Reasons to Consider Backup & Alternate Power Solutions for Residential Properties

Have you ever thought it would be helpful to have backup power available for your home in the event of a power outage, but felt it was not feasible? Or have you recently heard about new options for residential backup or alternate power sources, and wondered if something along these lines may be beneficial for your home? Keep on reading!

In this article we’ll share why backup and alternate power solutions for residential properties are becoming increasingly more common and something worth considering. 

Increasing Number of Power Outage Causes

Most of us have experienced power outages due to weather. In Southern AZ summer monsoons commonly disrupt power lines, leaving homeowners without power until the lines can be restored, which is not fun in the extreme desert heat! There are multiple other reasons power outages can occur, such as electrical equipment failure, vehicle accidents, and regular grid maintenance.

Concern of outages due to electrical load exceeding capacity of the grid is another reason some homeowners are deciding to invest in backup power. Recently, industry experts in US electrical grid planning have been forecasting electric demand growth for the coming years and decades. This surge in electrical growth is primarily expected as a result of commitments for new manufacturing and industrial facilities (largely due to industrial reshoring), data center growth driven by AI, and an expanding number of technologies that use electricity such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. Some reports indicate that the US grid is not ready for the anticipated demand. With the unknowns of electrical load growth and the potential inability of the electrical infrastructure to keep up with demands, some find comfort in being prepared with the ability to tap into an additional source for their home’s electricity.

Inconvenience of Power Outages

You don’t have to think long and hard to come up with a list of reasons why power outages are undesirable. Outages can be expensive and a real hassle when food in the refrigerator or freezer spoils, you lose air conditioning and the ability to use appliances and technology, and may need to incur the costs of renting a hotel room or being unable to work from home. You may find that you prefer the upfront planned cost and effort to implement a home backup solution over the unexpected distress of power outages.

Why Alternate Power?

It’s relatively obvious why you’d want a backup power source in the event of an outage, but you may be wondering what we mean by an alternate source of power, and why that may be appealing. An alternate source of power (ASP) comes in handy when you use a significant amount of electricity during peak hours when you are charged more. With an ASP you can choose to take advantage of this power source when the utility rates are at their highest, to decrease your power bill. A backup power source can be used as an alternate power source on a daily basis. The dual purpose of a backup power source as an ASP may be a convincing reason to make the investment.

Feasibility of Backup & Alternate Power Solutions

In recent years, technology advancements have led to multiple new options in home backup and alternate power sources. Generac, EcoFlow, and Honeywell are companies that provide different home backup power solutions, including generators and battery options. The various solutions come in a range of price points and features, providing flexibility to choose an option that best fits your budget and needs.

Authentic Electric is a certified EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 installer. Feel free to give us a call if you reside in Southern AZ and would like to discuss EcoFlow installation options.