – 12 kW	5.7 kVA	1.92 kVa	10 kW
Efficiency	96.50%/90%*	89%	89%	93.3%
Warranty	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years
Size (inches)	22” x 10” x 68” (115 lbs)	42.13” x 26.14” x 12.56” (341 lbs)	14.45” x 26.14” x 12.56” (114 lbs)	31.1 x 46.4 x 9.84 (267 lbs)

**96.5% round-trip efficiency when DC coupled, 90% when AC coupled.

Generators 

As of today, these are the longest-running backup power supplies that are being used for all sorts of facilities. Hospitals, being the largest of them, require generators the size of SUVs. While homes can be powered by the smaller versions, where size and power output matter. Unlike battery backups, there is a delay from when the power goes out and the generator kicks on. Depending on your needs, fuel accessibility, and budget, there’s a generator that’s suitable for any homeowner.

Whole House

These standby generators are installed usually next to your house and outside. A concrete slab is poured and then covered with drainage gravel. If compatible, they can run directly off of propane or gas that is normally used in your home. If your fuel supply runs out, some generators are equipped to use alternative methods such as solar and external gas.

Whole house systems can keep everything running including well water pumps, refrigerators, HVAC systems, and televisions all at once. Standby generators will automatically turn on once the power goes out but keep in mind, there is still a delay. They are very costly, but if your area is prone to outages and you’re tired of throwing away food and buying drinking water, the investment is worth it.

Generac produces standby generators that BD Electrical & Solar Services is certified to install.

Portables

Portable generators can directly plug into your home if the structure is wired for it. They have a wide range of output available, but most commonly they are used for small indoor heaters and keeping the refrigerator going. The more draw on the power they produce, the more it will burn through fuel. These types and models are not meant to be run for extended periods and have to be refueled often.

The price tag isn’t as big as the cost of the standby generators, but they also do not start automatically. You’ll have to manually start them in any event that you need power during an outage. The best part is that once your grid power is back on, storing the generator is easy. Though the maintenance is equivalent to small engine repairs and tune-ups, the cost to replace the actual generator portion of the unit can be cumbersome.

Inverter Generators

Lesser in size compared to other generator systems and can only be used for small applications. Also, what separates inverters from other fuel-eating generators, they adjust to the demand. So, the less power being consumed, the less it has to work, keeping fuel consumption low. Inverters can also be partnered with others means of power to increase the overall output.

There are many types of generators to choose from although some can’t hook directly into the wiring of your building. Most homes aren’t set up to receive an external supplemental supply of power except through power extension cords ran through windows or under doors.  To have the ability to connect a generator to your home’s breaker or fuse box, contacting an experienced and insured electrical company is a must.

	Generator	Lithium-ion Battery
Noise Level	50 dB-100 dB	Equal to a refrigerator
Life Span	5yrs without tune-ups	10yrs (standard)
Maintenance	Refueling, 1K hr oil changes, yearly tune-ups for longevity	Does not require
Best Used for	High power demand for short periods	Average household demands for extended time
Internet Connection Capable	No	Yes
Effects on the Environment	Fossil Fuel burning emissions	Recyclable / can use solar or wind to recharge for lower impact
Tax Credit Eligibility	No	Yes

To Sum it all Up

If you’re frustrated with power outages, which can last anywhere from minutes to weeks, and you want to be prepared for the next storm or downed power line, get in touch with BD Electrical & Solar Services. We are 100% certified to install Enphase batteries, SolarEdge batteries, and Generac generators and batteries. We can inspect, assess, and give recommendations considering your needs, budget, and any other points of interest to keep your lights on when the power goes out.