Recently, I’ve received numerous questions from friends and acquaintances about how to ensure their homes have an autonomous energy source during power outages. Here’s what you need to know:

Consumption Awareness

The first and most crucial consideration is your energy consumption. Adopting an energy-saving culture is essential. The kilowatt-hours you can avoid using are the cheapest (free), significantly helping optimize your costs for an autonomous system. Your most critical and essential electricity consumers at home are heating system pumps, water supply pumps from a well or borehole, refrigerator, router, phone and laptop chargers, and LED lights/lamps. Other appliances like washing machines, hair dryers, irons, ovens, electric kettles, coffee makers, and air conditioners can wait. If you have electric stoves and heating, the situation is more complex.

Autonomous Energy Options
1. Gasoline or Diesel Generator
A well-known and tested method, but it comes with its drawbacks:

– Frequent refueling: Requires time and effort.
– Regular maintenance: Again, time and cost-consuming.
– Prone to breakdowns: Often not designed for prolonged use.
– Noise: Can be disruptive.
– Not suitable for apartments: For obvious reasons.

However, it also has advantages:
– Reliable power source: Independent of weather, season, or time of day.
– Mobility: Can be transported to where electricity is needed.

2. Energy Storage Systems (Inverter with Battery)
A very convenient and efficient option, though it has its limitations:

– Higher cost: More expensive than the first option.
– Limited by duration: Not as useful if outages last days or weeks, as it requires a recharge source. Solar panels can help in spring and summer, but not much from November to February.
– Less mobile: Though some models are quite portable.

Advantages include:
– Convenience: Automatically switches to battery power during outages, unnoticed.
– Low maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep.
– Fast charging: Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries can charge quickly, which is crucial if power is available only for short periods.
– Longevity: Typically lasts 6,000 cycles (charge-discharge), some up to 10,000 cycles.
– Silent operation: No noise.
– Solar charging: From March to October, can charge from solar panels.
-Suitable for apartments: Can be installed indoors.

Best Practices

Given the current state of the energy system following missile attacks and new threats, it’s best to have both options. Do not believe fake news about exporting electricity abroad! Trust the official information from the energy system operator, NEC “Ukrenergo.”

Consume electricity wisely! Drink your coffee after 9 AM when the sun adds energy. Be mindful after 5 PM, as the energy system is under the most strain. Stay conscious and stay healthy!