BioLite’s Backup: Can This Battery Power Your Home in a Blackout?

Backup by BioLite: A New Era of Home Power Backup?

In a world increasingly reliant on electricity, unpredictable power outages can bring life to a standstill. While whole-home backup solutions like generators and battery storage systems exist, they often come with hefty price tags and complex installation. Enter Backup by BioLite, a revolutionary home backup power solution aiming to make uninterrupted power more accessible and affordable.

Breaking the Mold: A Modular Approach to Backup Power

Unlike traditional systems that require extensive wiring and professional installation, Backup by BioLite takes a modular approach. Its core consists of two lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, the Backup Core and Backup Extend, offering a total capacity of 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh). These batteries are essentially thin panels designed to be discreetly placed behind appliances, eliminating the need for bulky, centralized units.

Scaling Up for Increased Needs

The beauty of the BioLite system lies in its scalability. You can connect up to five Backup Extend units to a single Backup Core, expanding the total capacity to 9kWh – enough to power a significant portion of your home for an extended duration. This modular design empowers users to customize their backup power needs to fit their specific usage patterns.

Affordability Takes Center Stage

BioLite presents a compelling cost proposition compared to traditional whole-home backup solutions. The Backup Core will be sold for $1,999, while the Backup Complete package, including a Core and Extend, is priced at $2,999. Furthermore, the Backup Complete bundle is eligible for a 30 percent home energy tax credit, making it even more appealing to consumers.

Performance and Versatility

While the system’s compact size might seem limiting, its performance is surprisingly robust. BioLite claims the 3kWh Backup Complete can keep an 18 cubic foot refrigerator running for up to 60 hours, or a larger 26 cubic foot model for 30 hours, while simultaneously providing power for occasional lighting or other appliances. This versatility allows users to prioritize essential appliances during an outage and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

Easy Installation: A DIY Solution for Power Independence

One of Backup by BioLite’s strengths lies in its user-friendly installation process. The modular design allows you to install the batteries directly behind appliances, using hardware that requires only 30 minutes to set up. This eliminates the need for costly electricians and professional installation, further enhancing affordability and user control.

For those preferring a more flexible setup, BioLite emphasizes that the batteries can also be placed on top of a refrigerator, under a bed, or in other suitable locations, offering a truly customizable and discreet approach to home backup power.

Kickstarter Launch: Early Access and Unveiling Potential

BioLite is debuting its Backup system through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, launching today. This approach offers early backers attractive discounts and flexible payment options like installment plans. While Kickstarter campaigns often come with certain risks and considerations, BioLite has a strong track record since its establishment in 2006, recognized for products like its innovative power-generating camp stove. This launch marks a significant leap for the company into a new market segment, showcasing its ambition to disrupt the existing home backup power landscape.

Considerations and Perspectives

Despite its promising features, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate Backup by BioLite before making a purchase.

• Weight and Size: While the batteries are relatively thin, they weigh between 35 and 40 lbs each, making them somewhat heavy for repositioning.
• Limited Coverage: The system’s capacity, even with the extended option, may not be sufficient for powering a whole house during a prolonged outage.
• Battery Life: The longevity of the LiFePO4 batteries and their impact on long-term cost remain to be seen, as the system is still in its early stages.

Overall, Backup by BioLite offers a compelling proposition for homeowners seeking an affordable and user-friendly backup power solution. Its modular design, ease of installation, and versatility in powering essential appliances make it a potential game-changer in the home energy storage sector. However, thorough research and assessment of individual needs are crucial before committing to this promising yet still nascent technology.

The Future of Home Backup Power

BioLite’s foray into the home backup power market is a testament to the growing need for reliable power solutions during unpredictable events. Its innovative modular approach, coupled with its focus on affordability and user-friendly installation, could revolutionize the way we perceive home backup power. As technology continuously evolves, we can expect further advancements in battery technology, modular design, and integration with smart home systems, paving the way for a future where reliable and sustainable power is readily accessible to everyone.

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