As climate change continues to creep up on us, natural disasters and other severe weather events will continue to intensify and affect our lives. Storms, high winds, and wildfires are becoming more frequent, unfortunately putting lives at risk. Power outages, whether caused by damage to power lines or proactive shutdowns by utility companies in high-risk areas, are becoming increasingly common. Even before disaster strikes, you could be left without power.
These stressful emergency situations are only made more difficult by blackouts. A backup battery system provides essential power and peace of mind during these emergencies, ensuring you’re as prepared as possible when disaster strikes. Many homeowners may not see the immediate benefit of a battery backup system in their day-to-day lives, but its value becomes evident during emergencies. A battery backup system ensures continuous power supply, providing peace of mind and security when it matters most.
Home batteries, also known as energy storage systems, are designed to store electricity. In many cases, they are paired with solar panels so that homeowners can store excess solar energy for later use. Often, this power is used strategically to maximize the amount of money saved on utility bills. However, in many cases, batteries are used to store backup power in the event of an outage or other emergency.
When the power goes out, batteries generally don’t power the entire home; however, they are designed to provide uninterrupted power to ensure that essential appliances, like refrigerators, remain operational. Additionally, homeowners can select what else they want to keep powered during an emergency. Usually, this includes some lights, Wi-Fi, and outlets to charge phones. Less critical devices and appliances may remain without power.
Backup power is particularly important for those who live in fire zones or areas prone to frequent blackouts. Having a battery during emergencies or other prolonged outages ensures that you’ll have uninterrupted power when you need it.
A common question that often arises: what about generators? How do they compare to home batteries? Both provide homes with backup power during outages, but they’re actually quite different in their reliability, safety, function, cost, maintenance, and environmental impact.
While generators provide reliable power, especially during emergencies, it’s important to note that natural gas-fed generators are often the first to shut down in the event of a disaster. In the event of a fire, they only increase the risk of it spreading to and through your home.
Generators generally have a lower upfront cost compared to battery systems. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and capacity. However, generators require ongoing fuel costs and regular maintenance, such as oil changes and engine tune-ups, which can add to the long-term expense.
In contrast, batteries have a higher initial cost but require minimal maintenance. They do not need fuel and can be recharged via solar panels or the grid, making them a cleaner and more convenient option. Additionally, the lack of fuel means a battery does not pose the same risk as a generator in the event of a fire.
In addition to providing crucial support during the event of an emergency, batteries also provide long-term benefits when paired with a solar panel system. This pairing allows for users to have more control over their power, giving them the ability to take advantage of time of use (TOU) rates to increase their energy savings. This setup also allows you to be more independent from the grid, letting you store and use energy when you need it – including during an emergency.
Natural disasters are an unfortunate reality that we may have to deal with more frequently as our environment continues to deteriorate. Still, there are steps you can take to protect your home, your property, and your family. Backup batteries offer security, reliability, and sustainability. It is critical that you be prepared in the event of an emergency. We encourage you to consider the long-term benefits of an energy storage system and are here to help answer any other questions you may have. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you along your clean energy journey.