A remote worker turned a Lowe's clearance opportunity into a big home-energy score, picking up two Anker F3000 portable power stations for $1,100 each.
That kind of deal stands out not only because of the price but also because it could help a household avoid the hassle and fuel costs that come with firing up a generator every time the power goes out.
Here's what to know
"They were on clearance for $1,359, and I offered $1,000 for each," the OP said in a comment. "The manager said I could have them for $1,100, and that was still an excellent deal, so I grabbed two."
For their backup plan, the shopper said the two units would be used with a double voltage hub and an existing 240-volt, 30-amp twist-lock interlock. The goal was to keep the home powered through brief outages without having to pull out a generator each time, which is especially important in a work-from-home household.
One user called the purchase "a thing of beauty!!!"
More background
Portable power stations have become increasingly appealing for homeowners looking for backup electricity without the noise, fumes, and maintenance tied to generators.
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For short outages, battery systems can be especially useful because they can keep devices and appliances running with far less effort.
Because the buyer works from home, they said dependable electricity was "critical," and they described the battery setup as an easier option than setting up a generator for a short outage.
"I will note the double voltage hub introduced a few peculiarities to the system," one user who owned a similar setup said. "It shuts off after about eight hours of use, and it doesn't like when the units aren't perfectly balanced."
The shopper replied that eight hours would be enough and that gasoline or propane generators would handle longer emergencies.
They also brought up Hurricane Helene, saying they had not wanted to run a generator overnight.
What can be done?
In this case, an in-store negotiation brought the cost down below even the clearance listing.
The buyer wanted an easy way to keep the basics — including fans, lights, a refrigerator, a microwave, the internet, a TV, and computers — running during short outages.
Battery backup can reduce generator fuel use during minor outages, avoid wear and tear on a generator, and, depending on the system, create opportunities to shift electricity use.
One user suggested looking into a power saver kit for households with time-of-use rates.
A home interlock, output requirements, and safe installation all need to line up with the equipment being purchased.
Where can I learn more?
If you're comparing battery backup with a generator, these articles explore the home-backup options more homeowners are considering.
• Anker has unveiled a modular whole-home battery system to make home electrification easier.
• Anker's Solix F3800 Plus is drawing attention as tech that could rival Tesla's Powerwall.
• Across the home-energy market, homeowners are opting for these next-gen models instead of old generators.
• Battery storage is becoming game-changing home tech for families facing blackouts and high bills.
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