Homeowners around the world dread power outages and while some regions endure far more frequent outages due to bad weather or even lousy power management, planning to keep your home powered during an outage can seem daunting. However, as everyone’s power needs are quite different, there’s no reason you should be spending any more on power devices than you need to.
This informative guide assesses the best solutions to keep your home powered during an outage while evaluating the capacity each solution has to offer you as an individual.
1. Solar Power Backup Systems
If you require a fully powered home during lengthy outages, your best bet is solar power backup systems for your home. There are a couple of options to consider, although the Tesla Powerball and the generic PWRCell battery systems reign supreme. When it comes to Generac PWRCell vs Tesla Powerwall, it is best to evaluate detailed guides that break down the pros and cons each has to offer homeowners.
In most cases, these battery systems will be able to keep your home running despite lengthy outages. Therefore, it is suitable for homeowners who are generally energy-efficient enough to make use of solar power while still cutting wastage where possible. This is a top solution considering the battery system will capture and then store energy from your current eco-friendly solar power system.
2. Diesel Or Gas Powered Generators
In the event that outages are not a constant impending event in your region, a standard diesel or gas-powered generator is a suitable solution. As generators are available in various sizes, you will be able to evaluate your consumption and purchase a generator that will keep the necessities running during power outages.
The main downfalls of using generators during outages are that they are significantly costly to run. In addition to this, you will need to evaluate a safe storage area for both the generator as well as the fuel used to ensure ventilation requirements are met. Safe use of generators should always be assessed before use. However, the central positive aspect of diesel and gas generators is the various sizes available as you can opt for a significantly small and affordable unit if your intentions are only to keep a few lights on as well as other small appliances.
3. Solar Generators
Solar generators work quite differently to battery backup systems, although they are capable of keeping your home powered. The fixed unit will store power from solar panels that can later be used when necessary. As solar panels create DC electricity, this solution is only really suitable for powering DC lighting and appliances. However, some homeowners install an AC inverter for further use.
If you reside in a larger rural area, a wind generator is another eco-friendly solution to keeping your home powered. Wind power is, unfortunately, less popular in comparison to solar energy as a result of varying weather conditions, general relevant costs of installation, and ample space requirements. However, it is a viable solution for individual homeowners.
4. Portable Power Banks
Not everyone needs to have their entire homes powered during a short outage, which is why not everyone considers the purchase of large fixed units. What’s more, many homeowners are reluctant to invest in the initial costs of such units. Suppose you are hoping to keep a minimal number of small appliances running during an outage without having to invest in a large device. In that case, portable power banks are a perfect solution.
Such power supply units are also available in varying sizes that will provide various amounts of power. Therefore, you could purchase a small power bank that can charge only your mobile device, while you could also opt for a much larger portable power bank that could keep your TV on during outages. Even if you have a generator unit, these smaller power banks are incredibly handy to have in your home.
Evaluating Your Energy Consumption
Identifying your energy consumption is vital when it comes to finding a suitable power solution. This is because you will need to know the capabilities of your options. You can evaluate your usage with the help of informative tutorials and a few quick calculations. Identifying the types of appliances and lighting, you have in your home will be necessary.
When it comes to saving on energy consumption during outages, it is best to evaluate your general consumption and consider simple methods of reducing use. Moving towards an eco-friendly lifestyle will benefit both your budget as well as the environment.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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