What Is A Solar Battery Backup
Solar battery backup systems run on electricity and are charged by a connection to the homes solar energy system.
The batteries store excess energy produced by solar panels and save it for later use.
Some of the most common types of battery backups available today include:
- Tesla Powerwall
Solar battery storage systems are popular because they are reliable.
When the grid goes down, a solar-powered battery backup system will draw stored energy from the batteries to power your home with no interruptions or downtime.
In addition to providing unparalleled reliability, battery backup systems are cleaner and quieter than generators and are also a more environmentally-friendly option.
Buy A Standby Backup Generator If
A standby backup generator is an ideal solution if you dont mind the noise and maintenance required, you only want a system that can provide emergency power, and you have no intention of installing solar panels in the future.
If your home has an existing natural gas line, installing a standby generator may be relatively straightforward.
Bottom Line: Is The Generac Pwrcell System Right For You
As we outlined above, the Generac PWRcell is an exciting entry into the home energy storage market, and has some unique features that set it apart from the competition. If youre looking for home battery backup for emergencies that can also help you avoid high peak energy costs under a Time of Use billing plan, the PWRcell is an excellent choice.
If youre looking for a solution that can take you off the grid, the PWRcell may be just right for that too – especially after Generac releases the PWRgenerator backup to the backup in 2022. It wont be as hearty as some true off-grid solar setups on the market, but it should be a heck of a lot more user-friendly.
The tradeoffs here are a somewhat higher price than the batteries from Tesla and LG, and the missing end-of-warranty capacity guarantee. Still, if you havent yet installed solar and are looking for a robust home battery system and you need to run critical appliances like a well pump, sump pump, and A/C during an outage, the PWRcell is probably the best battery on the market.
Find out if going solar and installing a solar battery like the Generac PWRcell is right for your specific home by using our solar panel cost and savings calculator below.
Find out how much a solar system would cost for your specific home
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Managing Backup Power At The Circuit Level
Theres a gap between what the customers want and what theyre being delivered in the solar-storage field, Russ Minick, head of Generacs clean energy business unit, said in an interview. A typical installation requires significant work to rewire critical loads and replace household electrical panels to provide reliable backup power, which can add several thousand dollars to the final price.
The new PWRCell automatic transfer switch, set for release in late August, eliminates much of this work for installers. Whatever theyre doing today for whole-home backup power, it will cut back enormously on labor costs on total expense, Minick said.
Besides disconnecting from the grid during power outages, the automatic transfer switch can manage up to four household circuits, and smart management modules can be installed on up to eight more. The hardware monitors power frequency to shut down loads when the total draw is exceeding system capacity, with the homeowner pre-selecting which should shut down first and which should be kept on as long as possible.
Thats a simpler proposition for installers compared to worrying about doing load calculations and tripping breakers, Minick said. Other unessential loads can be locked out from being backed up. That stands in contrast to pre-selecting critical backup loads for other solar-battery systems, as most solar-battery systems do today.
Why Buy From Us
Our store sells Generac batteries. Thats how we approach our business:
- Our warehouses are located on East and West coast of United States
- All orders are processed in 24 hours and shipped in 48 hours
- Orders are delivered by freight transport in 4-7 business days
- We sell A-grade equipment only from verified manufactures
- Affordable pricing on all solar energy equipment
- No counterfeit products
Our managers are always happy to answer any questions concerning Generac battery prices, warranties, and shipping options.
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The Pwrcell Battery Cabinet
The PWRcell battery cabinet can hold up to 6 modules, each of which can store 3 kWh of usable electricity. The cabinet can be set up with 3, 4, 5, or 6 modules, allowing 9 – 18 kWh of storage. Heres how that looks:
Generacs modular battery cabinet design allows for future capacity expansion. Image source: Generac
The battery is charged using DC power sent directly from the solar panels. This makes the battery very efficient compared to batteries like the Tesla Powerwall and sonnenCore, which charge using energy that gets converted from DC to AC and back again, causing some loss of energy in the process.
The downside of this DC-coupled design is that PWRcell batteries cannot be added to an existing home solar system without rewiring everything at great expense. The PWRcell is meant for new solar installations only, and actually, the battery itself is optional. If you think you may want Generac battery backup in the future, you can get a solar system installed that includes the SnapRS, PV Link, and PWRcell inverter, and add the battery cabinet at a later time.
Learn more: Is a DC or AC battery right for your home?
Thinking Of Getting A Solar Battery Backup We Can Help
Now is an excellent time to invest in a solar battery backup system for your home, and Sandbar Solar is here to help.
Our team has over 15 years of experience designing battery systems and can install new battery systems or retrofit existing solar panel systems for a battery backup.
We service homes and businesses across the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or take the first step toward your battery backup system.
About the Author
Scott is the founder of Sandbar Solar & Electric. With a Bachelors Degree in Economics from UC San Diego, Scott has an NABCEP certification, and has lectured on and taught many high-tech construction practices and solar PV technical concepts to education institutions, including Stanford University and state-recognized electrician apprenticeship programs. Scott enjoys sharing his knowledge of the evolving renewable energy space and making a difference in his community.
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The Future Of Generacs Pwrcell
Generac has announced several new products that will become available in 2022.
First up is the aforementioned PWRgenerator, which will allow PWRcell owners to have extra peace of mind in grid-down or off-grid situations. The generator will run on natural gas or LP and charge the PWRcell batteries if they get too low.
Next are PWRmicromicroinverters that can be used in a PWRcell system in place of the SnapRS and PV Link equipment. These pieces of equipment make it possible to optimize the output of one or two solar panels at a time, squeezing just a little extra efficiency out of the system and providing more accurate monitoring.
Finally is a new piece of smart technology called the PWRmanager. This box goes next to your homes main electrical panel and intelligently controls all the circuits in your home to ensure the PWRcell system is never overloaded. Its like an advanced version of the SMMs discussed above, and can be included in the PWRcell system as an option.
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PowerHome Solar & Roofing CEO Jayson Waller says you can “keep your energy in play” during summer thunderstorm outages with its Generac backup battery system, which new customers can add to a solar energy system purchase for about $1 more per day.
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Generac First To Introduce Integrated Whole
PWRcell ATS, integrated load management, increased-capacity battery and outdoor cabinet arriving late 2020
WAUKESHA, Wis. /PRNewswire/ — Generac Power Systems is introducing new products and capabilities to the PWRcell product line that turn the promise of whole-home solar backup power into reality. These innovations make Generac’s PWRcell the first end-to-end solar and storage system to be capable of providing intelligently managed backup power to the entire home.
The products include the new PWRcell Automatic Transfer Switch, known as the PWRcell ATS, with integrated load management new higher-capacity batteries rated up to 18 kWh and an outdoor-rated enclosure that allows for a simple, flexible and 100% outdoor installation.
“Delivering a whole-home experience from battery storage systems is currently a gap in the industry overall,” said Aaron Jagdfeld , president and CEO of Generac . “The keys to achieving this are high-output power, large battery capacity and intelligent load management. PWRcell is the first to deliver this to homeowners and contractors.”
Beginning in late September, PWRcell installers will also have the option to offer the all-new outdoor-rated PWRcell Battery Cabinet. This outdoor rated enclosure was designed to take full advantage of the improved thermal range of the new EX battery modules and includes additional hardware to help installers get the battery cabinet up and off the ground for easier exterior installations.
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What Are The Pwrcells Main Components
The Generac PWRcell is a beast of a battery were referring not only to its raw power, but to its incredible array of functionalities and components as well. Between its battery cabinet, inverters, intelligence, and management and monitoring capabilities, the PWRcell can perform just about any task you need it to.
The PWRcell is a complex battery but learning to capitalize on it can transform the energy management of your home. If youre considering the PWRcell, its best to familiarize yourself with each aspect of the system.
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Does Generac Offer A Warranty For The Pwrcell
Unlike solar panels, which have around a 25-year life expectancy, solar batteries typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. As a result, most solar batteries come with a warranty lasting ten years.
The PWRcell 17 with six battery modules is valid for either 10 years or the amount of time it takes to cycle 17.3 MWh of energy through the battery . Most similar products have a 10-year warranty which guarantees a certain number of recharges, as opposed to Generacs guaranteed energy yield.
Is The Generac Pwrcell System Right For You
The Generac PWRcell offers one of the best home energy solutions for solar backup on the market today its unmatched power, intelligence and scalability make it capable of providing safe and reliable off-grid power for critical electricity needs and effectively avoiding high peak energy costs. However, that doesnt make it the right choice for everyone. The biggest drawbacks of the PWRcell are:
- Not as user-friendly as some of its competitors
- One of the more expensive options
- Cant be installed without solar panels or another form of residential energy generation
We always like to counsel our readers that solar batteries are not a casual acquisition they are complicated devices that require an understanding of how to utilize them. That being said, if youre willing to commit to learning the ins and outs of the PWRcell, its one of the best batteries money can buy.
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How Much Does A Generac Pwrcell Cost
A solar system with battery storage is not inexpensive however, the overall cost mainly depends on your location and the system capacity. So, exactly how much does a Generac solar generator cost?
The starting price for the Generac PWRcell is $10,000 for the minimum size of 9kWH. This cost includes the battery but not the installation and additional labor expenditures, which could set you back another $1500.
Each battery module costs between $1000 to $2000, making the full-sized 18 kWh PWRcell cost you from $16000 to $18000 with installation.
If you are planning to install the PWRcell as part of a home solar system, the cost of a 5 kW solar system is estimated to be between $9000 to $150000. The price may vary depending on the type of equipment you use and the area you live.
Fortunately, you are eligible to have access to financial incentives in certain areas. This may help you claim the 26% federal solar tax credit when installing a solar system.
How A Residential Generac Pwrcell Solar + Battery Storage System Works
Power outages can be unpredictable, leaving you without access to light, air conditioning, heat, refrigeration, and the ability to communicate with friends and loved ones. A PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System keeps your family safe and comfortable while power is restored. Its revolutionary battery storage technology acquires and stores electricity from solar panels or the grid. The energy stored can be utilized during peak demand times when the cost of utility power is higher, saving you money.
During a power outage, your Generac PWRcell turns on automatically and within seconds your home and critical appliances are powered. Designed to integrate solar and storage, PWRcell is the home energy system you can count on to get the power, capacity, and efficiency you need for whole-home energy preservation.
Generac generators are typically installed in your garage and turn on even if you arent home when the power goes off to keep your home functioning as it should. When power returns, your generator powers down until it is called into action again.
Automatically lower your energy costs and produce your own solar energy with a PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System. Contact Solara Energy at today to learn more about the financial benefits of going solar.
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How Long Can The Generac Pwrcell Power My Whole Home
The PWRcell battery comes in different sizes, which all have different output capabilities. You can have as few as three battery modules installed, with 8.6kWh of storage capacity and 4.5kW continuous output capability, all the way up to six battery modules with 18kWh capacity and 9kW continuous output. If you need more power, multiple PWRcell batteries can be connected to a single inverter for up to 36kWh of storage capacity and 11kW of continuous output.
Depending on the number of battery modules in your PWRcell, it has the capability to supply your entire home with power during an outage or just run your essential appliances. A PWRcell system with six battery modules can supply 9kW of continuous backup power to a home’s essential power needs, or to the whole home.
9 kW output is enough starting power to backup large loads like air conditioners and well pumps and can run about four large appliances at a time. Since your PWRcell is solar charged, it has the capability to recharge and run your entire home indefinitely, though it is currently only designed for on-grid homes.
What Is The Generac Pwrcell
The Generac PWRcell is a whole home backup battery. It can be paired with a solar panel system to store energy and power your home overnight, during high time-of-use rates, and during power outages. It also can be used as a back-up power source for your home during power outages and recharged off the grid.
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Generac The Backup Generator Giant Launches Souped
Compared to home battery rivals Tesla and Sunrun, Generac is focused on offering extra oomph for customers concerned about reliability.
Senior Editor Greentech Media
Generac, the Backup Generator Giant, Launches Souped-Up Home Solar-Storage System
Solar-battery systems may be useful for providing backup power during power outages. But many of the systems on the market today dont pack enough punch to start up power-hungry air conditioner or pumps, or store enough power to run an entire homes electricity load for more than a handful of hours at a time.
Thats how Generac Power Systems sees it, at least. Since its entry into the solar-storage market last fall, the U.S. natural-gas backup generator giant has focused on systems with extra oomph, compared to competitors Tesla, Sunrun and LG Chem. While that extra power and capacity has come at a higher cost, Generac has been dropping prices to match competing systems in recent months, analysts say.
On Monday, Generac unveiled the latest version of its whole-home solar power solution,” which includes a revamped PWRCell battery with more power and capacity than before, along with technology to simplify its off-grid operations and maximize its backup potential at the household circuit level.
Generacs Pwrview Monitoring App
Another optional addition to your PWRcell system is Generacs PWRview monitoring app.
Its a one-stop-shop for information about energy generation and usage in your house. The app contains data on solar generation, battery charge, grid usage, and more – and can even give you an estimate of your next utility bill based on that data its collected if you enter your rate plan.
It certainly sounds like a good app to have, and its functionality is similar to other solar monitoring solutions from equipment manufacturers and solar installers. Unfortunately, reviews of Generacs Android and iOS apps are not positive. Users complain about glitches, missing data, bad customer service, and more. This seems to be one area where Generac has stumbled, in regards to its PWRcell system.
If youre curious about how the app works, check out the below video about its features.
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