Charging station

The charging station is a ready-made advanced system that is suitable for absolutely everyone. It is quite compact, and the functionality can be very diverse.

The undoubted leaders in the production of such equipment are the companies BLUETTI and EcoFlow. The battery backup station is suitable for an apartment, private house, cottage, trips to nature, fishing. It stands out with a stylish body that will fit into any interior. With its help, you can ensure the operation of computers and some low-power household appliances, heating systems, and charge all types of gadgets. The sealed body and reliable batteries (usually LiFePO4) guarantee safe operation in enclosed spaces and overall environmental friendliness.

Benefits of the charging station:

  • A large number of connectors for connecting any equipment.
  • Possibility of fast charging in conditions of frequent and prolonged power outages.
  • Compatible with solar panels and car cigarette lighter.
  • High level of protection.
  • Environmental friendliness.
  • High mobility.
  • Additional options are provided (flashlight, control from a smartphone, UPS mode)

The main disadvantage is the high price that must be paid one-time for a set of innovative solutions. A charging station for 2000 Wh will cost about 80,000 UAH ($2000), which not every family can afford. We suggest paying attention to EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max or BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P depending on your needs and budget. It is also worth noting that some models operate in UPS mode, so if there is a power outage, the equipment will continue to function without the need for manual reconnection.

Popular charging stations

Car inverter + battery

A car inverter is a budget option. It can work with any type of battery and is compact in size.

But such a device is not designed for long-term regular use, as its name suggests, and to connect it to a battery it is important to take precautions. It is also important to note that if the main power supply is turned off, all equipment will be de-energized, since the auto-inverter does not support the UPS function. You will need to manually start the backup power supply each time. Paired with a 2000 Wh (170 Ah) battery, the system is capable of powering connected equipment for several hours.

Advantages of the car inverter + battery kit:

  • Budget price.
  • Large range of products.
  • Does not require specialized installation.
  • Suitable for car and apartment.

Disadvantages of the car inverter + battery kit:

  • Requires battery charging after use (charger must be purchased separately).
  • Manual start is required, UPS mode is not provided.
  • Increased heating at full continuous load.
  • Unaesthetic appearance.
  • Limited number of exits.

Creating a backup power system based on a battery and inverter can have many different options to suit different budgets. Price, efficiency, and service life depend on the type of battery used.

Type of equipment Efficiency Durability System cost
Car inverter with a rated power of 2000 W + battery 2000 Wh (170 Ah) average depends on the type of battery 20,000 UAH ($500) with car lead-acid battery (SLA / EFB)

30,000 UAH ($750) with AGM/GEL battery

50,000 UAH ($1300) with LiFePO4 battery
Popular car inverters

UPS + battery

A UPS(also known as an uninterruptible power supply, UPS) is a beneficial solution if uninterrupted operation of equipment is required. They operate in online mode, providing current supply from the main network, and additionally act as a stabilizer. When the power goes out, the UPS automatically switches to battery backup.

The best type for creating an autonomous power supply system are inverter UPSs with the ability to externally connect a battery. The cost of the set depends on the type of battery, similar to the option with an inverter, but will cost a little more.

Type of equipment Efficiency Durability System cost
UPS with effective power 2000 W + battery 2000 Wh (170 Ah) high depends on the type of battery 30,000 UAH ($750) with car lead-acid battery (SLA / EFB)

40,000 UAH ($1000) with AGM/GEL battery

60,000 UAH ($1,500) with LiFePO4 battery

The UPS + battery kit can confidently be called the optimal backup power source for most users. It does not require maintenance and is fully automated, charges the battery independently from the network, and is affordable.

Advantages of the UPS + battery kit:

  • Automatic switching from the main channel to the backup one.
  • Stabilization of output current parameters.
  • Comprehensive protection against most threats.
  • Automatic battery charging.
  • Large range of products.

Disadvantages of the UPS + battery kit:

  • External battery connection, which does not look the best.
Popular uninterruptible power supplies

Which battery to choose?

By using a classic lead-acid car battery, you can create the cheapest backup power system. However, it must be taken into account that such batteries are not designed for constant energy output (oriented towards a short-term load to start the engine), and with a constant strong discharge they can quickly (within 1 year) lose their service life and fail. Moreover, SLA and EFB batteries require periodic maintenance to maintain performance. The charging process is accompanied by the release of chemicals and is not allowed indoors due to safety regulations. The total number of cycles does not exceed 400.

The use of AGM (fiberglass) or GEL (gel) type batteries is the best option in terms of price/quality. They are capable of delivering a charge for a long time and are not afraid of complete exhaustion. The number of recharge cycles is about 800. In the absence of electricity, the battery can remain discharged for some time without negative consequences for its performance.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are the most expensive and high quality. The process of replenishing energy occurs very quickly, they are not afraid of discharges, and can withstand at least 2000 recharge cycles. The final cost of a LiFePO4 kit with a car inverter is quite high, so it makes sense to pay attention to the charging station, having received a ready-made and functional solution. You can learn more about choosing the right battery in the article “How to choose a battery for a UPS.”

conclusions

You can understand which method of backup power supply at home is the cheapest from the table:

Backup system type
(2000 W/h)		 Price
Car inverter + battery From 20,000 ($500) to 50,000 ($1300)
UPS + battery From 30,000 ($750) to 60,000 ($1,500)
Charging station About 80,000 UAH ($2000)

However, price is not the most important criterion. Considering the characteristics of each type of backup power supply, the most advantageous is a UPS + AGM or GEL battery kit. Yes, it costs a little more than the option with an inverter, but it does not have all its disadvantages, and will definitely be much cheaper than a charging station. A system based on an uninterruptible power supply will operate completely autonomously, and manufacturers offer models of different capacities for specific tasks (powering a PC, laptop, router, refrigerator, fan, heating boiler, lighting). UPS copes well with voltage surges, protects equipment from breakdowns, and is therefore suitable for daily use in places with regular power outages and surges in the network.

If you do not need a constant source of backup power, then a car inverter and battery will be the most profitable and cheapest solution. Operating such a system is not the most convenient, and charging will require additional equipment. On the other hand, any motorist has everything he needs, including a battery, which will allow him to reduce costs as much as possible.

A charging station can be a profitable (but definitely not cheap) option for a large family. It will allow you to simultaneously charge several smartphones, a laptop, connect LED lighting and some household appliances. At home, the system is relevant in the presence of children and animals, guaranteeing absolute safety due to the absence of exposed terminals and wires. Also, many models are compatible with solar panels, so they are beneficial to take with you outdoors or on a trip.