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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
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
5,143 posts
 

"My home's rear roof has great southern exposure. The sun is plentiful and since it is guaranteed to get hotter, it would seem that solar is the way to go..."

@goodlistening64 ,

Actually, the warmer it gets, the less efficient solar panels are. Optimal temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, they lose efficiency. If that's what you're talking about!

rsa777
3 posts
 

I had a large pole barn building built in the back of my property. I used a Ecoflow Delta Pro with the two extra batteries to completely power the building. I have Internet, security cams, power tools, and soon some audio equipment. Can’t wait to fire up my old 15” Tannoy floor standing speakers. I put up four 400w ground panels and it works like a champ. Building was wired into an electrical box. Then I just had to plug the portable Delta Pro into the box. Totally off grid. I couldn’t be happier.

fatdaddy2
459 posts
 

"no internet, no music"? I feel sorry for you guys.

erik_squires OP
16,898 posts
 

@rsa777 That is a pretty sweet setup honestly. 

erik_squires OP
16,898 posts
 

Actually, the warmer it gets, the less efficient solar panels are. Optimal temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, they lose efficiency. If that's what you're talking about!

 

True, but the more decentralized our power delivery systems are the more resilient they are.   Having a lot of little power stations, including home units, is less likely to collapse during strain than having a few giant one's.  Less fossil fuel and nuclear reliance, plus more jobs.  

Still, I can't say solar is as cheap as I'd like it to be.  I keep hoping to see a massive jump in efficiency.  While batteries are hugely better than they were 10 years ago the solar cells are not. 

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