(BPT) - Power outages are no longer the kind of rare inconvenience homeowners can afford to shrug off. From heat waves to overloaded grids, it's no longer a matter of if the power will go out. Instead, homeowners should consider what will be at risk when it does: the refrigerator, Wi-Fi, work devices, lights and the ability to stay comfortable when temperatures swing, especially during the summer.
This is where home battery backup changes the conversation.
"Compared with the cost and disruption of a multiday outage, a backup system can be a relatively small investment," said Beau, Jackery's in-house former licensed electrician and product expert. "Ask anyone who has had to throw away a refrigerator or freezer full of food because of an outage. Backup power can pay for itself the first time it keeps a home running when the grid does not."
Throughout his career, Beau has fielded dozens of questions about the necessity, cost and complexity of home backup power. Below are his answers to some of the most frequent questions he's fielded as an electrician.
What would you say to someone who thinks home battery backup is too complicated or too expensive to consider?
With advancements in battery and solar technology, indoor-safe home backup is accessible to virtually all homeowners and renters. Home backup used to be limited to those with the space to run a gas generator, but power stations have made it possible to have compact, powerful and renewable energy sources in any home — from apartments to RVs to townhomes.
More importantly, you have options. For example, Jackery offers a wide range of power stations that are capable of running high-draw, crucial appliances in the event of an outage, the capacity of which you can tailor to your home's needs and even add onto later in the case of modular units, making it easier than ever before to have reliable home backup.
Why is battery backup just as relevant for grid-connected suburban homes as it is for rural or off-grid properties?
Storms, heat waves, fire risk and more can cause an outage, leaving you without Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, the means to cook and the ability to do work. The modern home — and modern lives for that matter — are so electrified. Having a home backup, whether living in a suburban area or off grid, is crucial.
What are you seeing that makes backup power feel more urgent right now?
Climbing grid demands are really driving urgency for backup power. Heat waves, for example, are pushing utilities to their limits, and rolling outages are becoming a normal part of summer instead of a rare event.
Many people assume backup power is only useful during storm season. Why do you see it as an all-year necessity?
The truth is that outages can happen year-round. Being caught in a blackout without home backup can mean an entire fridge and freezer full of spoiled food, a workday lost and exposure to heat or freezing temperatures. Home backup is an investment in consistency. By that, I mean the ability to run what you need no matter what the grid is doing. As a bonus, you'll have a solar-capable energy source that's perfect for outdoor projects requiring power but that are removed from traditional AC outlets.
Some homeowners are pitched solar panels without any discussion of storage. Why should battery backup be part of that conversation from the start?
I always recommend installing a home solar system with battery storage. Rooftop solar panels are great to have, but without energy storage, you won't have access to that energy during a storm or at night.
To get the most out of a rooftop solar system, investing in a home backup battery — even a smaller-capacity unit — means owning that free energy and the freedom to use it whenever. And it's not just during outages that battery storage is helpful. In areas with peak electricity pricing, energy stored in batteries can be used to offset energy costs and save on your electricity bill.
How does a transfer switch make backup power more practical for everyday homeowners?
A transfer switch is ideal for homeowners who want uninterrupted power backup in multiple rooms and to save money on utilities.
For example, let's say you pair Jackery's Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the Smart Transfer Switch (STS). In the event of a blackout, the STS ensures seamless 20-millisecond power switching to keep essential devices running. And with the Jackery app, you'll know exactly what you are using on each circuit and have the ability to control these circuits. Imagine not knowing there was an outage because your home backup automatically took over. Plus, the unit has an 11-plus-year battery lifespan and a five-year warranty, so you can count on it for home backup for over a decade.
Jackery also has a Transfer Switch-capable HomePower 3600 Plus that offers sub-10-millisecond uninterrupted power switching, delivering 3600W output and 3,584Wh capacity. It's also expandable up to 21kWh, which allows you to keep large home appliances like a refrigerator powered up to 14 days. And the unit is built to last on a 6,000-cycle battery rated for 16-plus years.
Beyond a power outage, a transfer switch also offers options for load management and grid arbitrage, helping lower utility bills in areas where power is more expensive and helping keep the appliances that are most important powered for the longest time.
For homes that do not want any electrical installation, what should people know about portable battery backup options that can power appliances right out of the box?
Home backup doesn't require installation. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus and HomePower 3600 Plus are solo-functioning portable power stations. Jackery also offers plenty of portable, compact options that are ready to power your high-draw appliances right out of the box.
These home backups can also recharge in multiple ways, including via portable Jackery solar panels and traditional AC power. Whether you need to ensure your home office, Wi-Fi and computer are connected so your workday isn't interrupted, or you need to ensure your groceries are safe in the refrigerator, there's a solar-capable power station that's right for you.
This summer and beyond, be prepared for heat waves, high-demand grid events, storms and ordinary moments when you don't expect the lights to go out. Backup power provides peace of mind and, more importantly, protects groceries, keeps work online, maintains comfort and preserves access to the essentials.
To learn more about backup power options and how buying one now is a practical investment in keeping daily life moving, visit Jackery.com.
