Portable Generators – Backup Power for Emergencies

October 9, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Power outages can be a minor nuisance or a significant safety issue depending on when they happen and how long they last. When the power goes out, major household appliances including gas furnaces or water heaters will not work, nor will electrical appliances like air conditioners or heat pumps. A sustained winter power outage can lead to frozen water pipes, and a summer outage can lead to dangerously high indoor temperatures. Fortunately there are many options available today to help you get through a power outage safely and comfortably.

Backup power systems are typically either electric battery-based or fossil fuel-powered. In this webinar we’ll discuss the variety of options that are available today, some that are on the near horizon, and how they compare in terms of price and capability. We’ll cover portable standalone batteries, large home battery systems that can be used with or without solar panels, natural gas generators and portable gasoline or propane generators. We will spend the most time exploring portable generators, the option that currently delivers the greatest power output for the money.

Join us as we dive into these questions and more:

What are the types of backup power options available?
How do they compare on price and power output capability?
What are the pros and cons of each type of system?
Why are portable generators such a good value?
What is required to make a home ready to utilize these backup options?
What are the features to consider when choosing a portable generator?
How big a generator do you need to power a home?
What backup power options are coming in the future?

This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series developed in partnership with LEARN. Find more Go Electric! webinars with information and tips on other important electrification topics here.

LEARN is a San Diego based workforce education and training program that has partnered with Electrify Now to offer free energy efficiency and electrification webinars. Please visit the LEARN website for more information.