BATTERIES VS FUEL – How do you choose?

BATTERIES VS FUEL – How do you choose?

With the duration of power outages growing longer each day, backup power is becoming a necessity for people everywhere. Petrol and Diesel generators have been a mainstay in the backup power space for years and are readily available in various sizes, making them an easy solution for homeowners across the country. In the last several years, advancements in home batteries and portable power stations have made a mark on the power industry, giving a new option to those looking for power security at home. So, generators or batteries, how do you choose?

GENERATORS, LARGE AND SMALL

Traditional generators are broken into a couple different categories; small, portable inverter generators, and larger permanent installations designed for backing up homes. Both rely on moving parts to generate power from a fuel source during the combustion process. Larger generators are installed outside your home, wired into your circuits through a transfer switch, and run off petrol or diesel. Although powerful, they’re significantly more expensive and require professional installation. They also come with a level of noise annoyance, harmful exhaust, and required maintenance to ensure proper working order (much like a car engine).

Smaller, more portable generators are only capable of running necessary appliances during brief power outages. When running devices in a home, these portable generators must be placed outside in a well-ventilated area with extension cords to bring power inside. It’s important to never run a generator inside, or near open windows and vents due exhaust and noise levels. These portable generators also require careful consideration for fuel storage to prevent fires.

HOME BATTERIES AND PORTABLE POWER STATIONS

Batteries differ from generators in the fact that they store power, they don’t produce it. They have to be plugged into an energy source, like solar panels or the grid, to collect and store power. Most home batteries and power stations rely on lithium-ion batteries, allowing for a high energy density rating and the ability for high surge capabilities through an inverter. Power stations differ from a home battery in portability; they can be wired into your home to run select circuits via a transfer switch, then unplugged and taken with you on a camping trip or on the road for work. So fuel vs. Portable Power Stations, how do they compare?

FUEL GENERATOR

 

YETI POWER STATIONS

 

If you don’t mind the noise and on-going costs, then a fuel generator might work for you. In most situations, a power station could be an easier (and cheaper) solution to your backup power dilemma.

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