Battery Backup Systems

Store your energy for power outages

Suitable for cities and rural areas – everywhere utility power is available but prone to having power loss.

Download battery backup system info sheets

What you need to know

Purpose

Although battery backup systems have been around for a while, only in recent years has it become mainstream largely due to the popularization of the Tesla Powerwall. It is important to understand there are 3 different reasons for adding battery storage systems to grid-connected buildings. All of these types of systems can be designed with or without solar.

Time of use metering offset
When a utility charges different rates at different times of the day, you may want to run off your batteries when the cost of electricity is high and use the grid when the electricity is cheaper. Very common in the US, this does not exist in BC… yet.
Short Term Power Outage
When you have short-term power outages and you would like a battery system to be able to operate some electrical loads until the power comes back on. You may choose to run only essential electrical loads to keep the energy use and cost of system down.
Long Term Power Outage
When you are planning for an extended power outage of days, weeks or longer. You may choose to run only essential electrical loads to keep the energy use and cost of system down.

Loads

Similar to an off-grid setup the design of the battery system depends entirely on the loads that you will need to run when the power is out and the length of time (days of autonomy) you expect to be able to run before firing up the generator or the power comes back on. This can range from a few lights and fridge to a whole house or facility.

Batteries

There is a broad range of batteries available, and the technologies are evolving. Our policy is to work with you to select the best technology to meet your budget and your needs – now and in the future. We work with all types of batteries including sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries and the latest Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Lithium-Ion batteries.

Battery Backup Sample Systems

The information below is an example of a possible system on energy autonomy for one day. An estimate will be provided for each individual project.

System/ Features	Small Battery Backup	Medium Battery Backup	Large Battery Backup
Battery Bank	5 kWh	10 kWh	20 kWh
Battery Type	AGM or LFP	AGM or LFP	AGM or LFP
Appliances	Fridge, 5 Lights, TV & Laptop	Fridge, Freezer, 10 Lights, TV & Laptop	Fridge, Freezer, 20 Lights, TV, Laptop, Water Pump (1hp), Furnace Fan

FAQs about battery backup systems

What is battery backup?

Battery Backup consists of batteries that store electricity from solar panels when neither solar panels nor the grid can supply power to the home. Battery Backup is best suited for rural locations where outages are more frequent or of longer duration. If you are connected to the BC Hydro grid and you don’t experience outages often, then storing power may not be a concern and you you may wish to consider a solar “grid tie” system.

Can I go off-grid?

Yes! But you may not want to….

Of course it’s technically possible to go off-grid but in reality, for most people, it’s both cost prohibitive and in many cases once the various systems are explained people who are on the grid get much more bang for the buck by going grid tie. Learn more about the various solar energy systems here.

Interested in a battery backup system?

Learn more about which battery backup system is best for your property.

Get a free quote

Battery backup installations

Learn more about the battery backup systems we design and install by reviewing some of our work.

View projects

Territory Acknowledgement

Viridian Solar honours the ancestral grounds on which we live and provide services, recognising that these lands are unceded Indigenous territory. We are steadfast in our commitment to reconciliation and acknowledge the rich history and traditions that characterise this land that we all consider home.

Local Renewable Energy
with Viridian Solar

Viridian Energy Co-operative dba Viridian Solar; a Vancouver Island worker co-operative, licensed and bonded electrical contractor #22258.

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Get in touch

3 – 4997 Polkey Rd
Duncan, BC V9L 6W3

250.412.3520
888.386.0116

info@vecoop.ca