That’s the promise ofportable power stationsandhome batteries.
These devices are an effective way to supply backup power to your home and protect yourself from future outages.
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Here’s how to decide between a portable power station and a home battery backup.
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is a battery that can be charged up and used to power other electronics.
“It’s something you don’t think about until it happens,” he said.
The most common power capacity for these devices is 1,000 watts, according to Buchanan.
“It all depends on what you plug into it,” he said.
These power stations can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
It depends on the size of the battery and the types of features you want.
The higher the power and energy storage capacity, the higher the price tag.
What is a home battery?
you might use these in a few different ways.
If youtake advantage of time-of-use-rates, this could help you save money on your utility bills too.
The most common use for home batteries is to provide backup power to your home during a power outage.
“It’s basically your own power plant at home,” Buchanan said.
Can I use a portable power station as a power backup for my home?
Well, not quite.
A portable power station is better than nothing, though.
You could use it to keep phones charged or plug in a couple of other essential devices.
But it won’t keep your lights on or support major appliances for long.
When is a home battery worth it?
A home battery can also be a worthwhile investment if you’re pairing it withsolarand leveragingtime-of-use rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the energy storage capacity of a home battery?
There’s a big range here.
Home batteries can store as little as 3 kWhs or as much as 30 kWhs.
The average size is somewhere in the 10 kWh to 13 kWh area.
How much does a home battery cost?
The cost of home batteries typically depends on their energy storage capacity.
Will a home battery power my whole house?
If you size a home battery correctly, it can power your whole house for a couple of days.
But it depends on your appliances and the size of your home.
