Frequently Asked Questions

The Power Backup Calculator provides insights into daily energy loads, not just annual consumption. This gives you two crucial advantages:

1. Understanding Critical Loads: For backup power management identifying essential appliances is necessary to extend your ride through time and ensure you're prepared for extended power outages.

2. Comprehensive Backup Options: Unlike standard vendors, the Power Backup Calculator evaluates a wide range of backup options, including gasoline and diesel generators, piped natural gas generators, fuel cell generators, photovoltaic rooftop solar, battery storage, solar thermal, and wind power, an approach that ensures you identify the best solution tailored to your unique needs.

Power Backup Calculator is free to use and expert guidance is a small fee. 

Drop us a line so we can send the calculator and profile your project including zip code and utility providers (electric and gas). A one-time fee of $500 covers the energy monitoring device and initial consultation, and you'll be well informed for discussions with vendors as you seekt to get your power solution installed.

We test, recommend, and resell consumer power devices for "basic needs" and we profile local installers and recommend those closest to you to ensure you get the fastest and best service from your own community of experts. Our role is to give you the confidence that you're buying the right setup, and knowledgeable to operate it to your needs.

While the peace of mind and security of having power during a disaster might not have a direct ROI, recouping your upfront costs is crucial. A backup power system can unlock several energy arbitrage opportunities, providing financial benefits such as: 

• Demand Charge Avoidance (common for commercial facilities)
• Time of Use Optimization (increasingly common for residential homes)
• Seasonal Optimization to avoid critical peak price (summer in some areas winter in others)
• Energy Market Participation (on the rise through virtual power plants).