Why have a battery backup power supply?
Extreme weather is here to stay. Too much cold, heat, wind, snow, and ice – have all played a part in disrupting life at times. Storm-related power outages caused by extreme weather are happening more often too. Whether it’s heavy rain, high winds, or even extremely hot weather, the power grid can be taxed beyond capacity or taken offline at any time. It may be it’s just a few minutes or hours until the grid is restored – but what happens when it’s out for a longer time?
Recent history tells us that cold weather can knock the lights out for days. In a cold-weather state like Michigan, where ice storms are prevalent and the damage to the grid can be extensive, the impact of longer power losses can go from losing the food in the fridge and freezer, to a serious safety concern. The way to remain safe and secure when the power goes out is to have a backup power supply.
Until recently, having a backup power supply looked like a noisy, smelly generator in the garage or backyard. That generator needed to be tended continuously and kept supplied with some sort of fossil fuel like diesel, gasoline, or natural gas. For decades, homeowners have relied on fossil fuel backup generators to keep essential services going. Generators of this type come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can, depending on their size, keep at least critical systems online during a storm. But they do have their limitations. Fuel source availability and the need for regular operation and maintenance can make this option less than optimal for use in an emergency with an unknown duration.
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Peace of mind with solar battery backup power
The path to resilience and avoiding power outage worries for many is the installation of a home backup power system that includes a solar array and battery storage technologies. With a backup power system of this type, a home can have its critical systems online regardless of how long the grid is out of commission, with almost no maintenance and additional operational costs. In a recent power outage situation in Michigan for example, a customer reported their battery backup system attached to their solar array seamlessly picked up the electrical load to run their household. They kept their lights and essential services going for 96 hours uninterrupted until the grid came back online. (Learn more about battery backup systems )
Solar power systems with a battery backup require much less maintenance than the traditional backup generator, and because they are connected to the home power system, the battery backup system kicks in automatically and seamlessly when power from the grid is lost.
Solar with a backup battery system is not just a bad-weather solution. It’s also a way to lower electricity bills even further. A home solar system produces power whenever the sun is up. The power generated can be used during the day to reduce the amount of electricity bought from the power company. With a battery backup system, power produced during the day can also be stored to be used at night and further reduce the need to pull electricity from the grid. The battery stores power produced by the solar array during peak power production to be used to lower energy costs, and reduce dependence on the power company.
The experts at Michigan Solar Solutions can advise you on the best solar and battery backup systems for your home or business. Michigan Solar Solutions is a commercial and residential solar installer and electricity contractor serving Michigan’s lower peninsula. We have been creating healthier, more energy-efficient, and earth-friendly living spaces for fifteen years. Contact us today for a free consultation on making your home or business better prepared for storm-related power loss.