Quote:
Originally Posted by Mleeja
I’ve looked for a “whole house” battery backup system. This would be my preferred method if it wasn’t for the cost. One could purchase two Generac systems for one comparable whole house battery backup system. Then becomes the issue of charging the batteries. You have an additional expense for the solar panels. My understanding is the solar panels put on your roof by/for the utility companies cannot be connected to battery backup systems.
I have a friend with a Generac generator. It is not noisy. But as others have said, extended power outages are rare here in The Villages. Unless needed for a medical reason, I would take a very hard look before purchasing.
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I haven't looked at the numbers yet but a few things to consider:
1. How long will the batteries last if they are running the entire house? Is that number of days/hours/minutes worth the cost?
2. Assuming a bright clear day, how much additional time do the panels give you? Are they sufficient to run the whole house while also charging the batteries? If you used power sparingly could they charge the batteries enough to last through the night? And in a situation where the power is out, will you have a bright clear day?
3. It might be possible to charge the batteries without the solar panels. The panels may be a nice feature but might not be necessary.
I'm not saying the batteries aren't worth looking into. I'm glad to see the links so I can evaluate the systems for myself. I'm just not clear on the balance of benefit to cost.