What is a backup power system?
A backup power system provides power when the grid fails. This system does not need solar panels, which makes it more affordable and faster to install. The batteries bank is charged via the AC charger in the inverter when grid power is available. It converts AC power from your distribution board to DC power to charge the batteries. Battery power is stored and used when the grid fails (load shedding). In the average backup system only certain circuits (essential loads) will operate when there is a power failure. Any appliance that gets hot (stove, geyser, hairdryers, kettles, 1200w + appliances) are high consumers of power and should not be run on small backup systems.
Basic calculations
The inverter size and battery bank size can be increased to allow for more appliances to operate on the system and/or make these appliances run longer. A 3kva system (2400w) will be able to run a fridge, TV, radio and LED lights quite comfortably. The peak wattage (when all appliances are on) should not be more than the inverter limit. This will cause an overload. The battery bank also needs to be calculated correctly. For example if you run lights and a TV on a backup system which draws 200w in total. Then you will get about 9 to 10 hours of backup on a 2400w lithium ion battery set at a 80% depth of discharge.
A solar charger and solar panels can be added later to convert this system into a solar hybrid system (ESS). The purpose of this system is convenience. It allows you to keep doing what you want during load shedding. For businesses that can’t afford to be offline during load shedding a backup is a must!
System size
To determine the size system you need we can install a Scout energy logger on the circuits you want to connect to the system. We then use this data to give you a sizing report and quotation. This data driven approach ensures you get the best value-for-money system.
Find out more:
