Are you using your portable power banks at your home? | 4WDTalk - Overlanding and offroad Forum
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Are you using your portable power banks at your home?

Foxtrot Whiskey

Foxtrot Whiskey

Well-known member
For those of you with 2000-3000w of portable power, have you found a way to use at your home as a way to reduce your usage from the power company? As I see it, assuming you are recharging with solar, this could reduce power usage by 30% or so. But not sure how to tap it into my home to benefit from the power. I could run cords to larger items, but that would be a mess.
 
Hmmm...

Yes, it's possible to use a portable battery like a 2000W Jackery system to reduce electricity costs at home, especially if you're charging it via solar power. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Solar charging: Charge the Jackery portable power station using solar panels during the daytime. The speed of charging will depend on the size and efficiency of your solar panels, as well as the amount of sunlight they receive.
  2. Use during peak hours: Energy companies often charge more for electricity during peak hours, which are typically in the late afternoon and early evening when many people are home and using electricity. You can use the Jackery to power your devices during these peak hours, thus reducing the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid.
  3. Emergency backup power: Another way to use the Jackery is as a source of emergency power during blackouts or times of unreliable grid electricity. While this may not reduce your regular electricity costs, it can save you from having to purchase a separate backup generator, and it can also provide peace of mind.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The 2000W Jackery system, while powerful for a portable system, still has limited capacity. Depending on your household energy usage, it may only be able to power a few devices for a limited period of time.
  • Solar charging is highly dependent on weather and daylight hours. In many locations, it may not be possible to fully charge the Jackery every day, especially in the winter or during periods of cloudy weather.
  • You will need to manage the system actively, switching devices over to the Jackery during peak hours and back to grid power at other times. This could be inconvenient, depending on your lifestyle and the layout of your home.
  • While the Jackery can reduce your reliance on grid electricity, it's unlikely to eliminate your electricity bill entirely. A full home solar power system with a large, permanent battery bank would be more effective for that purpose. However, such a system is also much more expensive and complex to install.
Also, do remember that the upfront cost of purchasing the Jackery system and solar panels should be factored into the total cost. It may take a number of years of reduced electricity bills to recoup this initial investment.
 
Yes, it is convenient.
As power outages become more frequent and severe due to extreme weather events and aging infrastructure, many homeowners are considering standby generators as a way to keep their homes powered during outages. While traditional standby generators powered by gasoline or natural gas have been the preferred solution for many years, outdoor power is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience and eco-friendliness. In this article, we'll explore the question of whether outdoor power is worth it.

1. Benefits of Outdoor Power​

There are several advantages to using outdoor power over traditional standby generators. One of the main advantages is that it is much quieter than traditional generators. This is because there are no moving parts and the system does not need to burn fuel to generate electricity. This makes it ideal for use in residential areas where noise levels must be kept to a minimum.

Another advantage of outdoor power is that it is more environmentally friendly than traditional generators. Traditional generators emit harmful pollutants into the air when they burn fuel, which is harmful to the environment and human health. On the other hand, outdoor power does not emit any pollutants, making it cleaner and safer for the environment.

Finally, outdoor power is much more convenient than traditional generators. Traditional generators require fuel to be stored on-site, which is both dangerous and inconvenient. On the other hand, outdoor power sources do not require fuel storage and can be easily installed in a basement or garage.

2. Cost of Outdoor Power​

One of the main factors homeowners consider when deciding whether to invest in outdoor power is cost. Outdoor power sources can be more expensive than traditional generators, but they can also provide long-term cost savings.
The initial cost of an outdoor portable power station will depend on the size of the battery bank needed to power the home during a power outage. The larger the battery pack, the more the system will cost. However, it is important to consider the long-term cost savings that outdoor power sources can provide.
Conventional generators require fuel to be stored on-site, which is both expensive and inconvenient. In addition, fuel costs can fluctuate depending on market conditions. On the other hand, outdoor power sources require no fuel storage and have no ongoing fuel costs.
Additionally, some outdoor power sources are eligible for government incentives and rebates, which help offset the initial cost of the system. In addition, outdoor power can increase the resale value of a home, making it a worthwhile investment.

3. Limitations of Outdoor Power​

While there are many advantages to using outdoor power, there are some limitations to consider. The amount of power an outdoor portable power station can provide is limited by the capacity of the battery pack. The size of the battery pack depends on the home's power needs, the duration of the outage, and the amount of backup power needed.

To determine the size of the battery pack needed, the power requirements of the household must be calculated. This is accomplished by totaling the wattage of all appliances and equipment used during the outage. Certain appliances (such as refrigerators and air conditioners) require a significant amount of power when first turned on, and this must be considered when determining the size of the battery pack.

After calculating the power demand, the duration of the outage and the amount of backup power required must be determined. This will be determined by the frequency and duration of power outages in the area, as well as the household's needs. Outdoor power is generally best suited for short-term outages lasting a few hours to a day or two. A traditional standby generator or a hybrid system that combines a battery backup with a traditional generator may be a better choice for longer outages.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Walter K said:
Hmmm...

Yes, it's possible to use a portable battery like a 2000W Jackery system to reduce electricity costs at home, especially if you're charging it via solar power. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Solar charging: Charge the Jackery portable power station using solar panels during the daytime. The speed of charging will depend on the size and efficiency of your solar panels, as well as the amount of sunlight they receive.
  2. Use during peak hours: Energy companies often charge more for electricity during peak hours, which are typically in the late afternoon and early evening when many people are home and using electricity. You can use the Jackery to power your devices during these peak hours, thus reducing the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid.
  3. Emergency backup power: Another way to use the Jackery is as a source of emergency power during blackouts or times of unreliable grid electricity. While this may not reduce your regular electricity costs, it can save you from having to purchase a separate backup generator, and it can also provide peace of mind.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The 2000W Jackery system, while powerful for a portable system, still has limited capacity. Depending on your household energy usage, it may only be able to power a few devices for a limited period of time.
  • Solar charging is highly dependent on weather and daylight hours. In many locations, it may not be possible to fully charge the Jackery every day, especially in the winter or during periods of cloudy weather.
  • You will need to manage the system actively, switching devices over to the Jackery during peak hours and back to grid power at other times. This could be inconvenient, depending on your lifestyle and the layout of your home.
  • While the Jackery can reduce your reliance on grid electricity, it's unlikely to eliminate your electricity bill entirely. A full home solar power system with a large, permanent battery bank would be more effective for that purpose. However, such a system is also much more expensive and complex to install.
Also, do remember that the upfront cost of purchasing the Jackery system and solar panels should be factored into the total cost. It may take a number of years of reduced electricity bills to recoup this initial investment.
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Thank you!
 
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