Solar backup power supply. Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Comparing battery backup options: whole-home backup, solar generators, and UPS’s

The bad news first. Blackouts are becoming more frequent, with major outages now 10 times more common than they were in the mid-1980s, according to one study. This worsening power situation is the result of aging transmission grids and increasing extreme weather events induced by climate change.

These power headaches come at a bad time; we now have more devices and are working from home more than ever before, meaning our need for a constant and reliable supply of electricity is only growing.

Now the good news: in recent years, there have been many technological advancements when it comes to battery backup solutions, so much so that many experts are calling this the ‘golden age of batteries’. There is now a whole range of battery products across different segments of the market, all cheaper and more powerful than their predecessors.

So what battery backup solutions should you be looking at? Should you get a UPS, a whole-home battery, or something in between? This blog will help you figure that out. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each option, their costs, and then recommend the best ones for you to buy.

Editorial note: This is an unbiased review; we have no financial ties with any of the companies mentioned, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.

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Which type of battery backup is right for you?

Here are the most popular types of battery backup. Choose the right device based on your needs.

Used for: Short-term backup power

We’ve all been there: you’re finishing up an important task on one of your devices when the power goes out. Whatever it was. a work project, an online form submission, or maybe even a video game. the power outage resulted in loss of unsaved data, and along with it all of your progress, your momentum, and the time it will take you to get back to where you were. Or even worse, there’s a surge of power that fries the power unit in your device, rendering it useless.

Enter the UPS, which is short for Uninterruptible Power Supply. It offers surge protection to multiple devices, protecting them during storms and brownouts. In the event of a power outage, it will keep them on long enough for you to finish what you’re doing, save your work (or play), and safely shut down.

UPS’s are especially useful in protecting servers, which can suffer hardware damage and data losses if there is voltage fluctuation or a blackout. They have been serving this purpose for many years now, and have been a common feature in homes and offices since the 1990s.

With the passage of time, UPS’s have become smaller, more powerful and, best of all, cheaper. You can also find UPS’s designed for different sub-purposes, for instance a mini-UPS or router-UPS. These are smaller UPS’s designed specifically to backup your Wi-Fi router. They have a small, unobtrusive form factor and generally provide up to four hours of backup for a stand router. This is an easy way to ensure uninterrupted internet access for your mobile devices and laptops during a longer blackout.

A UPS is best if you:

• Are on a budget
• Run a server and you want to protect yourself from hardware failure or data loss caused by a brownout or sudden shutdown
• Work on a PC and you want to be able to save your work and safely shut down if needed
• Want several hours of backup power for a single small device, such as a Wi-Fi router

Used for: Powering multiple appliances for several hours

Solar generators aren’t really generators at all. they’re actually portable battery storage systems. However, because they are used for the same purposes as traditional generators. that is, providing a steady source of backup power. the name ‘solar generator’ has stuck.

Solar generators offer a great deal of flexibility. In addition to being portable, they can be charged in many different ways:

• With the provided solar panels (which are small and easy to set up)
• Via a wall charger that that can be plugged into a regular wall socket
• In some cases, via a charger that can be connected to a car’s 12V socket

There are other advantages that solar generators have over traditional diesel-powered generators. For one, they are completely silent. Furthermore, they usually come equipped with a large number of USB ports, 12V DC sockets, and 120V AC power outlets, making them a more versatile option.

Once fully charged, solar generators offer between 0.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and 2 kWh, depending on the size and model. Battery backup of 0.5 kWh will allow you to run small emergency items like a modem, lights, and small fans for several hours. With 2 kWh of battery backup, you have a couple of options: power the aforementioned small emergency items for as long as a day, or you can opt for a few hours but with additional things like a fridge and TV on, as well.

Just note that if you want to use your solar generators for home backup power. as opposed to their typical outdoor uses. you’ll need to connect it to your electrical panel via a generator transfer switch, same as you would with a traditional diesel-powered generator.

Your other option is to simply carry the solar generator to where you want to use it.

A solar generator is best if you:

• Want to run and charge multiple appliances, as well as charge devices for several hours during a blackout
• Need a portable solution than can be carried around the home, and even used for camping or other outdoor activities

Used for: Powering your house for hours, or even days

A whole-home battery is a battery system that’s capable of powering an entire home. They are designed to handle high instantaneous power loads, meaning they can run several large appliances simultaneously. They also have large storage capacities, which enables continuous operation for many hours at a time.

Whole-home batteries are often called ‘solar batteries’, since it is most common to use them in conjunction with a solar panel setup. The reason for this is simple: when a solar battery is purchased with solar panels, it automatically qualifies not just for the 30% federal solar tax credit, but for a variety of state and other local incentives, too. most notably California’s SGIP rebate program.

The best battery backup products to consider

The table below shows our top recommendations for each category of battery backup. Scroll down to see a short review of each product.

All for whole-home batteries are before installation and incentives

Best UPS’s

There’s not a whole lot to differentiate the different UPS’s on the market, but here are two products from two leading UPS brands that caught our attention.

APC Back-UPS BE600M1

APC has a wide range of UPS products; the Back-UPS BE600M1 is their budget option. Image source: APC

Best: Budget

Price: 89.99 Buy Now

Key features: Small form factor, seven 120V sockets, 1.5A USB port

Capacity: 330 watts / 600 VA

This is a wallet-friendly model from APC, which is one of the top manufacturers of UPS’s. Users are happy with its low price, compact size, how it’s lightweight, and its good socket layout. It also has an easily replaceable battery.

The 600 VA won’t give you a ton of backup power, but it’s enough to allow you to safely wrap up your work and shut down your PC. It works silently, without the annoying beeps that you sometimes hear from cheaper UPS’s.

Five of the seven sockets are also surge protected, which means that this unit offers a cheap way to protect your electronics.

A minor quibble to be aware of: some users also complain that the LED power indicator is too bright, making the unit unsuitable for a bedroom.

All said, this is a good option if you want a cheap UPS for the house.

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD

The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD offers plenty of juice for power-hungry appliances. Image source: CyberPower

Best: Power use

Price: 238.00 Buy Now (Amazon)

Key features: Sine waveform, 12 120V outlets, Type A C USB ports (3.1A shared)

Capacity: 1500 VA / 1000W

CyberPower is another established player in the UPS market. The CP1500PFCLCD is aimed at power users, and it looks the part: it’s got a large, mini-tower form factor, with a prominent colored LCD display on the front.

On the back it features 12 sockets, half of them connected to the battery and the remaining ones simply surge-protected. It also adds ethernet line protection, a handy extra.

At 1500 VA, it offers more than twice the backup power of our budget option. Even more impressive, when tested by the NYTimes Wirecutter team, it was found to put out 930 watts, which should be enough to handle even the biggest home office or home entertainment setups.

Best solar generators

Here are the solar generators we recommend to our readers.

Jackery Explorer 500

Jackery’s Explorer 500 is a great mid-sized solar generator that won’t break the bank. Image source: Jackery

Best: Value

Price: 499.99 Buy Now

Key features: Very powerful despite its small size, ideal for traveling, serves as a great emergency backup power supply

Capacity: 518 Wh

Best 5 Solar Battery Backup in 2023: What Is, How It Works, and

Gone are the days when homeowners relied on traditional fossil-fuel-based backup systems like gas-guzzling generators. With the advent of solar technology, people prefer solar generators to keep the lights on when power goes out. The solar battery backup in the generator stores clean, safe, and renewable energy generated by the solar panels.

When intense weather knocks the power off, the solar backup battery system supplies the stored electrical energy to power all small and large appliances, including refrigerators, lights, microwaves, etc. In this article, Jackery picks the five best solar backup systems that will meet your power needs and budget preferences.

Who Should Get a Solar Battery Backup?

In short, anyone looking to reduce their electricity bills, prepare themselves for power outages, or lower their carbon footprint should consider investing in a home battery backup solution. Some other reasons to invest in the solar power solution include the following:

Emergency Preparedness

Homeowners living in areas with frequent power outages. brownouts, or blackouts should consider investing in battery backup. As solar power stations use the sun’s energy to work, they can provide a constant and reliable electricity supply when the grid is down.

Lower Electricity Bills

Many homeowners are tired of high electricity bills, and switching to solar energy to power home appliances can help you save money by reducing energy costs. These solar power stations work in tandem with solar panels to convert and store electricity during the day and power appliances during the night.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

If you are concerned about the high carbon emissions and their negative impact on the environment, a solar battery backup solution is all you need. Unlike gas generators that use fossil fuels to work, solar solutions provide a clean and renewable energy source. Thus, it makes them environmentally friendly and helps you reduce your carbon footprint.

If you already use solar panels to produce electricity, investing in a solar power battery backup system will help you double its benefits. You can purchase a home battery backup without solar panels to produce the excess electricity generated. While solar power panels help you generate power during the day, portable power stations store it to charge appliances during the night.

Best Solar Battery Backups in 2023

Jackery is a renowned solar product manufacturing brand offering high-quality solar panels and portable power stations. Below we introduce the five best solar battery backups in 2023.

Best Solar Battery Backup For Most Use – Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is one of the most powerful charging solutions that consist of Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro and 2SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. The battery capacity of 3024Wh can charge 99% of home or outdoor appliances, like microwaves, refrigerators, and even RVs, for long hours. In addition, it features an ultra-fast solar charging ability, ensuring you can power the solar battery in 3-4 hours.

Best Features

• Nine temperature sensors and an independent air duct design for maximum safety.
• Advanced Interdigitated Back Contact technology for maximum light absorption.
• Resilient in cold temperatures up to. 20°C /. 4°F.

Customer Review

“Used this during my last camping trip, and it is awesome! Powered my microwave, portable fridge/freezer, 2 heated blankets at night, and I still have plenty of battery left the next day. Didn’t have to worry about recharging as I brought my 2 Solar Saga 200s with me. Very happy with this unit. New App is awesome as well.” – Christian.

Best Solar Battery Backup System For Home – Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro has a battery capacity of 2160Wh with 4400W peak power and 2200W AC power. The first-rate lithium battery can charge 96% of home appliances, including e-bikes, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. The solar solution pack comprises Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station and SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. Using 6SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels, you can charge the power station in only 2.5 hours.

Best Features

• Fast solar charging solution.
• Quiet and peaceful to power indoor appliances.
• Press and play function makes it easy to use.

Customer Review

“This off-grid setup works excellently in the SW with abundant sunshine and is a great way to scale back on fossil fuels. We used this setup for our kitchen electric single burner for meals and an electric kettle for morning tea and coffee. The Jackery 2000 Pro charges quickly with (2) 200-watt solar panels. Very happy with it!” – Lorina M.

Best Solar Battery Backup For Work – Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro

Homeowners and working professionals can choose Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro. built using the latest technology. Users get a pack of Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro, SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels, and an upgraded carrying bag for the power station. It has a battery capacity of 1512Wh that can charge eight devices simultaneously. Further, it’s 20% lighter than other generators of similar battery capacity, making it ideal for short trips.

Best Features

• Small in size but highly powerful.
• Supports 95% of commonly used appliances.
• Easy to use with a simple press button.

Customer Review

“I have four of these units, two at home and two at my cabin. They are perfect to run indoors to back up refrigerators and fans if the power is out and give you all the power you need in the backwoods to charge batteries and phones. I highly recommend them as a way to be worry-free in the backcountry or if there is a power outage.” – Joshua O’ Neill

Best Solar Battery Backup For Outdoor – Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Solar Generator 1000 Pro consists of a Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station with a battery capacity of 1002Wh and Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. With four solar panels of 200 watts, you can charge the power station in 1.8 hours. It is compact and features a foldable handle for easy transportation and storage during outdoor trips.

What Are Solar Batteries

Without somewhere to send energy produced by your solar panels, solar would be fairly inefficient—your appliances would only work when the sun is shining and your panels are working. If you don’t use the energy, it’d be wasted—and you wouldn’t be able to use it at night. Enter solar batteries, which store energy generated by your panels for use when you actually need it. Solar batteries are an alternative (or addition to) feeding energy back to the grid and can help you make your house or facility somewhat immune from power outages and even help take it off-grid entirely.

Solar batteries hold the key to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy. As sunlight is converted into electricity by solar panels, any extra energy generated during sunny periods can be captured and stored within these batteries for future use. This also ensures a continuous power supply all year round.

Inside the solar battery, chemical reactions take place to store the surplus electricity as potential energy. So, when electricity is needed when the sun isn’t shining, such as during nighttime or overcast days, the stored energy is converted back into usable electricity and readily supplied to your home.

By allowing homeowners to maximize their solar energy consumption, solar batteries increase the reliability of solar power systems and decrease dependence on the conventional power grid. The ability to store and utilize solar energy even during periods of limited sunlight makes solar power a more practical and efficient choice for renewable energy.

Solar Battery Types

The four main types of batteries used in the world of solar power are lead-acid, lithium ion, nickel cadmium and flow batteries.

Lead-Acid

Lead-acid batteries have been in use for decades and are one of the most common types of battery used in automotive and industrial applications. They have a low energy density (meaning they cannot hold much energy per kg of weight), but remain both cost-effective and reliable and thus have become a common choice for use in a home solar setup.

Lead-acid batteries come in both flooded and sealed varieties and can be classified as either shallow cycle or deep cycle depending on the intended function and safe depth of discharge (DOD). Recent technological advancements have improved the lifespan of these batteries and lead-acid continues to be a viable option for many homeowners.

Lithium-Ion

The technology behind lithium-ion batteries is much newer than that of other battery types. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density and offer a smaller, lighter and more efficient option. They allow the user to access more of the energy stored within the battery before needing to be recharged, making them great for use in laptops and phones—and in your home.

The major drawback of lithium-ion batteries is the significantly higher cost to the consumer. If improperly installed lithium-ion batteries also have the potential to catch fire due to an effect called thermal runaway.

Nickel-Cadmium

Nickel-cadmium batteries are rarely used in residential settings and are most popular in airline and industrial applications due to their high durability and unique ability to function at extreme temperatures. Nickel-cadmium batteries also require relatively low amounts of maintenance when compared to other battery types.

Unfortunately, cadmium is a highly toxic element that, if not disposed of properly, can have a significant negative impact on our environment.

Flow

Flow batteries depend on chemical reactions. Energy is reproduced by liquid-containing electrolytes flowing between two chambers within the battery. Though flow batteries offer high efficiency, with a depth of discharge of 100%, they have a low energy density, meaning the tanks containing the electrolyte liquid must be quite large in order to store a significant amount of energy. This size makes them a costly and impractical option for most household use. Flow batteries are much better suited to larger spaces and applications.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

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Solar Battery Costs

The cost of a solar battery or battery system will depend on the type and size of the battery chosen. Generally, lead-acid batteries will incur a lower up-front cost to the consumer than lithium-ion batteries, but depending on how the batteries are used, investing in a lithium-ion battery could save money long-term.

A single lead-acid battery can cost between 200 and 800 or even more depending on the size/power of the battery. Multiple lead-acid batteries may be needed to keep a household powered completely. The average cost of a residential lithium-ion solar battery system with installation falls in the 7,000 to 14,000 range.

The of nickel-cadmium and flow batteries vary widely and depend on the size and scale of the installation. These batteries are not commonly used in residential dwellings and are better suited to commercial/industrial settings due to cost, durability, size, stability in extreme temperatures and requirements for disposal upon replacement.

Things to Look for When You’re Picking a Solar Battery

Several factors contribute to the performance of your solar battery. Before choosing your battery system, consider the following:

Type or Material

Among the types of batteries to choose from, each type offers a different major advantage. Weighing these pros and cons can help you decide which style is right for you. If you’re looking for something compact and longer-lasting, lithium-ion may be right for you. Lead-acid might be better for those conscious of more immediate budget constraints.

Battery Life

The “lifespan” of any battery is multifaceted; the age, type, quality and depth of discharge of the battery all contribute to its longevity. Referring to the manufacturer’s specifications for a battery can help you determine how long it’s likely to last.

In general, lead-acid batteries can last anywhere from one to 10 years depending on how they’re used. Lithium-ion batteries typically last seven to 15 years.

Depth of Discharge

Depth of discharge refers to how much of a battery’s stored energy is used before the battery is recharged. Typically, the deeper the battery is discharged, the shorter its lifespan will be. Batteries often come with both a cycle life estimate (indicating how many cycles it will last given a particular depth of discharge) and a recommended maximum depth of discharge.

Both lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries will decay more quickly when deeply discharged, but lead-acid batteries tend to offer a lower tolerance for deep discharges than lithium-ion batteries, significantly reducing life expectancy if deeply discharged on a regular basis.

Efficiency

Solar systems and batteries are not 100% efficient when transferring and storing the collected solar energy from panels to batteries, as some amount of energy is lost in the process. Depending on the amount of energy you’re able to generate from your panels and how your system is configured, it may be worth investing in a more expensive, more efficient battery. This can help save money long-term. Your solar panel efficiency and battery capacities will be calculated and your system explained to you by any competent sales and installation team, but our solar resources can help you understand exactly how your system works, too.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

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WaterSecure™ 3K Solar Backup for Well Pumps

EXTRA DISCOUNT THIS MONTH! SALE FREE SHIPPING! Buying after hours? Be sure to leave your phone number during checkout for a free Post-Purchase Water Assurance Call. to make sure you’ve got what you need to install.

Water Security when the grid goes down! Finally, Solar charged battery backup for existing grid-tied well pumps. The WaterSecure™ system allows for the running of a new or previously installed 110v or 220v Single Phase on a solar charged battery bank, delivering up to 3 ,000 watts of pure sine power for a 1/2HP pump. Plus, power household appliances like internet routers, coffee makers, lights, TV’s, home health equipment, fans, fridges, freezers, laundry machines and AC units. Yes! It’s finally possible! RPS is a growing 100% American-owned company of friendly, helpful solar water specialists who love our dogs, tractors, trucks and coffee. We are honored and blessed to have such great staff and customers all over this great country.

Kit Contents

• RPS 100W Rugged Aluminum Framed Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels
• Solar Wires (2 x 50ft)
• DC Cut-off Switch
• 3,000W Inverter/Charger
• PlugWiring for AC or 220V Generator backup (3 feet)
• Battery Wiring and Jumpers (2.5 feet)
• Deep Cycle 12V GEL Batteries
• NEMA L14-30 Plug for quick install
• Breaker/Fuse
• Detailed Full-Color Installation Manual
• 2 Year Comprehensive Warranty
• Free Access to DIY Success Center. a portal for RPS customers to connect with a huge library of guides and advice from engineers
• Phone/Email/Text Support from Friendly USA based RPS engineers

System is near universal with any traditional AC well pump motor, but let our engineers know if you have a question on compatibility. No pump? It will also work as an AC power system for off-grid home or cabin. Solar panel mounting is not included, visit our Pole Mounting or Scalable Ground Mounting pages for more info on mounting your solar panels.

Component Dimensions: