After 141 days of use, a TechRadar reviewer found that Anker's Solix E10 whole-home backup system changed their approach to storms. Instead of bracing for spoiled food or a house without lights, the reviewer said incoming bad weather forecasts started to feel more like a chance to watch the system work.
Here's what to know
Cost depends heavily on the configuration.
One inverter and one battery from Anker start at a little more than $4,000. Adding the Basecamp Power Dock Smart Generator can bring the total to about $10,000 before installation.
Anker positions the Solix E10 as a whole-home backup system built around battery storage, solar support, and a smart generator. It can be sized for a smaller home or scaled up for a larger one.
For many homeowners, battery storage can help during outages while also cutting energy costs and increasing energy independence. The E10 can connect to solar panels, use that power to run a home, and, depending on the utility, may also send electricity back to the grid for a return.
Homeowners who want to compare their options can explore EnergySage for home battery storage solutions and competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has teamed up with electrification brand Qmerit to help you get the best price on home battery storage solutions.
Because the home was connected to the grid, this installation required a licensed electrician, and TechRadar's tester, Collin Probst, said city code and utility requirements also had to be satisfied.
More background
The system's backup plan includes multiple fuel paths.
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Probst said the smart generator performed well on both propane and gasoline. It could be triggered automatically by the E10 power panel and can later be connected to natural gas as well for longer outages.
Instead of keeping batteries topped off at all times, the system can use location data to fill them before a storm arrives.
Anker users can also check battery levels, monitor power output, and control isolated circuits on a phone app. Households that want to expand the system can reach up to 9,000 watts of solar input with two batteries.
Probst said the hardware is rated for severe weather, cold, and heat, making outdoor installation workable in the Midwest where it was tested.
During those tests, the generator powered a 3,000-square-foot home with a basement, two refrigerators, microwaves, air fryers, and a two-stage HVAC system without any noticeable flicker indoors.
What can be done?
People interested in this kind of backup setup may want to start by comparing and budgeting for systems as well as checking early for any local permitting or utility-approval requirements.
A whole-home system will not make sense for everyone. Pila is another company offering strong battery backup options, and its plug-and-play batteries cost a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would.
The review also pointed to uses beyond emergency preparation, including adding solar later and using the generator by itself at another property.
The TechRadar reviewer endorsed their experience after about four and a half months of use.
"So at the end of the day … I have not once worried about a power outage or a storm that's coming, knocking out my power and causing food to spoil or for my kids to panic. In fact, I've welcomed several storms and excitement, actually, to test the system," Probst concluded.
Where can I learn more?
People have tried many different kinds of home backup batteries and generator alternatives to prepare for storms and other outage-causing incidents.
• Anker's backup tech could rival Tesla's Powerwall while staying ready for the next outage.
• Across the U.S., home battery units are keeping families calm through blackouts and high bills.
• Homeowners are opting for next-gen models instead of relying on old backup generators.
• Energy experts say safer battery upgrades can replace risky gasoline generators at home.
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