Battery backup for power outages in Las Terrenas

Who it is for

The Backup package is designed for apartments, small houses and small businesses in Las Terrenas that suffer power outages and want to keep the essentials going: lights, internet and wifi, fridge, fans, phone charging and, in a business, the till or card terminal.

It is a good option if:

• outages are your main problem, more than the size of your electricity bill;
• you do not have your own roof or enough space for many panels, for example in an apartment;
• you want a quiet alternative to a generator for basic needs;
• you already have an old inverter with worn-out batteries and want to replace it.

How it works

The setup is simple: grid power (and panels, if any) → inverter-charger → batteries → backed-up circuits in the home.

1. When the grid is on, the inverter powers the home from the grid and keeps the batteries charged. If the system includes a few panels, the sun also charges the batteries.
2. When the power goes out, the inverter switches to the batteries automatically. The backed-up circuits keep running, with a very short or unnoticeable interruption depending on the equipment.
3. When the power comes back, the inverter returns to the grid and recharges the batteries.

Only the chosen circuits are backed up. During installation, the priority circuits (lights, sockets for the fridge and router, fans) are separated in the electrical panel from heavy loads that stay off the backup, such as air conditioning or an electric water heater.

What the package usually includes

The exact setup is defined after the technical visit. A Backup package usually includes:

• an inverter-charger sized for your essential loads;
• a battery bank, with its capacity calculated from the backup time you want;
• protection devices, wiring and separation of the backed-up circuits in the electrical panel;
• as an option, a few solar panels with a hybrid inverter or charge controller, so the sun can recharge the batteries;
• installation, commissioning and an explanation of how the system works.

Manufacturer and installation warranties are specified in the quote.

Benefits and limitations

Benefits

• The essentials keep running during outages, with no noise, no fumes and no fuel.
• A simpler installation than a complete solar system.
• Works in an apartment without roof access.
• Can be a first step towards a hybrid system, if the equipment is chosen to be compatible from the start.

Limitations

• Backup time depends on battery capacity and on what is plugged in: the package is not designed for air conditioning, a pool pump or an electric shower.
• Without panels it does not reduce your bill; it can even add a little consumption because of battery charging losses.
• If an outage lasts a long time and there are no panels, the batteries can run out before the power returns.
• Batteries have a limited lifespan, which depends on the technology, usage and temperature.

What we check during the technical visit

• The appliances you want to keep running during outages and how much power they use.
• How often outages happen in your area and how long they usually last, based on your experience.
• The condition of the electrical panel and whether the priority circuits can be separated.
• A suitable spot for the inverter and batteries: ventilated, shaded, protected from humidity and salt air.
• Whether there is a roof or space to add a few panels, now or later.
• Your current inverter, if you have one, to see what can be reused.

How many hours does the backup last?

It depends on the battery capacity and on what is plugged in. We give you an estimate of the backup time for the appliances you choose; it is indicative, because actual consumption varies from day to day.

What if I also want to lower my bill?

In that case, look at the hybrid solar system, which combines panels, a hybrid inverter and batteries. Our guide to power outages in Las Terrenas compares all the solutions.