If you experience regular power outages, it may be worth considering backup power from a battery system. You could use an air-cooled home generator powered by gasoline or propane, or a more expensive liquid-cooled generator. However, for a long-term solution, consider installing a set of backup batteries, which can be either dry or wet. 

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Dry batteries such as lithium-ion batteries do not work well in extreme temperatures, while wet batteries use a liquid electrolyte to generate electricity, with lead-acid batteries being a popular choice.

Connecting your battery storage system to a solar panel system can provide a renewable source of power. Solar batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall, can charge your battery system with solar energy. If you cannot afford a full set of solar panels and a large battery backup system, a portable battery with a solar charger may be a more budget-friendly option.

Also: Battery backup vs standby generators

Before deciding on the size of your backup system, consider your needs and do some calculations to ensure it will be adequate. A backup power system can provide peace of mind during power outages, but it's important to choose the right system first.

Tesla Powerwall +

Best home battery overall

Tesla Pros & Cons Pros

• 10-year warranty
• Stack up to 10
• Dedicated app for power management
• Great power distribution

Cons

• Very expensive
• Only compatible with Tesla-branded solar panels

More Details

Features: Capacity:13.5kWh (kilowatt-hour)Power source:Solar panelsControls:Dedicated appMulti-unit configurations:Yes

The Tesla Powerwall is a leading battery backup system that simplifies your switch to backup battery power. With the ability to recharge using solar PV panels, you can rely on stored solar energy during power outages.

The Powerwall + provides an energy capacity of 13.5kWh and a power rating of 7.6kW, delivering continuous power of 5.8kW in the absence of sunlight. It comes with a ten-year guarantee and can be monitored and managed through its app. However, you can only purchase a Powerwall if you also buy Tesla's solar panels.

To ensure you have the right-sized backup batteries for your home, you can connect up to 10 Powerwalls. It's recommended to use the Tesla Powerwall with a solar panel system for optimal results. Additionally, some states such as WA (22%) offer a Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit to help with costs.

Do you have a Tesla or other EV vehicle? Check out our best home EV chargers

View now at Tesla

Generac PWRcell

Best home battery for third-party solar panels

Generac Pros & Cons Pros

• Modular design
• Intuitive app and control unit
• 10-year warranty
• Works with most solar panels

Cons

• Very, very expensive
• Price doesn't include solar panels or installation

More Details

Feature: Capacity: Up to 36kWh  Power source: Solar panels  Controls: Dedicated app and control unit  Multi-unit configurations: Yes

The Generac PWRcellsystem offers 9kWh of storage capacity through three Lithium Ion battery modules, each rated at 3.0kWh. The system includes an inverter and a battery storage cabinet, making it a comprehensive solution for backup power needs.

One advantage of the PWRcell is its compatibility with solar panels from various manufacturers, ensuring flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in. Its modular design allows you to expand your storage capacity in increments of 3kWh, up to 36kWh. It also comes with a ten-year limited guarantee and can be easily managed and monitored through its app.

View now at Generac

Panasonic EverVoltDC Coupled Battery System

Best modular design home battery

Panasonic Pros & Cons Pros

• 10-year warranty
• Modular design
• Stack up to 3 units

Cons

• Not as adaptable as other systems

More Details

Features: Capacity: Up to 102kWh  Power source: Solar panels  Controls: Dedicated app  Multi-unit configurations: Yes

The Panasonic EverVolt EVDC-105-4 Standard model is a DC-coupled battery storage system that provides 11.4kWh of storage capacity. Its modular design includes an integrated 5.5kW DC 120/240Vac inverter and PowerHub programmable controller. The system delivers a continuous battery output power of 4.8kW at 25A current and offers an average backup capability of six hours.

This battery storage system is user-friendly, with an app available to monitor and control it. Additionally, it comes with a ten-year warranty, providing peace of mind and long-term reliability.

View now at Panasonic

Enphase IQBattery 10T

Best home battery for smaller homes

Enphase Pros & Cons Pros

• Perfect for most homes
• Automatic remote updates
• Great warranty

Cons

• Extended warranty costs extra

More Details

Features: Capacity: 10.08kWh  Power source: Solar panels  Controls: Dedicated app  Multi-unit configurations: Yes

The Enphase IQ Battery 10T offers a high-energy capacity of 10.5kWh and delivers 5.76kVA at peak output. It consists of three base Encharge 3T storage units, which use Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) batteries with a power rating of 3.84KW.

This battery storage system cools passively, with no moving parts or fans, ensuring silent operation. Additionally, it comes with a ten-year limited warranty and a mobile app that allows for easy monitoring and control. Professional installation is necessary for this battery storage system.

View now at Enphase

What is the best home battery backup system?

In my opinion, the Tesla Powerwall+stands out as the best option for a whole-home battery backup system. With a capacity of 13.5kWh, it offers plenty of energy storage to get you through power outages. The 10-year warranty also provides peace of mind that the product is built to last. The companion app is user-friendly and allows for easy monitoring and management of energy distribution and usage. Plus, the ability to connect up to 10 Powerwall+ units makes it a highly adaptable choice for changing energy needs.

Home battery	Price	Where to Buy	Warranty	Capacity	Power Source Controls	Multi-Unit Configurations
Tesla Powerwall +	$12,000	Tesla website	10 years	13.5kWh	Dedicated app	Yes, up to 10
Generac PWRcell	$20,000	Generac website	10 years	Up to 36kWh	Dedicated app/control	Yes
Panasonic EverVolt DC Coupled	$15,880	Panasonic website	10 years	Up to 102kWh	Dedicated app	Yes, up to 3
Enphase IQ Battery 10T	$10,000	Enphase website	10 years	10.08kWh	Dedicated app	Yes

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on location, installation, and other factors.

Which battery backup system is right for you?

You'll need to determine the wattage and voltage consumption of your entire household. Thankfully, Lowe's has a handy worksheet to help you figure out your power needs. Once you know know how many watts and volts your appliances use, you'll want to add at least 20% to the total; that way, if you add electronics or appliances, or something that starts to draw more power than usual, your system will be able to keep up.

And if retail and installation pricing seems a bit steep, many places offer some sort of payment plan so you can break the final cost into more affordable, monthly payments.

Buy this home battery backup...	If you need...
Tesla Powerwall+	A well-rounded and expandable home battery backup
Generac PWRcell	A home battery backup system that's compatible with third-party solar panels
Panasonic EverVolt	A modular battery backup system for changing power needs
Enphase IQ	A compact battery backup system for smaller homes

How did we choose these home battery backup systems?

In selecting the best home battery backup system, it's important to take into account various technical factors, such as peak, start, and running voltage and amperage. These permanent installations must be capable of handling the electrical load of all the appliances in the house on a daily basis. Choosing a system with inadequate capacity can cause electrical wiring problems, while selecting a system with excess capacity not only ensures smooth operation but also allows for future expansion as power needs change. Pricing and installation costs are also essential factors to consider when making a decision.

How do home batteries work?

Home batteries store energy generated by your solar panels or from the grid during off-peak hours, so that you can use it later when energy prices are higher or during power outages. They typically use Lithium-ion batteries, which are more efficient and durable than other battery technologies.

Do I need a home battery if I already have solar panels?

While solar panels can generate energy during the day, they don't produce electricity at night or during cloudy weather, making it necessary to use energy stored in batteries. Additionally, batteries allow you to be more independent from the grid, which can save you money and increase your home's energy security.

What type of home battery backup system do I need?

Backup battery systems are generally charged by utility grid electricity or solar power. If you live in an area where you get great levels of sunshine, then consider using solar power to charge your batteries up during the day. 

Check out: The 5 best solar chargers

Alternatively, if your power outages are infrequent, then consider topping up the batteries using electricity when the cost is low.

How much power do I need?

To ensure that your battery system can meet your power needs, you should first check the capacity of the batteries. This capacity is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (KWh). Additionally, you should measure the surge current requirements of the devices you want to power, especially if you plan to start a motor, such as a sump pump. Keep in mind that powering high-demand devices like pool filters or air conditioning units for extended periods may not be feasible with a battery system.

Cost is also an important factor to consider when designing a battery system. If your power requirements exceed 15KWh of inverter power or 30KWh per day for your batteries, the cost of the system may become prohibitive. It's also important to take into account potential inefficiencies, voltage drops, and other losses to ensure that your system can handle any situation that may arise. By considering all of these factors, you can design a battery system that meets your needs while staying within your budget.

How much load do you need from my battery backup system?

You will need to carefully consider peak load in KWh per day when calculating the size of battery power you need. If your energy requirements are low -- such as lighting -- then most backup systems will be able to cope with this. However, if you need to run items like sump pumps, air conditioning, or heavy start load items, then you will need to consider peak loads, too.

Are there alternative home battery backup systems to consider?

Sometimes, you don't need a continuous supply of backup power. That's where smaller, more emergency oriented units come in to provide backup power only when you need it. Here is a short list of emergency power stations I thought were great choices:

The EcoFlow Delta Max 2000 is a good alternative due to its high power capacity and portability, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

EcoFlow Delta Max 2000

$3,199 at Amazon

The Ego Power+ Nexus is ideal to due its affordable price point and compatibility with a variety of Ego Power+ tools and accessories.

Ego Power+ Nexus

$549 at Walmart

Finally, the CyberPower PR2200LCDSL has a reliable power supply and surge protection capabilities, making it a great option for home and office use.

CyberPower PR2200LCDSL

$855.95 at Walmart

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