What is a kilowatt hour?
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement of energy consumption – it’s the energy that one kilowatt (kW) or 1,000 watts (W) of power provides for one hour. The energy consumption of devices and devices is measured in kWh. For example, a 60W ceiling fan running six hours a day will devour about 11kWh per 30 days or 132kW per 12 months. A 20-cubic-foot energy-efficient refrigerator running 24 hours a day uses 49 kWh per 30 days. To calculate your house’s energy needs, use an appliance calculator, akin to: B. the one from Hydro Quebec And NB performance.
The best-known company offering whole-home backup solutions is Tesla with 13.5 kWh Powerwall. However, there are increasingly competitors on this category, including EcoFlow.
According to Peterfi, a minimal entry-level solution could be a 3 to 4 kWh battery – that is enough to cover basic needs if, for instance, you lose power because of a downed power line (which takes on average). two to 3 hours for the repair). Prices start at around $1,000 per 1 kWh of energy, kind of depending on the manufacturer. For example, The 3.6 kWh battery from EcoFlow sells for $4,199, and Jackery’s 3kWh battery Retails for $3,999 as of late April 2024.
However, remember that 3 kWh to 4 kWh is definitely an entry-level solution. If you follow the recommendation of the Government of Canada, which states, “You and your family should be prepared to cope on your own in the event of a power outage lasting at least 72 hours,” then it’s possible you’ll need to literally beef up your backup power along the lines of a Tesla Powerwall or EcoFlow system-home solution. Or at the very least a middle ground solution.
Cost of a Tesla Powerwall in Canada
As of late April 2024, a Tesla Powerwall costs $9,700, plus $1,200 for a gateway that connects the battery to your house’s existing electrical panel, monitors energy usage, and routinely switches to backup power within the event of an outage. Other costs include delivery, installation and taxes. Ultimately, Peterfi says the ultimate price might be around $15,000 to $20,000 – comparable to the price of an installed gas-powered generator.
The Powerwall is just available with a capability of 13.5 kWh, but competitors have taken a more modular approach to energy storage. For example one 3.6 kWh battery from EcoFlow priced at $4,199 might be the place to begin for a backup solution. If you would like more power, you’ll be able to increase the wattage by connecting additional batteries or connecting them in series (e.g 2 kWh models for $2,199).
EcoFlow also recently launched its Delta Pro Ultra Whole Home Backup Power solution in direct competition with Tesla. The Delta Pro Ultra’s $9,398 price tag features a 6 kWh battery, an inverter (converts DC power to AC power), and a sensible home panel or transfer switch that literally transfers power out of your battery bank to your panel’s circuitry transfers that you need to back up. It is a scalable solution (each additional 6 kWh battery costs $4,199) with a maximum capability of 90 kWh. So you’ll be able to choose from 6 kWh and 90 kWh emergency power storage – depending on what suits your needs and budget.
You can connect your devices and devices directly to those lower power batteries (also called portable power stations). Some providers also offer you the choice so as to add a transfer switch much like Tesla’s Gateway, but this requires installation by a professional skilled.
Completely optional, but one other consideration directly related to a battery backup solution is whether or not to put in solar panels to maintain them charged. Yes, there are additional costs, but going this route could dramatically reduce your monthly energy costs and in addition show you how to weather the following storm. Accordingly Sunny, a Canadian solar panel installer, a household could save 60 to 90% on their electricity bills, depending on aspects akin to location, electricity price and more. Learn more about the price of solar panels.
