Having a backup system that you can use in case of a power outage is a boon to your convenience. However, having one that can automatically switch one is of greater value. And this is where the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit comes into play.
The kit allows you to connect it to your electricity system with minimal hassle. With the AC500 power station, you are able to provide backup power to your home. Furthermore, the kit allows you to charge the AC500 as you use electricity from the grid normally. This article breaks down the workings behind this kit.
What is the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit?
The BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit is an accessory that allows you to connect the AC500 Home Battery Backup to your home’s electrical system. It enables automatic initialization of the backup system when there’s a power outage.
Furthermore, it allows you to power your home appliances using the AC500. In short, it offers you much needed convenience. Some of the items included in the kit are a 50A outlet box, 50A inlet, and a NEMA 14-50 to SS2-50R cable.
During installation, the AC charging cable connects the AC500 to the outlet box while the NEMA 14-50 to SS2-50R connects the AC500 to the subpanel.
How Does the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit Work?
The BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit works in two ways. The popular way is as a backup system. When there’s a power outage, the kit allows the AC500 to automatically switch on, providing electricity to your home. This ensures a smooth transition to backup power, keeping your appliances running.
It can also work as the sole power provider in your home. Just disconnect it from the grid and run your appliances on its batteries. This is especially beneficial if you are living in remote areas. The kit allows you to charge the AC500 as you use the grid power.
Which BLUETTI Products Are Compatible with This?
The kit is compatible with the AC500 power station allowing you to draw electricity from as many AC500 units as you’d require.
Is It Really Necessary to Buy One?
Yes, you should get the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration kit. Here are some of the reasons.
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Provides automatic backup power
In case of a sudden power outage, the integration kit powers up your AC500, integrating it into your home’s electrical system. This ensures there’s minimal downtime when running critical electronics. Besides, it saves the hassle of manually switching the backup power or searching for alternative light sources.
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Electric power independence
Like other robust solar systems, the kit enables you to power your home using AC500 home battery backup. This reduces your dependency on the grid which may reduce your electricity costs.
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Efficient monitoring
Another reason you should purchase the kit is that it allows you to monitor your home backup system easily. As the wiring is well laid out, troubleshooting becomes straightforward and less prone to human errors. Besides, the AC500 batteries come with an app which makes remote monitoring easy.
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Flexibility
With the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit, you get unmatched flexibility and scalability. The kit allows you to add as many AC500 units and B300S batteries as the needs demand. This increases the power output of your system allowing you to add just about any appliance you want. Moreover, it allows you to plan in advance for additional technology.
So, if you want to integrate the BLUETTI AC500 to your electrical system, getting this kit is an ideal option. The best part? It does not require extensive installation and addons for it to perform as it should.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300S | Home Battery Backup
Looking for a robust home battery backup? Why not get yourself the BLUETTI AC500 + B300S. The battery has a 5,000W rated power meaning it can power most of your home appliances. And with a 10,000W surge power, it is ideal for homes with large appliances such as refrigerators and heating systems.
Although coming with a 3,072Wh capacity, it can be extended to 18,432Wh offering adequate power for small to medium-sized homes. The LED display makes it easy to control and monitor the battery, ensuring efficient use of the stored power. And since it comes with an integrated app, you can control and monitor it from the comfort of your home.
Like most BLUETTI home battery backup models, it comes with 16 outlets so you can connect large and small appliances. Recharging is easy thanks to the 6 possible ways to charge it.
Whether you want to use a generator, lead-acid battery, solar, or AC, this battery got you covered. Its design allows you to place it in tight spaces and carry it when embarking on camping trips. Unlike conventional batteries, it has over 3500 life cycles. It means you can use it for a decade without degrading its performance.
How Much Size Battery Do You Need for Your Home?
Choosing the right size battery is essential for storing the needed electricity to power your appliances. While the size matters, you also need to consider the usable capacity since you don’t want to run your battery at full capacity. This will lead to damage.
For this, you need to consider the depth of discharge (DoD), which is the usable capacity of your battery. Most modern batteries have a DoD of 90 to 95%. Battery capacity can vary between 1-13 kilowatt hours with the larger capacity batteries costing more.
When choosing the size battery, you also need to consider the power output. Having a large battery with a lower power output, will not provide enough energy to power all your appliances.
Each home has different power needs, but on average, a one-bedroom house can run on a 2kWh battery while a 4kWh can power a two-bedroom property. If you have a larger property, say three bedrooms or four bedrooms, you’ll need 8kWh and 9.5kWh respectively.
Larger batteries are better than smaller counterparts. However, larger options will require a robust solar system to charge them. Otherwise, you’ll want to work with smaller storage batteries.
Smaller batteries are not only cheaper but also more efficient, especially if you have lower energy needs. Furthermore, they do not require extensive storage spaces, which is the case with larger options.
A common question that most homeowners ask is whether they should install oversized batteries. Well, this will depend on your electricity needs and future plans. For example, if you plan to install appliances such as a heating system, buying an oversized battery can be an ideal option.
Alternatively, you can purchase extension batteries such as those offered by BLUETTI. They allow you to increase the capacity of your power station and you use them when need arises.
Things to consider when choosing size battery
Now that you know what sizing means, let’s look at some aspects you need to consider when buying the right size battery.
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Power needs
There’s no point of buying a battery with larger or smaller capacity than your power usage, so take time to estimate your power usage. Fortunately, most homes have a smart meter that calculates how much power you use per month. Use this figure to estimate what size battery you need.
If you don’t have a smart meter, you can calculate the wattage of all your appliances. Remember to include the running and starting capacity. You can then work out what size battery will meet your needs.
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Solar panel output
You’ll need a solar panel that can charge your battery during the day. And this has to be powerful enough to provide ample power to fully charge the battery within the stipulated time. You can either use a large solar panel or buy several small panels.
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Battery cycles
A battery cycle is the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged. As you’d expect, the greater the number of cycles the better the battery and BLUETTI batteries have longer cycles.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit is an ideal addition to your home. It allows you to connect the AC500 units to your electricity system, offering automatic backup power. And since it takes milliseconds for it to kick in, there’s minimal downtime, ensuring your essential appliances are running even during an outage.
This kit is specifically intended for the AC500 power station so using it with other BLUETTI products may lead to damage. When determining the size battery of your home, ensure to consider the battery cycle, power needs, and solar panel output. Only a certified electrician should install the BLUETTI AC500 Home Integration Kit.