Electriq Power home batteries beat the heat with backup power and smart operation
Electriq Power, home batteries, solar, energy, technology, 2022
A home battery combined with solar solar roof it can provide backup power during blackouts and shift power usage schedules to avoid peak charges, among other benefits.
In the United States, and particularly in Texas, where the grid infrastructure is becoming increasingly unreliable, Americans are struggling to beat the heat as peak temperatures lead to peak energy demand and planned power outages on the energy grid. At the same time, energy prices are rising. Especially during peak demand, making this summer an expensive and inconvenient situation for many.
Electriq Power, the provider of the PowerPod 2 home battery, said its battery can provide backup power during a power outage. But also provide smart time-of-use charge and discharge cycles that insulate homeowners from expensive peak charges. Home storage also reduces pressure on the grid, making it more reliable and prices more stable.
The solution from Electriq Power
Η battery lithium ferrophosphate PowerPod 2 comes in different forms, each with a continuous output of 7,6 kW AC and a direct output of 9,12 kW. The battery has useful capacity configurations of 10, 15 and 20 kWh. It can switch between standby power, time of use and self-power mode and has a maximum DC efficiency of 97,6%.
Batteries are often placed in the garage or in a cool, dark place outside the house. The PowerPod 2 is rated for outdoor use with a NEMA 3R certification. It is also UL9540 and UL9540A certified. It can operate between -15 C to 55 C and at a maximum altitude of almost 3.000 meters. The battery unit measures 27,5cm x 50cm x 9cm, while the accompanying converter measures 18cm x 33,7cm x 7cm. Both components have a 10-year warranty from Electriq Power.
Last month, Electriq Power announced that it had been selected as the exclusive hardware and software supplier for Barrio Eléctrico. An organization working with community partners to install solar and storage systems in Puerto Rico. The island experiences frequent power outages and severe storms that affect the main grid. So distributed solar and storage offer an alternative solution to keep the lights on.
Rooftop solar and a home battery can also reduce electricity costs. Which is a major concern in Puerto Rico. Over 750.000 households on the island are considered low or moderate income. But the island's electricity rates are among the highest for US residents. By reducing the need for grid-generated power, home batteries installed as part of this program can significantly reduce a family's bill, Electriq power said.
Strengthening Puerto Rico
"Puerto Rico's ongoing struggle with stable electricity makes the island an ideal location for home storage and solar power," said Frank Magnotti, CEO of Electriq Power. "Thanks to Barrio Eléctrico, there are greater opportunities for homes on the island to embrace independent electricity generation."
“Puerto Rico's natural resources are the ingredients for a strong economy, but unreliable electricity is the primary factor hindering economic growth. The first step to solving the electricity crisis is grassroots action in every community. Our program supports individuals to take control of their electricity needs. While simultaneously building community capacity to design and have a voice in tomorrow's electric service. Because of allies like Electriq Power, who provide the building blocks of our high-quality, affordable systems, we've been able to initiate community and municipal action toward a brighter, fairer future.” Lauren Rosenblatt, founder and acting CEO of Barrio Eléctrico;
The need for distributed energy resources and backup power also resonates in the continental US. Network reports warned of a summer holiday in the Midwest, California and Texas. Especially as widespread drought in the west limits hydropower production and the mismatch between supply and peak demand remains.
