A battery backup system allows you to power your house during power outages. Coupled with solar panels, they can provide enough energy you can use at night. But how big should the battery backup be? Let’s find out.
Types of Batteries for Home Backup
There are four types of batteries for backup. They include LiFePO4, lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow batteries, and saltwater batteries.
LiFePO4
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are touted as one of the most efficient types of batteries in the market. They use LiFePO4 as their cathode material which offers more advantages than conventional lithium batteries.
For one, they have a high energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a compact package. A perfect example is BLUETTI batteries. They are compact yet high-density units.
Secondly, they have a long cycle life, which means you can recharge many times without degrading them. Their fast charging and safety features make them a favorite for most homeowners.
Lead-acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sulphuric acid and lead to function. The lead is submerged in the sulphuric for a chemical reaction to take place. It is this reaction that produces electricity.
Charging the lead acid battery reverses the electrochemical reaction. That is, it converts electrical energy from the charger into chemical energy. Contrary to popular belief, the lead acid battery does not store electricity; it stores the chemical energy that produces electricity.
Lead acid batteries are the most popular and are a favorite for many thanks to their durability and reliability.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Another popular battery type is the lithium-ion option. They are used in most electronic devices powering cell phones, laptops, and EV vehicles. It consists of two current collectors, separator, anode, cathode, and electrolyte. The electrolyte facilitates the flow of positively charged ions, while the cathode and anode store the lithium.
Perhaps the chief benefit of lithium-ion batteries is their longer lifespan. They can run for over 10 years with proper handling. They are also lighter than lead acid options. Besides, they have a higher energy density, meaning they can handle high energy demands.
Nickel Cadmium
This battery type used nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium electrodes. Potassium hydroxide is used as the electrolyte. The benefits of using nickel cadmium batteries are their long cycle life, high discharge rate, and temperature resilience.
That said, they contain toxic chemicals such as nickel that are harmful to your health. They also require high maintenance for them to perform efficiently.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are a new entrant in the market. Thanks to the high adoption of renewable energy, there’s been a growing need for batteries that can store excess energy. And flow batteries have proven to be the most reliable.
The electrochemical device can store hundreds of megawatts-hours of energy, powering your home for days on a single charge. Unlike lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, the electrochemical reactions occur separately from where the energy is stored. As such, if you want to increase the energy output, you only need to increase the reactor tank’s capacity.
Factors That Determine Battery System Size
The battery size depends on the load capacity and storage capacity. Load capacity is the amount of power a battery can output. Measured in kilowatts, it indicates the continuous and surge capacity. Continuous capacity is the amount of power a battery outputs to meet normal energy demands. Surge capacity is the power needed in moments of heightened demand, such as when a refrigerator starts.
Storage capacity is the total energy a battery can hold. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the amount of energy you use. Most batteries for backup have a 13kWh rating.
So, to determine the ideal battery size, consider the following factors:
Energy needs
Homeowners install battery systems for different needs. You can calculate your energy demand by listing all the appliances the battery will be running, making sure to include the surge capacity of all the large appliances.
Electric load
To understand your electric load, you need to determine how much energy you use. An average American home uses at least 886 kWh per month. However, the estimation varies depending on the size of the family and location. Knowing how much energy you use will help you gauge the ideal battery system size.
Solar system output
If you use a solar system with your batteries, you’ll need to consider the solar’s output. Will the output be enough to charge the batteries fully? We recommend buying solar panels that will produce more than the energy you need.
How Big of a Battery Backup Do I Need for My House?
The battery size required for your house will depend on your energy needs. But the following two factors can help you make the right choice.
How Much Power Do You Need？
The power needed is the electrical load, which is the power needed to power the appliances in your house. A simple way to know the electric load is to consult your monthly utility bill.
You need to determine the appliances you’ll be running when there’s a power outage and the solar panels are not producing energy. This way, you can save on electric bills. Often, you’d want to run critical appliances when there’s a power outage. Keep this in mind when choosing the size of battery backup.
If however, your goal is to go off the grid completely, you need to calculate the electric load of your entire house. This will help you buy the precise size of battery backup as well as solar panels.
You can calculate electric load by adding all your appliance’s wattage. The rating is often imprinted on the back of electric devices. Thankfully, there are many energy use calculators that can help you estimate your house’s electrical load.
How Much Power Your Battery Supplies？
The other aspect affecting the size of the battery is the power it supplies. Batteries with a smaller power capacity tend to come in a compact design. On the other side, high capacity batteries come in a bulky design. So, if you want a battery that can power a large house, you should opt for a larger option and vice versa.
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Tips for Choosing Home Battery Backup
Types of Battery
Batteries come in different chemicals and compositions. And each has its individual efficiency. While lead-acid batteries have been the most popular among homeowners, lithium-ion options are becoming a preferred option.
The Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery is the most famous and more efficient while the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery has a longer life span and is safer to use.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is the amount of energy the battery can store. Batteries have total and usable capacities. The storage capacity is how long it can run your appliances. Installing a battery of at least 10kWh is sufficient to power your entire house.
Integration with Solar Panel
Integrating your home battery backup with solar panels can improve its performance significantly. It allows you to draw power during power outages. Besides, it allows you to install a larger and more efficient backup system.
Smart Energy Management Systems
A Smart Energy Management (SEM) System allows you to monitor and control the backup system. Having one with an SEM system can enable you to monitor how much energy you consume per day, identify the appliances that consume most power, and adopt strategies to reduce power consumption.
Cost
Arguably, cost should be the chief determinant of the system you install in your house. They don’t come cheap. As such, you should aim to buy and install one that is within your budget. Luckily, most states provide tax credits and incentives, lowering the installation cost.
Maintenance and Longevity
You want to buy a home battery backup that will serve you for decades. And premium options do offer this convenience such as BLUETTI backup systems. The system should also be easy and cheap to maintain. Avoid systems that require technician input.
BLUETTI 3 Battery Backup for Your House
BLUETTI AC500 + B300S | Home Battery Backup
If you want a battery backup to power small appliances in your home, consider buying this model. With a 5,000W rated power and 10,000W surge power, it is ideal for basically any small to medium appliance. Whether you want to power your router or coffee machine, this home battery backup got you sorted.
Perhaps a major advantage is that you can expand it to 18,432Wh, powering your entire home for days during power outages. And since it is quiet, compact, and lightweight, you can place it in a tight space or even along the corridors.
The model has 16 outlets and 6 ways to recharge it. This is a cost-effective option for people on a budget. As a LiFePO4 battery,
BLUETTI EP500 Solar Power Station | 2,000W 5,100Wh
Looking for a more robust battery backup system? Why not get yourself this LiFePO4 workhorse with a 5100Wh rating? Just the right capacity to power crucial appliances. Whether you are on a camping trip, hosting a party, or experiencing a power outage, this power station got you covered.
Like most BLUETTI battery backup options, it has 15 outlets ranging from lighter port, USB-A, to 110V AC. So, if you want to connect your laptop, refrigerator, or coffee maker, you can never go wrong with this option. The rubberized wheels make it easy to transport it around your home.
BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup
If your energy needs are aplenty, you’ll need a very robust home battery backup system. And this is what this model affords you. With a 9,920Wh capacity, expandable to 19,849Wh, you have the right unit for basically all energy needs. Unlike other power stations, this model allows you to connect 120V and 240V devices.
The IP65 water resistance rating makes it compatible with outdoor installation. And you’ll love the fact that it is compatible with existing and new solar systems. If your state has net metering, then the power station will allow you to sell excess electricity to the grid.
Final thoughts
Consider your electric load, energy needs, and solar system inclusion when choosing the size of a battery backup. The system should store enough energy to meet your demands. In fact, it should provide slightly higher than the maximum power needed. Consider buying one from BLUETTI.
