In recent years, it has grown considerably more affordable for customers to safeguard their residences from electrical disruptions. As reported by the research firm Statista,
the cost of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
—those capable of keeping household appliances and electronics running during power outages—decreased by 20% last year and have fallen 39% over the past half-decade.
“Innovations in chemistry and materials science have led to advancements in battery technology,” which are primarily responsible for reducing costs, according to Jessika Trancik, a professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems and Society.
Consumers have numerous choices available, ranging from comprehensive home energy storage solutions that provide power for several days to more compact battery units capable of sustaining essential gadgets during an average 5½-hour outage. Below is a closer examination of these alternatives.
EcoFlow Delta Pro 3
The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 has a price tag of $3,699 but is currently discounted to $2,799 on the official website. Additionally, you may qualify for a 30% rebate through the Inflation Reduction Act. When fully charged, this unit offers up to 4 kilowatt-hours of energy, sufficient to run key appliances including a fridge or sump pump alongside small gadgets like a laptop, cell phone, and fan continuously for around three days. You have the option to double or triple its storage capacity by adding more battery packs at an additional cost of $2,599 per pack.
The Delta Pro 3 resembles a desktop computer in size and tips the scales at around 100 pounds; however, it features wheels and a retractable handle that simplify moving it between rooms. Charging requires approximately one hour. Additionally, you can connect it to EcoFlow’s portable solar panel, which starts at $399 for a 220-watt model, as another method for replenishing its power.
BioLite Backup Complete
The BioLite Backup Complete offers a more compact solution at $2,999 with a 3 kWh capacity. This model qualifies for the Inflation Reduction Act rebate. First showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, the company intends to begin delivering these batteries this autumn. Each battery pack measures just 2.8 inches in thickness, which makes storage quite convenient. The complete set includes two battery packs and has an approximate weight of 75 pounds. With a charging time of only 2½ hours, it can sustain essential appliances like a fridge, microwave, lamp, smartphone, and laptop for between 30 to 60 hours.
Pila
Pila’s home battery is priced at $1,299 but is temporarily available for $999 for those who place a refundable deposit of $99. This device holds up to 1.6 kWh of energy, sufficient to run a fridge continuously for approximately 32 hours. Customers purchasing two or more units qualify for an Inflation Reduction Act rebate. Additionally, this battery can connect with various standard plug-in solar panel systems, usually starting from around $150.
One of the attractive features of the Pila battery is its functionality even without a power outage. Users can maximize their savings and reduce energy costs through the Pila app by scheduling the battery to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and running household devices during peak times when rates are higher.
Every Pila battery is approximately the size of a cable box and has a weight of around 45 pounds.
Jackery Explorer Mobile Power Bank 2000 V2
A more compact choice is the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 2000 V2, usually priced at $1,999; however, it’s currently discounted by $500 on the official site. This model holds 2 kilowatt-hours of energy. About the dimensions of a big lunch box and weighing slightly less than 40 pounds, this device can run a fridge for over three hours, or an AC unit for approximately two hours, all while simultaneously charging your smartphone, laptop, and ensuring your CPAP remains powered. The battery takes under two hours to recharge fully when connected to Jackery’s SolarSaga solar panel set at 200 watts.
Heidi Mitchell
is an author based in both New York and London. She can be contacted at
[email protected]
.