I'm considering getting a home battery backup system to make the most of my electric company's time-of-day (TOD) rates. I live in North NJ and currently use gas for heat, so I don't have detailed summer data, only June usage. Here's what I've discovered: during winter off-peak, I use about 6.16 kWh, whereas in summer off-peak, it's about 12.95 kWh. The peak rates are significantly higher, with winter peak at 8.86 kWh and June peak reaching 18.90 kWh.
I've looked into the Ecoflow Delta Pro Ultra with three batteries totaling 18 kWh at an estimated after-tax cost of $7000. I could charge the batteries during off-peak hours and use them during peak periods, which I figure could save me around $500-$600 on my electric bill, especially before even considering solar. I know the ROI is lengthy at 10-12 years, but it's better than the alternative of a generator that costs around $3-4K. I might even expand to solar panels down the line to boost savings. However, I'm open to suggestions and would love to know if there are better systems out there or if I'm missing something important!
2 Answers
Totally hear you! The Ecoflow system isn’t bad and the costs are more reasonable now, but you'd be stuck using just their gear. I prefer systems like EG4 because you can swap out components with various brands without an issue. You're not tied down to one company's proprietary stuff, which makes upgrades easier if needed. Just something to think about!
You might want to check out the EG4 system paired with some batteries. The 6000XP inverter runs about $1600, and each EG4 battery holds 5.12 kWh and costs around $1000. If you go with four batteries and that inverter, your total comes to about $5,600, and after tax credits, it's closer to $3,920, which is a much quicker payoff. Also, make sure you consider getting 25-30 kWh of battery storage since tax credits could be disappearing soon. Just know you’ll need a certified electrician to set it all up. I've got a similar setup and save $200-$300 each month in summer!
That's solid advice! I've also heard that DIY systems can give you amazing value for battery storage. After rebates, you could pay around $100 per kWh which beats the Ecoflow prices. Definitely worth looking into!
I agree! Having flexibility to mix and match your components is really a game-changer. It’ll make maintenance and upgrades much simpler in the long run.