| Backup Power Systems |
Energy Alternatives carries a wide variety of backup electrical power systems. We can design a backup power system to run pretty much any load you can imagine. The price of these systems is directly related to the capacity. You must consider answers to these questions in order to pick the best backup solution:
- What loads do you want to be able to operate during an outage
- How long do you want those loads to be operated for?
Generators vs Battery/Inverter systems
There are similarities & differences between backup systems. Both
solutions provide electricity when the grid power is unavailable. How
they go about achieving this goal is vastly different.
A generator's energy is stored in the fuel (Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas, or Diesel) it burns. You must store enough fuel so that you can operate the generator for as long as the outage. Propane is an excellent fuel for storage. When the generator is on, 100% of the capacity of the system is available, if you need it or not. You will have a finite running time if you can not locate more fuel (which is possibly hard to find in an outage situation).
A battery/inverter system uses energy that is stored in batteries. Batteries are charged by a number of methods. In most backup systems, the grid charges the batteries and keeps them charged and will recharge them once the grid comes back online. One can use a generator to charge batteries, or use the sun, wind or falling water. One can even generate electricity by human power.
Batteries deliver to you the exact amount of power you require at that moment. The running time of the system is directly related to your loads. For instance, if you know the outage will be longer-term, you can only operate the most essential loads; whereas if you know the outage will only be brief you can use up much more power knowing the batteries will be charged up by the grid when it comes back online soon.
Some systems may be a generator only, some systems may be batteries only. Other systems may involve both generators and batteries, as well as add other charging sources such as wind or solar that can be used year-round.
Generators are good for larger power requirements. Generators require maintenance, as with all engines. A generator that will not start when you need it due to lack of maintenance is not very useful to you. Smaller generators may be portable, larger units are stationary or affixed to a trailer. Generators also require fuel - your generator is only as reliable as your fuel supply. Small portable generators can easily use as much fuel as your car has in it's tank in a day.
If you desire a generator we recommend that you look towards a hardwired,
stationary standby generator such as the Onan RS12000. This unit will
easily operate a full home or small to medium sized office, including
major appliances, furnaces, hot water, electric heat, etc. Fuel options
include Propane (LPG) or Natural Gas (CNG). Options include automatic
control/transfer panels for fast, automatic transfer to generator power.
Batteries are generally best suited to modest power loads, such as what would be found in a home or office if you remove the electrical heating loads. Battery based systems vary in size, from the smallest system to operate a few lights and a radio to larger systems that will operate most major appliances, except for heating loads. Battery/inverter systems can be located almost anywhere, does not require the storage of fuel, maintenance, oil changes, etc.
With the addition of other charging sources such as solar or wind, your battery power system can replenish itself and allow for extended outages. Remember, there are tens of thousands of people that live their daily lives with a solar system as their primary source of power. There's no reason why you can't do the same.
Portable Power Systems - These systems are simple to operate and ready to go, ideal for simple backup power requirements. These are popular, economically priced power systems for people looking for a simple and portable solution.
Advanced backup power systems. These systems are custom-built according to your requirements. The main component is a Power Panel that consists of the inverter as well as charge controllers, fuses and safety disconnects. These systems are hardwired into your electrical system, often connected to a sub-panel that contains all the essential loads you wish to operate in the event of a power outage. Sizes range from 2.5 kW through to 29 kW, in both 120 VAC and 240 VAC configurations. The inverter size will dictate what loads can be operated by the system.
The other essential component of the advanced backup power systems are the battery bank. The larger the battery bank, the longer the system will provide power. There are several different types of batteries possible, we will recommend the most appropriate system for your application.
This system will operate loads such as lights, TV, stereo, computer including laser printers, fax machines, microwaves, furnace fan, small water pumps, refrigeration and freezing, but not all at once. The inverter is capable of producing 2.5 kW continuous, and will surge to 6 kW for short periods of time. This translates into roughly one large load and several smaller loads.
This system will operate similar loads to above, except with 3.5 kW of power so you can run up to three large items at the same time. Washing, Furnaces, microwave, water pumps, etc. can all be run without worry of overloading the inverter.
This is a large and powerful system, with 6.0kW of continuous power surging to 12 kW. This system will keep most loads in a home or small business operating (with the exception of large electric heater loads such as hot water tanks, electric stoves and electric heaters). The output is pure sine wave, running even the most sensitive electronics without a worry.
Installation
All of the Backup Power systems systems listed above require installation
by a qualified professional. If you are comfortable with advanced wiring,
you may be able to do this yourself. Otherwise , you can contact your
local electrician. We include full step-by-step instructions for a successful
installation. Installation will vary from a few hours to 1 day depending
on the complexity of your system. The prefabricated power panels reduce
installation time tremendously - there are three main connections - AC
input (from power grid or generator); AC output (to sub panel or direct
to loads) and the DC connection to the battery bank.
Custom Backup Power Systems
Please contact Energy Alternatives to further discuss your backup power requirements. We will interview you and determine your exact requirements and provide a customized power system tailored to your needs.
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