Backup NorthWhole-home battery backup in Canada
A home battery is mounted on a wall or in the garage, wired into your electrical panel, and switches over automatically when the grid goes down. It's the most convenient option, and the most expensive.
When it makes sense
- You have frequent or long outages, for example on a rural line.
- You have, or plan, rooftop solar, so the battery can recharge during the day.
- Someone in the home depends on powered medical equipment.
- You qualify for a rebate that pays for part of it. See BC, Ontario and Alberta.
Typical sizes
| Example product | Usable capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enphase IQ Battery 5P | 5 kWh per unit | Stackable; pairs with Enphase solar |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra | 6 kWh per battery, stackable | 240 V output; can be installed with a transfer panel |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | Built-in solar inverter. Note: BC Hydro says Tesla products aren't eligible for its battery rebate |
| FranklinWH aPower 2 | 15 kWh | Stackable |
Capacities from manufacturer spec sheets. Confirm with the installer, and check that the exact model is on your rebate program's eligible list.
What installation involves
- Load assessment. The installer looks at your panel and decides whether to back up the whole home or a "critical loads" sub-panel. A sub-panel is cheaper and stretches the battery further.
- Permit and inspection. Required everywhere in Canada for this work.
- Utility paperwork if it's paired with solar or you're claiming a rebate. Many rebates require approval before you buy or install.
- Commissioning and an app to set backup reserve levels.
How long will it run my house?
An average Canadian home uses very roughly 20 to 30 kWh a day, and much more with electric heat. A 13.5 kWh battery won't run a whole electrically heated house for long. It will run lights, fridge, internet, a gas furnace blower and some outlets for a day or more if you're careful. Use the calculator with your own list.
Questions to ask an installer
- Which circuits will be backed up, and how long will the battery last with them?
- Is this exact model on the rebate eligible list, and will you handle the pre-approval?
- What's the warranty (years and remaining capacity), and who services it in my area?
- Where will it be installed, and is that location within its rated temperature range?