Whole Home Battery Backup in Kansas City: Benefits, Costs, and Installation Tips for Evergy Energy Customers
- Mobius Power Home
- Nov 7, 2024
- 9 min read
Section 1: Introduction to Whole Home Battery Backup in Kansas City
Why Backup Systems Matter for Kansas City Homes
In Kansas City, power outages can happen due to severe storms, high winds, and other unpredictable weather events. A whole home battery backup system provides peace of mind by ensuring that your lights stay on and your essential appliances keep running, even when the grid goes down.
Key Benefits of Whole Home Battery Backup:
Reliable Power During Outages: Keep critical systems like lighting, heating, and refrigeration operational.
Energy Independence: Store energy generated by solar panels for later use, reducing reliance on the grid.
Reduced Energy Bills: Use stored energy during peak rates or when energy costs are higher, lowering your monthly bill.
Why This Matters in Missouri’s Energy Landscape: Missouri’s energy costs and reliability vary, especially for Evergy Energy customers. With a backup system, you can maintain comfort and safety in your home, even if utility rates increase or reliability becomes a concern.
Understanding Solar + Storage Systems
A solar + storage system combines solar panels with a battery backup. Here’s how it works:
During the Day: Solar panels generate electricity, powering your home directly.
Storing Excess Energy: Any unused solar power charges the battery.
Night or Outage: The battery powers your home from stored energy if the grid goes down.
Grid Reconnection: Once the grid is restored, the battery recharges, ready for the next outage or evening usage.
Component | Function | Benefit |
Solar Panels | Generate energy from sunlight | Reduces grid dependency |
Battery Backup | Stores unused solar energy for later use | Provides power during outages |
Inverter | Converts stored DC energy to AC for home use | Ensures compatibility with home grid |
Example: Imagine a summer storm knocks out power for 10 hours. With a backup battery, your essentials – lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi – stay operational until the grid is restored.
Section 2: Types of Backup and Sizing Your System
Choosing Between Whole Home vs. Partial Backup
When planning a battery backup system, homeowners must choose between whole home backup or partial (essential load) backup. Each option has its own benefits and is suitable for different needs and budgets.
Whole Home Backup
Whole home backup covers your entire home, allowing all your appliances and systems to stay on during an outage. This option requires a larger battery system to handle the full electrical load of the house, which can be more costly.
Pros:
Powers everything, from lights and HVAC to kitchen appliances.
Provides seamless comfort, as if there was no power outage.
Cons:
Higher upfront cost due to the need for multiple batteries.
May require additional installation work to support higher power demand.
Partial (Essential Load) Backup
Partial backup systems focus on essential loads, such as lighting, refrigeration, and communications. This is a more affordable option that covers the basics during an outage.
Pros:
More affordable, requiring fewer batteries.
Prioritizes critical needs without overwhelming the battery capacity.
Cons:
Only selected circuits are powered, so non-essentials like central air conditioning may be left out.
Requires a "critical load" panel to separate essential circuits.
Choosing the Right Option for Kansas City Homes
For Kansas City homeowners, the choice between whole home and partial backup often depends on the frequency of outages and the budget. In areas with frequent or extended outages, whole home backup may be worth the investment. For those on a tighter budget or where outages are rare, a partial backup system may be sufficient.
Battery Sizing Considerations
Choosing the right battery size is essential to ensure your backup system can meet your home’s energy needs. Here’s a breakdown of what factors to consider:
Factors That Influence Battery Size:
Home Energy Usage: The average American home uses around 35 kWh per day. However, a battery like the Tesla Powerwall 2 stores 13.5 kWh, meaning multiple units may be needed for extended backup(StraightUpSolar_Battery…).
Essential Loads: If you’re opting for a partial backup, list critical items like:
Refrigerator/freezer
Lights and fans
Communications (Wi-Fi, phone charger)
Heating and cooling essentials
Budget: Larger battery systems are more expensive, so consider both initial costs and any available incentives.
Backup Type | Battery Capacity Needed | Cost |
Whole Home Backup | 2+ Powerwalls or equivalent for 200A service | Higher cost due to size |
Partial Backup | 1 Powerwall or equivalent for essentials | Lower cost, limited to essentials |
Sizing Examples for Kansas City Homes:
Scenario 1: A family of four wants whole home backup for their 2,500 sq. ft. home. They may need 2-3 batteries to cover all systems during an outage.
Scenario 2: A single homeowner opts for partial backup to cover essentials. One battery may be enough for lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi.
Section 3: Cost, ROI, and Incentives for Missouri Homeowners
Costs and ROI of Whole Home Battery Systems
Investing in a whole home battery backup system is a significant decision, and understanding the costs and potential returns on investment (ROI) can help make it easier.
Typical Costs
The cost of a whole home battery system can vary depending on the battery brand, installation requirements, and the size of the system needed. Here’s a rough estimate for popular options:
Battery Brand | Battery Capacity | Estimated Cost (per battery) | Ideal Usage |
Tesla Powerwall 2 | 13.5 kWh | $10,000 - $12,000 | Whole home or partial backup |
Enphase IQ Battery | 10.08 kWh | $7,000 - $9,000 | Partial backup or select loads |
Installation Costs
Additional costs for installation can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the home’s wiring and whether a critical load panel is required. Homes with older wiring may also incur extra costs to meet code requirements.
Calculating ROI with Evergy Energy Rates
For Kansas City homeowners served by Evergy Energy, using a battery backup can lead to savings by reducing peak electricity usage. This is especially useful in time-of-use (TOU) pricing periods, where energy rates are higher during peak times (typically late afternoon and early evening).
Example ROI Calculation:
Monthly Savings on TOU Rates: Homeowners can save $30 to $100 per month by using stored battery power during peak times.
Estimated Payback Period: With monthly savings of $50 on average, a $12,000 battery system may achieve payback in roughly 20 years, depending on usage and rate increases. Adding in potential power outage savings or incentives can shorten this period.
Scenario | Potential Monthly Savings | Payback Period |
Frequent TOU Shaving | $50 - $100 | 10 - 15 years |
Occasional Power Outages | Added savings during outages | Further shortens payback |
Available Incentives and Financing Options
Both federal and state incentives can make battery backup systems more affordable for Missouri residents.
Current Incentives:
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): Homeowners installing solar and battery systems may qualify for a 30% tax credit on the total system cost, significantly reducing initial expenses.
Evergy Energy Programs: Check with Evergy for any local incentives or rebates specific to battery storage, which can offset a portion of installation costs.
Missouri State Rebates: Missouri occasionally offers rebates or tax credits for energy storage installations. Stay updated on state incentives as they may vary by year.
Financing Options:
Home Equity Loans: Low-interest loans backed by home equity can help make battery systems more affordable.
Financing Programs: Some solar and battery companies offer financing options, allowing homeowners to pay off the system over time.
Section 4: Installation, Maintenance, and Smart Management
Battery Installation Requirements
Installing a battery backup system involves more than just placing a battery in your home; there are specific requirements and best practices for safe and effective installation.
Key Installation Considerations:
Location: Batteries should be placed in a location that’s climate-controlled, with temperatures ideally between 32°F and 86°F. Common locations include:
Garages (away from the path of vehicles)
Basements (dry and temperature-stable)
Mechanical rooms (provided they meet code requirements)
Building Codes: Installation must comply with local building codes, including the need for:
5/8-inch drywall to ensure fire resistance.
4' x 3' wall space per battery unit for proper heat dissipation(StraightUpSolar_Battery…).
Critical Load Panel (for Partial Backup): For partial backup systems, homeowners may need to install a critical load panel. This panel houses essential circuits only, ensuring that non-essential systems don’t drain the battery.
Maintenance and Warranty Considerations
One of the advantages of modern battery systems is their low maintenance. However, it’s still important to understand basic care and warranty coverage.
Maintenance Needs
Minimal Upkeep: Unlike generators, battery backup systems require very little maintenance. Routine checks every few years are usually sufficient.
Monitoring Software: Many systems come with apps to monitor battery health, usage, and charge levels, making it easy for homeowners to keep track.
Warranty Information
Battery systems generally come with a 10-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects and battery performance. Here’s a breakdown:
Brand | Warranty Length | Coverage |
Tesla Powerwall | 10 years | Performance warranty (70% capacity) |
Enphase IQ Battery | 10 years | Covers defects and performance |
Warranty coverage varies, so it’s important to review specifics with the installer or manufacturer.
Enhancing Efficiency with SPAN Smart Panels
Adding a SPAN Smart Panel can significantly improve your battery system’s efficiency and ease of use. Unlike traditional breaker panels, SPAN panels offer advanced features that can help maximize battery backup time.
What is a SPAN Smart Panel?
Automatic Load Management: The panel can turn off non-essential circuits automatically when the power goes out, prioritizing critical loads.
Remote Control via App: Homeowners can control which circuits are on or off from a smartphone, allowing flexibility in real time.
Real-Time Monitoring: Track energy usage and battery status, helping optimize backup duration.
Benefits of SPAN Panels for Kansas City Homes
Kansas City homeowners who use SPAN panels with their battery systems can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they have control over which circuits stay on during an outage. This feature can help reduce overall battery drain and extend the time that essential systems stay operational.
Section 5: Energy Management, Real-Life Examples, and Future Trends
Energy Consumption and Load Management
Managing energy usage effectively can extend your battery’s backup time during an outage. By understanding and prioritizing essential loads, homeowners can make the most of their backup system.
Typical Energy Use and Essential Loads
The average Kansas City home uses about 35 kWh daily. However, backup batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 2 have a storage capacity of 13.5 kWh, which means it’s essential to focus on critical loads.
Examples of Essential Loads:
Refrigerator/Freezer: Prevents food spoilage during long outages
Lighting: Key rooms such as kitchen, living room, and bathrooms
Communications: Wi-Fi and phone chargers to stay connected
Heating/Cooling Essentials: Furnace blower or space heater in winter, ceiling fans in summer
Load Management Tips:
Set Up a Critical Load Panel: Move essential circuits to a dedicated panel for quick, easy access during an outage.
Use Monitoring Software: Track energy usage to see which appliances draw the most power.
Turn Off Non-Essentials: During extended outages, switch off non-essential appliances to preserve battery life.
Real-Life Case Studies in Kansas City
Hearing about the experiences of other Kansas City residents can be helpful for homeowners considering a whole home battery backup system. Here are a couple of examples:
Case Study 1: The Thompsons’ Partial Backup System
The Thompson family in Kansas City wanted a battery backup to keep essential appliances running during outages, especially during storm season. By installing a single Enphase IQ battery paired with a critical load panel, they ensured that their refrigerator, a few lights, and Wi-Fi would stay powered during short outages.
Outcome: The system has already helped them through two outages, each lasting several hours.
Savings: By using their battery during peak times, they’ve reduced their monthly energy costs by about $30.
Case Study 2: The Smiths’ Whole Home Backup for Energy Independence
The Smiths invested in a whole home backup system with two Tesla Powerwalls. Their goal was to power their entire home during outages and reduce dependence on the grid. With a SPAN smart panel, they have the flexibility to turn circuits on and off through an app.
Outcome: Their backup has been especially useful in winter, when ice storms can knock out power.
Savings: The Smiths enjoy peace of mind and have reduced their annual energy costs by $800 by using the battery during peak rate hours.
Future Trends in Battery Technology
As technology advances, battery backup systems are becoming more efficient, environmentally friendly, and affordable. Here are a few trends Kansas City homeowners might see in the coming years:
Improved Battery Chemistry
New developments in battery chemistry, like solid-state batteries, promise longer lifespans, faster charging times, and safer storage options. Batteries based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry are becoming popular for their safety and durability compared to traditional nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries.
Grid Flexibility and Virtual Power Plants
Some energy companies are exploring virtual power plants (VPP), where battery systems are connected to a larger network, allowing homeowners to sell stored energy back to the grid during peak demand times. This could allow Evergy customers to earn additional income by contributing excess energy during peak hours.
Advances in Recycling and Sustainability
As more batteries reach the end of their life, recycling processes are improving, helping reduce waste and environmental impact. Homeowners can expect greener disposal options and possibly even financial incentives for recycling old batteries.
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