Power outages can disrupt the operation of household appliances, heating equipment, computers, and other devices. To maintain a comfortable level of comfort and protect equipment from outages, backup power is used. However, before purchasing, a question arises: should you choose a ready-made kit or build a custom system?
Both options have their own unique features. The choice depends on the amount of equipment, the required battery life, the available budget, and the operating conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between ready-made kits and custom solutions and when each option might be more convenient.
What is a ready-made backup power supply kit?
A ready-made backup power supply kit is a pre-selected set of equipment designed for a specific load. It may include an inverter, battery, cables, protective elements, and other necessary equipment.
The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity. The buyer doesn’t have to independently select compatible components and calculate the characteristics of each element. If the kit is correctly sized for the expected load, it can be used as a ready-made solution for a home, apartment, office, or small commercial property.
Ready-made systems are especially convenient in situations where it is necessary to quickly organize backup power supply for primary consumers.
Main features of ready-made kits
- pre-selected components;
- calculated system power;
- possibility of quick installation;
- less time for equipment selection;
- a convenient option for typical tasks;
- the possibility of expanding some systems in the future.
However, a standard kit may have limitations. For example, if a consumer needs to power a large number of devices simultaneously or provide autonomy for several hours, a standard solution may not be sufficient.
When is a custom solution better?
A customized backup power system is designed to meet the specific needs of the facility. This includes the equipment’s power, the nature of the load, the required battery life, the electrical network’s characteristics, and the potential for future expansion.
For example, for an apartment, powering a refrigerator, a router, lighting, and a few outlets might be sufficient. A private home might also require a pump, a heating boiler, a video surveillance system, household appliances, and other equipment.
A customized solution allows you to prioritize and avoid overpaying for capacity that won’t actually be used.
What to choose: a ready-made kit or a custom system?
Before choosing, it’s important to determine not only the overall power of the appliance but also which devices need to operate during a power outage. Some users need a few hours of operation for the refrigerator and lighting, while others need a full power supply for the entire home.
| Criterion | Ready-made kit | Individual solution |
| Equipment selection | Already completed | Performed under the object |
| Speed of selection | High | Requires calculation |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Possibility of expansion | Depends on the system | It can be foreseen in advance |
| Approach | Typical tasks | Complex and non-standard loads |
| Price | Depends on the configuration | Calculated individually |
Thus, a ready-made option is convenient when system requirements are standard and a working solution is needed quickly. A custom configuration is more suitable for facilities with multiple consumer groups and varying autonomy requirements.
How to choose a backup power system?
To ensure your backup power truly performs its intended purpose, it’s a good idea to define the key parameters in advance. Don’t rely solely on the maximum power of a single device.
When selecting a system, it is recommended:
- Make a list of equipment that must operate during a power outage.
- Determine the power of each consumer and the total load.
- Take into account starting currents of equipment with electric motors and compressors.
- Calculate your desired battery life.
- Select an inverter and battery with appropriate characteristics.
- Provide for the possibility of expanding the system if the need for electricity may increase.
Particular attention should be paid to the battery. Even a powerful inverter won’t provide long-term autonomy if the battery capacity is insufficient. Therefore, the system must be selected comprehensively.
Why might an individual calculation be important?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that’s ideal for every property. Even two apartments of the same size can have completely different backup power requirements.
In one case, the owner only needs to maintain the internet, lighting, and refrigerator. In another, they need to ensure the operation of computers, television, heating, pumps, and other appliances.
With custom design, equipment can be divided into priority and secondary loads. This allows for more efficient use of battery power and increases the runtime of critical devices.
Backup power as part of the energy system
A modern backup power supply may not be a standalone device, but rather part of a complete energy system. For example, batteries and an inverter can work in conjunction with solar panels, enabling the use of renewable energy and partially reducing dependence on the power grid.
For such projects, it is especially important to determine in advance which energy sources will be used and how the load will be distributed between them.
NTT Energy helps select backup power system equipment based on the site’s characteristics and the user’s needs. This allows you to choose not just a single inverter or battery, but a coordinated system designed for specific operating conditions.
Result
A ready-made backup power supply kit is suitable for standard tasks requiring quick, autonomous power supply for primary loads. A customized system allows for more precise tailoring to the site’s specific needs, load, and required runtime.
Before purchasing, it’s important to prioritize your equipment, determine the total power requirement, and determine the desired battery life. This approach helps avoid underpowered equipment while also avoiding purchasing equipment with unnecessary performance overhead.
