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Batteries are Cheap, Backup power is expensive

Dear Audiophiles,

To make a long story short I need to make sure my Internet devices stay on even when power is down for 24 hours, which on the South Carolina coast is realistic. 

I have an APC UPS 600VA which I though would do the job but it actually lasts less than 2 hours.  So I have been crunching the numbers and have really been surprised at how expensive an APC UPS is per minute of run time vs. modern battery based generators and DIY solutions. 

An APC UPS can be anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 / minute of run time while an EcoFlow Delta for instance is around $0.50 to $0.75 / minute.  Not only is the EcoFlow cheaper but just has ten times better run times.  A single 1 kWh unit will keep my data closet running close to a full 24 hours.  I have too many devices in there which consume ~ 50 watts.  50 x 24 = 1,200 

I did in fact purchase a Delta 2 with back up battery for other reasons than the data closet, but when doing the research I also investigated DIY backup solutions and came across the idea of using a Renogy inverter/battery charger + 2x 12V LiFePO4 batteries.  It’s even cheaper than the Ecoflow but requires much more effort to set up.    I’ll do a full write-up on that soon. 

What have you done to back up your home devices?  

erik_squires
billpete
269 posts
 

What about a generator that comes on automatically if your power goes off? Or is the lag time too slow? 

jwei
189 posts
 

I have a Cyberpower UPS 1350VA that keeps my low wattage modem and router running for well over an hour.  (Of course my laptop has its own battery.)

That is enough time for me to start and hook up my "portable" gasoline-powered generator in the garage which supports my network equipment, refrigerator, TV, and a couple lights.  I had to refill the gas tank 3 or 4 times per day.

I had a neighbor who had a natural gas-fired Generac system inserted into his power input wiring that automatically kept his whole house powered up, but that was expensive.

erik_squires OP
16,892 posts
 

PS - My bad.  The Renogy unit I quoted above does NOT include a charger.  I’m rethinking that.  It seems they did have an inverter/charger but not sure if it’s discontinued. 

Unfortunately fossil fuel power is not a great option.  The data closet is furthest away from the outdoors.   I am absolutely in love with the idea of propane powered generators though, the ability to store propane for years is appealing, so long as you can store it away from the main building, which I cannot.   Same of course for gasoline.  I have no separate shed/garage in which storage of those would be safe.   

So overall the solution for me has to fit in the bedroom closet.  

Also would love, in a perfect world where I can afford to buy an ugly ass stainless steel truck an outdoor generator.  The yearly maintenance costs alone are more than my budget. :)  Also, no access to natural gas.  This is an electric only neighborhood. 

jwei
189 posts
 

Many pickup trucks have 120 V outlets.  Just need to add a switch on your house electrical box to flip your source to a cable from the truck.  Turn on the truck before your APC UPS runs out of juice.  (Assuming you have the truck.)

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