Solar Battery Storage vs. Portable Power Stations: Which Backup Solution Fits Your Home?

In today's world there is no need to purchase a huge, gas guzzling generator in your driveway. Clean, silent battery technology has come a long way. At the same time as you're shopping for a solution however, you will be confronted by a choice. Should you invest in a permanent whole-home solar battery storage plan, or is a thick and powerful portable power station right for you? Both are using impressive technology, but they have very different applications. Let's dive into the pros and cons of each and help you decide what is right for your home.

The US Power Grid

To understand why you need a backup plan of some sort to the traditional power grid, you need to understand why the grid needs a backup plan for itself. The United States' power grid is old, creaking and being pushed to its limits. What once was a rare occurance of a few homes losing power at once is now days of power loss impacting entire counties.

For the modern homeowner, losing power means more than just a flashlight. It means loss of internet access if you are required to telework. It means medical equipment like CPAP machines power down. It means sump pumps in the basement cease working which can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in damage during a rainstorm. A power backup plan is ultimately an insurance plan for your day-to-day life.

Whole-Home Solar Battery Storage

When people talk about permanent solar battery storage, they are talking about large banks of batteries mounted along the wall of your garage or basement. These are hard wired directly into homes and utilize existing solar systems on the roof to store power generated during the day for use at night or during a blackout.

Hard-wired whole home systems offer the benefit of seamless integration. When the lights go out, the house notices the decrease in voltage and switches over to the stored battery power in a matter of seconds. You do not have to wrestle with extension cords, switches or outlets. Your life does not stop because your lights are off. Your central air conditioning will continue to function as if nothing happened. This is ultimately a luxury good.

Portable Power Stations

On the other side of the ring is portable power stations. This does not mean what you think it means. These units utilize cutting edge lithium battery technology in the same space as cars and whole home systems do. They are packaged with AC wall outlets, USB ports and heavy duty RV connections built directly into the front panel.

The benefit of a portable power station is the flexibility it offers. There is no installation needed. If the winter storm rolls through town, you simply wheel the unit into the kitchen, plug your fridge and microwave directly in and you're good to go. Safe to use inside the home as they do not emit carbon monoxide like gas generators, you can throw the unit in the back of your truck on weekends for tailgate parties.

Assessing Daily Power Needs for Your Home

The difference between these two comes down to the math of your everyday power needs. You need to identify whether you want to be able to power the whole house, or simply power the things you need to survive by keeping a few lights on. Whole home systems are designed to power hard wired appliances like electric water heaters, well pumps and central air conditioning. These push a huge amount of continuous watts.

Portable units require a slightly different approach. You might simply want enough power to be able to run your fridge, a few lamps, your television and your laptop. To get the most out of a portable solution you need quality equipment that will give you stable output and endurance. In the middle of this industry, top rated companies like SOUOP Power have stepped up to create advanced battery stations that give families exactly the amount of watts they need without the bloated cost of a hardwired system. Finding a brand that fits your needs will keep you from paying for more wattage than you will ever need.

Installation Realities

The most stark difference between the two comes out when you click the buy button. Permanent whole home solar battery storage is a huge home improvement project. You simply can not do this yourself. You have to hire licensed electricians, get the proper permits from your city, get building approvals and potentially deal with wait times from your utility company who handles your electricity.

Portable power stations eliminate the need for any of this. Your unit comes in the box on the front porch. You open the box, plug the unit into an outlet to charge and that is all there is to it. No permits, no contractors wading through mud in your home, no hidden installation fees.

Tax Credits & Value

If you're considering a permanent system, you are in luck. The United States government heavily incentivizes permanent solar and battery installations. Under the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) you can often claim a 30% tax credit on the total cost of your installation including the batteries and the labor. This dramatically lowers the total cost of the system and increases its value.

That said, even with a 30% discount on a whole home system, it will still cost you significantly more out of pocket than purchasing a high end portable unit. If you are looking at the math alone, portable power has the highest dollar value when it comes to wattage you will be able to use.

Many modern portable units can also be paired with foldable solar panels so that you can generate free power without making a huge time or financial commitment to permanently bolting hardware to your roof.

Renters vs. Homeowners Dilemma

Depending on where you live, this dilemma may already have been solved for you. If you rent an apartment, a townhome or a single family home, a hardwired permanent battery system is likely out of reach. Landlords rarely allow the type of electrical work to be done, and even if they did, you cannot haul a wall mounted battery with you when your lease expires. Portable power is the only real option for renters looking to attain grid independence.

Even if you are a homeowner however, you need to consider how long you plan on being in the home. While permanent solar batteries do increase the value of the home, you will only see that value when you sell the home. If you plan on moving across the country in a few years for work, a heavy duty portable solar power station for home use will allow you to pack up your energy security with you. It is an investment in your family's safety wherever life moves you.

Wrapping it Up

There is no wrong answer when it comes to selecting a power backup plan. There is only what fits your budget, your property and your lifestyle best. If you own your forever home, have a big budget and want the luxury of knowing the whole house is protected from days long blackouts without you even lifting a thumb, permanent solar battery storage is a magnificent solution. However, if you want the immediate protection for your storms, the ability to take your power with you on adventures and want to say goodbye to the headaches of contractors and permits, there is no doubt that a heavy duty portable station is ultimately the winner. Assess your threats in your area and your day to day wattage needs and take control of your future energy needs today.

Operated by Shenzhen Kerui Power Storage Co., Ltd., SOUOP focuses on portable power station, home backup power products, solar generators, and related power solutions.