How Do I Know Which Power Backup System to Pick?

In this blog, we're going to explore whole home generators that provide automatic power during grid outages. While traditional generators run on gas, propane, or diesel, we'll focus on options that require no fuel or maintenance, are highly capable, and offer unlimited power as long as the sun is shining. These are often referred to as solar generators.

You may be familiar with Tesla Powerwalls or other such complete solar energy systems, which can power homes and electric vehicles but require professional installation and permits, quickly driving up costs. The devices we'll cover are similar in concept but more affordable and suited for DIY enthusiasts.

This article will aim to provide a quick overview of four popular options that can power select lines in your home through a transfer switch. I'll detail their specs and unique features, offer a comparison based on key criteria, and conclude with my recommendations based on different needs. 

Bluetti AC500

• AC Output: 5000 Watts, surge up to 10,000 Watts. Two units combined can output 10,000 Watts continuously.

• Voltage: 240V and 120V at 30 amps.

• Solar Charging: 3000 watts per unit, total of 6000 watts with two units.

• Battery: Each battery can handle 3072 watt-hours, expandable up to 18.3 kWh per unit, and 36.8 kWh with two units.

• Unique Features: 50 amp connector, UPS functionality, self-heating batteries, replaceable batteries.

• Efficiency: 82% AC, 77% DC.

• Price: Starting at $2999 for one battery and a head unit. Add-on batteries are comparable in price. Prices change during the year so make sure to check out the latest prices.

• Warranty: 4 years.

EcoFlow Delta Pro

• AC Output: 3600 Watts, surge up to 7200 Watts. Two units combined can output 7200 Watts continuously.

• Voltage: 240V and 120V at 30 amps.

• Solar Charging: 1600 watts per unit, total of 3200 watts with two units.

• Battery: Each battery can handle 3.6 kWh, expandable up to 10.8 kWh per unit, and 21.6 kWh with two units.

• Unique Features: Durable design, advanced app, dual fuel generator compatibility, smart home panel integration.

• Efficiency: 74% AC, 82% DC.

• Price: $2499 for the unit, $2,399 per add-on battery.

• Brand Recognition: High.

Mango Power E

• AC Output: 3000 Watts, surge up to 6000 Watts. Two units combined can output 6000 Watts continuously.

• Voltage: 240V and 120V at 30 amps.

• Solar Charging: 2000 watts per unit, total of 4000 watts with two units.

• Battery: Each battery can handle 3.5 kWh, expandable up to 7 kWh per unit, and 14 kWh with two units.

• Unique Features: CATL battery manufacturer (used by Tesla), basic app and settings.

• Efficiency: 81% AC, 82% DC.

• Price: $3499 for the unit, $2499 per add-on battery.

• Brand Recognition: Newcomer.

Zendure SuperBase V6400

• AC Output: 1800 watts per 15 amp plug, 3600 watts per 30 amp plug. Combined units output 7600 watts.

• Voltage: 240V and 120V at 30 amps.

• Solar Charging: 3000 watts per unit, total of 6000 watts with two units.

• Battery: Each battery can handle 6.4 kWh, expandable up to 32 kWh per unit, and 64 kWh with two units.

• Unique Features: 240V output, semi-solid state battery technology (lighter weight), UPS switch-over time of zero milliseconds, remote control via app.

• Efficiency: 85% AC, 81% DC.

• Price: $3999 for the main unit, $6998 with an add-on battery.

• Brand Recognition: Newcomer.

Comparison Summary

• AC Output: Bluetti (10,000W) > Zendure (7,600W) > EcoFlow (7,200W) > Mango (6,000W).

• Solar Input: Bluetti and Zendure (6000W) > Mango (4000W) > EcoFlow (3200W).

• Max Capacity and Price:

• Zendure: 64 kWh, $38,000, $0.59 per kWh.

• Bluetti: 36.8 kWh, $33,000, $1.12 per kWh.

• EcoFlow: 21.6 kWh, $16,194, $0.75 per kWh.

• Mango: 14 kWh, $13,796, $0.99 per kWh.

Brand Recognition: Bluetti, and EcoFlow are well-recognized, whereas Mango and Zendure are relatively new.

I hope this detailed overview helps you make an informed decision if you're in the market for a whole home generator.