Like everyone else in california these days we need a backup power option for fire-danger days when PG&E shuts off the power. I'd like to spend as little as possible since these power shutoffs don't happen too often. At a minimum I'd like to be able to run our 3/4hp well pump (240v), fridge, router and a few lights. We don't have AC and we can live without the electric hot water heater and stove for a few days.
I'm imagining putting together a system like this:
lithium batteries, maybe like two of these 3840WH options: https://www.amazon.com/CHINS-LiFePO4-Battery-2000-5000-Off-Grid/dp/B08N53GF81
A 240V split phase inverter charger (which one? I assume it needs to be UL listed?)
Some type of transfer panel (auto or manual?)
When the power's out we'd love to be able to recharge the batteries via solar but we're deep in a valley of redwoods and get little sun anywhere. Maybe in the future it'll make sense to try to put in solar. So for now instead I was thinking of hooking up a 1000w inverter to our car and use it as a generator to recharge the batteries (I've done this before in a pinch to power the fridge and it works). It never gets below 32 degrees at the cabin so we don't have to worry about low temperature charging.
What am I missing - does this system make sense? Any help would be appreciated!
I found this video of someone who set up a battery system to run his well pump so it looks like it is possible to do cheaply:
I'm imagining putting together a system like this:
lithium batteries, maybe like two of these 3840WH options: https://www.amazon.com/CHINS-LiFePO4-Battery-2000-5000-Off-Grid/dp/B08N53GF81
A 240V split phase inverter charger (which one? I assume it needs to be UL listed?)
Some type of transfer panel (auto or manual?)
When the power's out we'd love to be able to recharge the batteries via solar but we're deep in a valley of redwoods and get little sun anywhere. Maybe in the future it'll make sense to try to put in solar. So for now instead I was thinking of hooking up a 1000w inverter to our car and use it as a generator to recharge the batteries (I've done this before in a pinch to power the fridge and it works). It never gets below 32 degrees at the cabin so we don't have to worry about low temperature charging.
What am I missing - does this system make sense? Any help would be appreciated!
I found this video of someone who set up a battery system to run his well pump so it looks like it is possible to do cheaply:
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