From camping, to home backup power, to home energy arbitrage (to save money, utilizing time based rate plans), personal BESS is exploding in popularity. Newer EVs can even power your home.
BESS is rapidly becoming a part of the fabric of America.
Simply search for "portable power stations" on Amazon and you'll be presented with hundreds of options. From small units for topping off camping gear, to large all-in-one units that can provide home back-up power, high quality choices at reasonable prices abound.
Are they safe? The mathematical odds of a portable power station catching fire are extremely low, occurring in less than a fraction of a percent of units. However, because they contain large capacity lithium-based batteries, the possible consequences of a malfunction must be taken into account.
While no device is completely without risk, choosing a reputable brand, following best usage practices, and keeping an eye on power loads can make a world of difference.
Also, don't charge them unattended at night, and consider keeping them in the garage when not in use. Safety first.
Permanently installed BESS in the 10 to 30 kWh range can make for an ever present and powerfull home backup system. No matter what, you're prepared and grid outages won't even slow you down.
Sign up for a time based rate plan with your provider, and you can charge your batteries cheaply at night, and put them in service during the peak hours of 4 PM to 8 PM, to save money.
This level is a step above utilizing a portable power station for backup, and will cost more and require more design knowledge and system upkeep.
Combine batteries, hybrid inverters, and solar panels to build out a complete power system of your own.
You can hire a professional solar installer, which will be expensive, or DIY, which requires knowledge and ability.
The professional route means you can rest easy knowing the job was done to code. However, the Federal Tax Credit was eliminated in 2025, so you bear the full cost of the system. It won't be cheap.
The DIY route can be challenging, and safety must be your top priority, but you can save half or more, and become a home power wizard in the process.
This is the first time in modern history that the average person has the ability to cut the cord and stop depending on fossil fuels. It's not easy, but it is doable. Freedom is available to those willing to make the effort.
Did you know your electric vehicle might be able to power your work tools? Or power your home? Or even provide power to the grid during peak usage times to power your neighbors home?
While not common... yet, these are all exciting new possibilities being developed. Bi-directional charging and smarter grids are key to this bold new future.
Already with us today is a simplified version of load shifting, whereby you can charge your EV with cheap electricity at night, assuming you're on a time based rate plan, and drive it during the day. Charging this way could cost as little as $5 per full charge, for the average sedan.
The ConnectDER meter collar adapter is a game-changer for home electrification. By sitting between the utility meter and the socket, it creates an interconnection point that bypasses the main electrical panel.
The adapter allows homeowners to add solar, energy storage, or EV chargers without tearing into home wiring or paying for a costly main panel upgrade. To install, your electrical provider will pull the meter, plug in the collar, and snap the meter back into place. The balance of your system will then connect via the adapter.
The technology is UL-listed and actively approved by major utilities across numerous states, effectively clearing major bottlenecks for residential green energy.
NOTE: Not all homeowners will want/need to install one of these. Those who have newer 200 amp service with extra load and breaker capacity might find it less expensive to go the traditional route of connection inside the breaker box. Currently Ark Valley Electric does not allow the use of these devices, but Evergy has approved them.
🔵 How Safe Are Portable Power Stations
🔵 Are Portable Power Stations Safe: A Comprehensive Guide
🔵 The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Energy Storage Safety
🔵 Assessment of Home BESS Fires Compared to General House Fires
▶️ Will Prowse -YouTube -King of DIY Solar
🔵 Residential Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Fire Safety
🔵 Home Energy Storage Safety Standards