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The world is changing quickly, and so are the ways we power our homes and businesses. Not so long ago, if you wanted to be protected from a power outage, the answer was simple: get a generator. But today, with advancements in battery technology, increases in manufacturing capacity (driven by EVs) and demand for more sustainable solutions, we now have smarter, cleaner and affordable alternatives to traditional back-up! Let’s start with the numbers&nbsp; At first glance, the cost of a generator and a battery system might seem similar—around $10,000 for a simple residential system.* However, &nbsp;you need to dig deeper to understand the true costs to find the best solution for you!For example, a typical house draws a daily average of 1.5kWh per hour. Fuel costs about $1.80 CAD per litre and a generator burns about 4 litres of fuel per hour, or $7.20 per hour. In contrast, an EG4 Indoor 14.4kWh battery can be recharged from the grid in British Columbia for about $0.11 per kWh. Vancouver’s electricity rates are among the lowest in North America, but even in California, where electricity costs are 3-4 times more ($0.30/kWh), a comparable battery system is still significantly cheaper than the fuel expense of a generator. &nbsp;And that’s just the fuel… Then you need to consider maintenance Residential backup generators, commonly known as “standby” generators, typically come with limited warranties—often around five years—and using them for purposes beyond standby power can void these warranties. They require annual maintenance even if not in use, and oil changes every 50 hours of operation, which can add up to hundreds of dollars each year. For generators that run on gasoline, it’s important to replace the fuel every six months to prevent ethanol additives from gumming up the engine. While natural gas and liquid propane generators don’t have this particular problem, battery systems offer several advantages: they require no maintenance, have no smell, operate silently, and are generally cheaper and easier to install.Generators are loud and gassy, and bad for the environment!&nbsp; We can’t talk about generators versus batteries without addressing the elephant in the room: emissions. Generators burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and pollutants into the air. They are noisy, smelly, and certainly not something your neighbors really want to hear running all night.&nbsp;Batteries, on the other hand, operate silently and produce no emissions. When paired with solar panels, they become a fully renewable solution, helping reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your lights on. Thanks to the increasing production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, recycling technologies have advanced, and many components of these batteries are now recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable energy ecosystem.Batteries save you money on your electric bill Here’s where batteries really shine: They do more than just sit idle, waiting for an outage. If you’re connected to the grid, you can use your battery to store power during off-peak hours and draw from it during expensive peak times. In places with net metering or self-generation programs (which includes most provinces in Canada and several U.S. states), you can sell excess power back to the grid, turning your battery into a revenue generator. In some places, the utility will actually pay you if you discharge your battery during times of high grid congestion (mostly during extreme temperature swings).A generator, by contrast, is a one-trick pony. It powers your home during an outage and otherwise sits idle.What About Prolonged Outages? While some argue that generators are better for extended outages because they can run indefinitely with enough fuel, consider this: a home battery system can keep your essential devices running for several days on a single charge. You can expand your battery capacity as much as you need, but if you live in an area prone to multi-day outages during the dark days of winter, it might make sense to pair batteries with a smaller, cheaper generator. In such situations, you can use the generator to recharge the batteries for a few hours and then shut it down. This hybrid approach not only stretches your fuel supply but also reduces noise, emissions, and wear and tear on the generator.There has never been a better time to install a renewable energy system: Many provinces like British Columbia and Ontario as well as states like California, Massachusetts and Minnesota offer incentives to reduce the capital cost to install. Not only do home batteries provide you with back-up power when you need it, they help shave the peaks, reduce grid congestion and lower emissions.Cost Comparison Example: Generator vs. Battery Install in British Columbia<figure id="figure-k95bcaqn3m43pdt8l" class=""><img id="k95bcaqn3m43pdt8l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30LZXwADVgkvukPsYwsgRKKQxzNNsXZzo3yX1GoqCxJ09cZelJGLVmuFTEydSKjK.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30LZXwADVgkvukPsYwsgRKKQxzNNsXZzo3yX1GoqCxJ09cZelJGLVmuFTEydSKjK.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>Ask us more about which backup system is best for you! Send us a message at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com" data-mce-href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com</a> * Note: install costs may vary depending on site requirements, permitting and contractors.&nbsp;______________________Sources&nbsp; https://www.bpmelectric.com/how-much-is-electricity-in-vancouver/

Home Battery vs Generator: What delivers better back-up power for your buck?

<h3>Essential Tips for Lithium-Ion Battery Systems, like EG4</h3>Solar production in winter can be as low as 10-20% of summer output in many regions across Canada. This is mostly due to shorter days with lower sun angles, and weather factors like snow cover. &nbsp;That means off-grid cabins and homes require diligent energy management in the winter—especially when you plan to be away for long periods of time with no auto-start generator.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-c9p3xy5ialm3nssycj"><img id="c9p3xy5ialm3nssycj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Mz4YUgZ37qJ30kDfJq8v3LVOdUpYrVOLwvlTyrGvbrTL5ksMrF3txNoLyc5Uwx.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 10% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="10%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Mz4YUgZ37qJ30kDfJq8v3LVOdUpYrVOLwvlTyrGvbrTL5ksMrF3txNoLyc5Uwx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 10% 55%;"></figure>Taking the time to set up your EG4 batteries and inverter for winter is no different than draining your water lines, turning off your propane, and putting antifreeze in your toilets. It can mean the difference between coming back to a functional system or facing costly replacements. Here are some practical tips to keep your batteries in tip top shape during the colder months to ensure they are ready to power up nicely upon your return:1. Reduce Standby Power Draw Idle consumption can gradually drain the batteries over time, especially when there’s minimal solar input during winter. Reducing unnecessary loads will extend the battery’s endurance. Most inverters, including the EG4 6000XP, has a standby consumption of about 50W.&nbsp; At this consumption, 50W * 24hrs means you have to generate at least 1.2kWh of solar per day to compensate. If your solar system isn't big enough to generate that amount of power, turn off your system completely. Otherwise, turn off cirucuit breakers to all non essential loads. Lowering idle power requirements minimizes discharge and helps conserve your battery’s State of Charge (SOC) throughout the winter months.&nbsp;2. Set the Optimal Battery SOC Before You Leave You can optimize battery health over extended periods of non-use by starting with the right State of Charge (SOC). Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, like EG4 models, are sensitive to extreme charge levels when left unused for weeks at a time.a. Aim to store LiFePO₄ batteries at 60% SOC: This level is the “sweet spot” to prevent unnecessary chemical reactions that degrade battery cells. Before leaving, check that your batteries aren’t near full capacity or nearly drained. Extended periods at these extremes can strain the battery and reduce its lifespan. b. To charge or discharge your battery, set the Discharge Cut-Off to 60%, turn off the solar switch, and run some heavier loads. Once at the target SOC, turn the entire system off. At this level, your battery may still discharge on it's own at a rate of about 1% per month.3. Battery Charging Limits at Low Temps EG4’s indoor and outdoor wall-mounted batteries come equipped with integrated heaters that activate automatically when the battery temperature hits 0°C. However, if solar power is insufficient to power both the heater and keep the battery above 20% SOC, the BMS will shut off the heater and prevent block charging. If temperatures drop below -20ºC the BMS will put the battery in temperature protection lockdown. Charging/discharging will automatically resume once temperatures warm up. 4. State of Charge Calibration: When lithium batteries are not cycled for long periods, the Battery Management System (BMS) can lose accuracy in calculating the SOC as a percent. This effect is common across all lithium batteries including cell phones and electric vehicles. For example, EV manufacturers generally advise charging only up to about 80% regularly to preserve battery health. However, because electric vehicles contain thousands of individual cells, the BMS will occasionally bring certain cells to 100% to recalibrate and maintain an accurate overall state of charge, ultimately extending the battery’s lifespan. Residential batteries require a bit more manual.&nbsp; TIP: Before you leave, set the EG4 battery discharge control to "Volts" and Discharge Cut-Off to 52V in the winter. 5. Automatic Generator Start Your EG4 Inverter has the ability to start and stop your generator automatically, but not all generators are capable of this.&nbsp; Some can be retrofitted, but if it requires a mechanical choke, those moving parts can be unreliable. We understand that purchasing a new generator isn’t practical for most people, but whenever possible, we highly recommend using a good 240V inverter based generator that has 2-wire auto start capabilities.Final Thoughts By setting a minimum voltage level for storage, limiting extreme temperature exposure, reducing idle power draw, and using an auto-start backup generator, your battery system will be ready to welcome you back for well more than 10 years.Have questions about specific settings or want more tips for optimizing off-grid battery care? Please reach out hello@sol49.com

Winter Battery Care for Off-Grid Seasonal Cabins

The Canadian Electric Code (CEC) Rule 64-112 (4)(g)(i) deals with the interconnection of power production sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, to the load side of service equipment or a distribution panel. This rule limits the combined current from all power sources to 125% of the busbar’s rating or conductor ampacity to prevent overloading and ensure electrical safety. To help us out, the writers of the code book, thankfully clarified the rule in the appendix: Appendix B - Notes on Rules (2024 CEC code book) Rule 64-112 subrule 4)g)This Item recognizes equipment installed to limit the current on the busbar or conductor to prevent overloading. Consideration should be given to ensure that in the event of equipment failure, the busbar or conductor will not become overloaded. An energy storage system is a load when charging and a source when discharging. Here are some key points of this rule:<ol><li>It applies to interconnections on the load side of service equipment or distribution panels </li><li>The rule allows the total current from all sources (utility + PV) to reach up to 125% of the busbar or conductor ampacity </li><li>This 125% limit includes both the main overcurrent device (e.g., main breaker) and the PV system's overcurrent device, installed as far away from the main breaker as possible </li><li>The purpose is to prevent overloading of the busbar </li><li>Unlike the National Electric Code (NEC) 120% rule in the US, the CEC uses a 125% limit</li></ol>Therefore, if homeowners wanted to add more solar panels to an existing electrical system, they would typically need to upgrade the main service panel to safely accommodate the additional solar, which can be quite costly!<blockquote>There is a high chance that a customer will back off from his solar contract if I propose him to upgrade his main panel, as the added labor and cost is upwards of $5,000 for the new panel, says John T, Director of Sales EG4.</blockquote>Power Control Systems (PCS) to the RescueIn the US, the NEC recently introduced a new rule, 705.13, which allows the use of Power Control Systems (PCS) to connect to existing electrical panels and dynamically manage and limit the back-fed current on the busbar, without violating the 120% rule, vs. Canada 125% rule - we get an extra 5% due to our cold climate? Even though Canada has had this rule since the 2021 CEC code book, and further clarified in appendix B of the 2024 CEC code book - section 64-112 subrule 4)(g)(i) the PCS “equipment” was not yet available in Canada.&nbsp; Until Now!The EG4 18kPV, 12kPV and FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverters can support ample PV and eliminate costly panel upgrades, as illustrated below. &nbsp;This means that as your energy needs grow, you can add more solar panels and battery storage to your existing system with EG4. &nbsp;This is a major innovation that enhances integration and makes solar more financially accessible for homeowners in the US and Canada.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-90a92qgjvm3nku9k1"><img id="90a92qgjvm3nku9k1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28zjSUJK42ZwtqBz2WqVT3aHyy0fpiTZg04hpbQeNJLCkkQerlnlgiI8uN3YdINM.png" alt="EG4 18Kpv PCS" title="EG4 18Kpv PCS" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28zjSUJK42ZwtqBz2WqVT3aHyy0fpiTZg04hpbQeNJLCkkQerlnlgiI8uN3YdINM.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Sol49 Will Help You With PCS Settings &amp; Warning Labels EG4 inverters monitor the supply side with CTs to ensure that it will never add more power to the busbar than it can handle. At the time of install, Sol49 will help you with the PCS settings on your EG4 inverter and provide you with the appropriate warning labels for the electrical panel that you’re backfeeding. To stay within the code, the PCS Setpoint will be set at 80% of the busbar value.Send us a message to learn more about EG4’s PCS systems and pricing at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com" data-mce-href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com</a>Sources Naveen Tera, EG4 - <a href="https://issuu.com/northamericancleanenergy/docs/nace_novdec2024-web?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ" data-mce-href="https://issuu.com/northamericancleanenergy/docs/nace_novdec2024-web?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ">Avoiding Costly Main Panel Upgrades</a>

Say Goodbye to Costly Main Panel Upgrades with EG4's Power Control System

Over a decade ago, my husband and I were lucky enough to find and purchase an off-grid family cabin on a small island near Desolation Sound, BC. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the cabin received ample sunlight throughout the year and came equipped with ten lead-acid batteries and a noisy, gas-powered backup generator. Since we anticipated we would only be spending a few weeks there in the summer and the occasional weekend in the off season, we decided to keep the existing system and add more solar panels to the roof. This gave us just enough power to keep our fridge, lights, water pump, internet and necessities running. If I wanted to vacuum or occassionally blow dry my long hair, we had to power up the genny!&nbsp;Fast Forward 10 Years: Off-Grid Power Evolution Since then, our energy needs have grown and the landscape of off-grid power solutions has transformed dramatically. Lithium batteries have emerged as a superior choice, offering numerous advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including higher efficiency, longer lifespan, greater depth of discharge, no off-gasses, and maintenance-free operation. In addition, the cost of solar panels and lithium battery storage has plummeted, making it more affordable for us to finally replace our aging lead-acid batteries with a clean, reliable, long term, powerful system.When designing our new off-grid system, we considered several factors:<ol><li>our growing energy needs and daily consumption to determine optimal battery capacity</li><li>solar production throughout the year to ensure sufficient power during our off-season visits and rainy days</li><li>inverters and battery systems that were easy to install and expandable if we felt we needed more power down the road</li><li>ability for anyone at the cabin to simply understand the state of charge as a % of battery available vs. decyphering voltage readings</li><li>cost-effective and insurable solutions that were UL certified and safe for a remote island</li></ol>Through our research, we discovered EG4 Electronics, who offer a range of premium, affordable, and safe LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, with fire protection and heaters built-in - making them perfect for off-grid living. After thoroughly testing their products, we were so impressed, we decided to partner with them to distribute EG4 throughout Canada.We narrowed down 3 modular Off-Grid starter systems that are simple to install and can easily expand with your power needs:Bundle 1 - The Perfect Starter Kit.&nbsp; It can take up to 20 400W panels and it can power almost anything you could want. Dishwaser, washing machine and (gas) dryer, well pump, hairdryers, and yes, even a small heatpump, all at the same time.<ul><li>6000XP All-in-one Off-Grid Inverter that utilizes 8kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) input and outputs up to 6kW of power while simultaneously charging your battery bank</li><li>EG4 Indoor WallMount Battery offering 14.3 kWh of storage capacity and a maximum continuous output of 200A</li><li>EG4 4G Adapter to enable remote system monitoring and management. </li><li>UL Certfied</li></ul>Bundle 2 - The No-Compromise Kit This Kit can accept 24kW or solar or about 60 panels, which means that your entire house can have heatpumps and you can even charge your electric car.&nbsp;<ul><li>EG4® 12000XP is a 12 kW, 120/240 VAC split-phase, all-in-one, off-grid inverter, offering 24 kW of DC solar PV on two 35 Amp MPPTs and generate 12kW of power output, while charging the battery with another 12kW. It can also pass through up to 24kW (100 Amps) of utility power, or 90 Amps of generator power.</li><li>3 - EG4 Indoor WallMount Battery offering 14.3 kWh of storage capacity and a maximum continuous output of 200A</li><li>EG4 4G Adapter to enable remote system monitoring and management </li><li>UL Certfied</li></ul>Bundle 3 - Small but Mighty - Extremely affordable solution that's perfect for your RV or small cabin. It can easily run your fridge, well pump and other small appliances.&nbsp;<ul><li>3000EHV-48 All-In-One Off-Grid Inverter that combines the capabilities of a 3000W inverter, MPPT solar charger, and battery charger and supports parallel connection of up to 12 units</li><li>EG4 Indoor WallMount Battery offering 5.12 kWh of storage capacity </li></ul>All of these bundles are UL1973 Certified, have built-in fire arrestors, and come with an EG4 Warranty. You can't beat the power or the price for these off-grid setups!If you have questions and want to learn more about which off-grid or grid-tie bundle is right for you, send us a message at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com" data-mce-href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com.</a>&nbsp;

The Perfect Battery Storage System for Your Off-Grid Lifestyle

Choosing the right type of inverter is critical when planning a solar installation. While microinverters can seem attractive due to their simple installation, however, hybrid string inverters are a better investment that will save you time and money down the road. Let’s dig in!First, what’s the difference? Microinverters convert solar energy to AC the panel level, which can be a plus in terms of simplicity for smaller systems. Hybrid inverters, like the EG4 18kPV All-In-One Hybrid string Inverters use the MPPTs in the inverter to convert solar energy to AC, but these inverters are also responsible for storing the solar energy in a battery (both your panels and the battery operate using DC current). If you have solar, it can be very frustating when grid goes down and there's plenty of sunshine. Only Hybrid inverters can keep the lights on when the power goes out – microinverters can't do that.&nbsp; But hey, what about an AC battery, your ask?&nbsp; It's true that the microinverter companies have been addressing this by coming out with batteries that will convert the power back to DC to store in the battery, and then back to AC to use it again. You end up wasting so much of your precious solar power during all of these conversion steps. Using their own efficiency ratings, AC batteries are only 76-79% efficient FULL round trip. That's panel to load.&nbsp; (The data is there, but they're tricky with how the present it, they give you a rating for the microinverter and then the battery. These need to be added together to get the true round trip rating.)The top 3 key advantages of hybrid inverters include:1. Seamless Battery Storage Integration If you are investing in solar panels but are not quite ready to add battery storage, installing a hybrid inverter from the get-go will help future-proof your system. For example, a homeowner with a hybrid inverter can install batteries years after their solar system is in place, without expensive retrofitting. In a microinverter-based system, adding batteries later will require extra inverters and a lot of rewiring, which makes upgrades far more costly.2. Backup Power During Outages A hybrid inverter offers backup power capabilities and peace of mind. When the grid goes down, hybrid inverters can automatically switch to battery power, keeping essential appliances like the lights, refrigerators, heat pumps and internet access up and running.&nbsp; Some can keep power flowing, even without a battery. Meanwhile, microinverters shut down during grid outages, leaving homes without power when you need it the most, and wasting all that solar energy. 3. Earn money using Time of Day pricing Adding storage helps you take advantage of <a data-mce-href="https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/rates-energy-use/electricity-rates/residential-rates/tiered-time-of-day.html" href="https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/rates-energy-use/electricity-rates/residential-rates/tiered-time-of-day.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">time of use</a> pricing. Good hybrid inverters, like EG4's 18Kpv, 12Kpv, and FlexBoss save money on electricity bills by using the battery every day during peak times, and charging it only when solar can't and only when rates are low, usually at night.4. Cost-Effective &amp; Ready to Scale Depending on the size of your solar installation, microinverters can become increasingly expensive with each panel you add. For larger systems, hybrid string inverters are less expesnive. On average, the number of panels where string inverters break even is about 19. A little less or a little more, and why would not ever choose micro inverters?&nbsp; One final note on cost, we recently quoted upgrading SolarEdge system to battery storage. Our brand new inverter plus battery system was less expesnive than adding a SolarEdge battery to their current system.5. Forward and Backward Compatible All of EG4’s Hybrid Inverters including the FlexBOSS, EG4® 12kPV or EG4 18kPV All-In-One Hybrid Inverter, the EG4® 6000XP and 12000XP All-In-One Off-Grid Inverter offer storage integration and are compatible with micro inverters. Therefore, you can also add storage to an existing solar system to access the power you need, day and night, and can monitor it all in one place in our iOS/Android app or on the web.In summary, a hybrid system offers you greater flexibility and can save you time, money and hassle down the road.&nbsp; Contact us to learn which Hybrid Inverter &amp; Battery system is right for you Hello@sol49.com

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Home Battery vs Generator: What delivers better back-up p...

Winter Battery Care for Off-Grid Seasonal Cabins

Say Goodbye to Costly Main Panel Upgrades with EG4's Powe...

The Perfect Battery Storage System for Your Off-Grid Life...

Hybrid Inverters vs. Microinverters: Why Hybrid Inverters...