Generators compared to GES Backup Power Systems

Some turn to generators for backup power solutions, but there is a better way, and this is: batteries and inverters.
Generators are OK as a short term quick and dirty solution, but for long term regular power failures an inverter with batteries are much better.

The better way: GES backup power systems using batteries and inverters.

How does Backup Power Systems work?

Batteries are charged with Eskom power when it is available. Then during a power failure, the inverter automatically switches over and supplies your house or business with energy stored in the battery. Then when Eskom power comes back, the batteries are charged with Eskom power again, ready for the next power failure.

The perfect backup power for your home, home office or small business…

What size back up power solution do you require?

The size of the solution is dependent on the number of appliances, light and other equipment you want to use during periods when no power is available from the gird.

A key consideration is the energy usage of the equipment, therefore we differentiate between essential load items (lights, security systems, fridge, freezer, TVs, internet routers, etc.) and heavy load items such as geysers, stoves, aircons, and pumps.

Adding up all the essential load items that you require to function at the same time during a power failure will give you the peak power requirements. This must be less than the backup power rating of the system you purchase.

Energy Storage
– How long backup time will you have?

• The amount of backup energy storage available is determined by the size of the battery bank.
• Running time is dependent on the load, in other words, how many appliances you have on at the same time, and how much energy each appliance use.
• The running time is calculated on 1 x 3.5kWh Lithium battery, discharged from 100% to 20%.
• An additional 3.5kWh battery can be added to increase back-up time.

Examples of estimated running times vs loads, for one 3.5 kWh battery:

• 2000W = 1.4-Hours
• 1000W = 2.9-Hours
• 800W = 3.6-Hours
• 600W = 4.8-Hours
• 400W = 7.1-Hours
• 200W = 14.3-Hours

Peak Power Output
– How many appliances can you run at once?

• The power rating of the inverter will determine how much peak power can be supplied at once. In other words, how many appliances and type of appliances can be on at the same time.
• The peak power rating of each system will determine how many appliances can be operated at once.
• Adding up the power usage of all the appliances that are on at the same time, will give you the peak power usage of all the appliances. This must be less than the backup power rating of the system you buy.
• If more loads are put on the inverter than its rating, it will shut down to protect itself

The small system (with the 3000 Watt inverter) will be more than sufficient power to supply all of your essential appliances like:

• Lights
• Internet routers
• Cell phone chargers
• TVs
• Computers and printers
• Alarm
• Electric fence
• Fridges and freezers

Inverter sizes

Our standard systems are available in two inverter sizes, 3000 Watt and 5000 Watt

The 3000 Watt system:

• Will be able to run
  • TVs, Computers and Laptops, Lights
• Will more than likely not provide enough power to power appliances, such as:

• Kettles, Fridges and Freezers, Coffee machines, Microwaves, Toasters, Geysers, Pool pumps

The 5000 Watt system:

• Will be able to run
  • TVs, Computers and Laptops, Lights, Kettles, Fridges and Freezers, Coffee machines, Microwaves, Toasters and pool pumps.
• This will more than likely not provide enough power to power appliances, such as:

• Geysers, stoves and ovens

General Notes

• All our Backup Power Systems are compatible with solar power, so you can start with just the Backup Power System, and then, later on, add solar panels.
• All systems are scalable, so you can start with the smaller system, and add another system, later on, to double up on the available peak power output.
• Storage space is scalable, so you can start with just one battery, and add more batteries, later on, to increase the available energy storage space, and thus available backup time.
• Systems can be integrated into your DB board. This is not included in the price. You can use your own electrician, or we can recommend a good electrician that will know what to do

Standard system types ranges

We offer three ranges of standard backup systems:

1. GES Backup – Budget range systems
2. GES Backup – Budget plus range systems
3. GES Backup – Victron range systems

1. GES Backup – Budget Range – Components

Affordable systems for just the essential equipment.

Inverter/Charger: KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter 1.5kW 24V

The KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter, adaptive charging, plus multiple system integration features.

• Continuous output power at 25°C : 1500 W
• Peak power: 3000 W
• DC input power: 2000 W
• DC inputs: one
• Weight: 8.5 kg
• Warranty: 3 years
• Link to datasheet

Battery: Royal 1150K, 105Ah, 12V Battery

No Need for Distilled Water
Delkor batteries use special alloy calcium lead for minimal fluid loss (less than 1/10 of other batteries) meaning that there is
no need to replenish distilled water throughout the life of the battery.
Strong Charge
The use of calcium alloy grids and low resistance envelope separators means that Delkor batteries have 20% improved
charging ability compared to other batteries, even during intense heat or cold.
Low Rates of Self-Discharge
Calcium alloy grids provide prompt turnover even after long periods of standing.
Mounted Hydrometer
A mounted hydrometer allows you to check the status of the battery.
Long Life
special alloy grids prevent corrosion and extend the life of the battery (with) making it the economically practical choice.

Click here to download the product datasheet

Steel Battery Cabinet

For safety reasons, all batteries are safely enclosed in a steel cabinet.

GES Backup – Budget range – Size Options

In this range we have the following four standard sizes:

2. GES Backup – Budget Plus range  – Description

Budget equipment, but with Li-Ion batteries.

Complete system in a server cabinet on wheels.

Backup essential equipment with battery energy.

Charge batteries up with Eskom power (when available) or solar power.

A great solution for sites that require energy immediately without the costs and delays associated with complicated installations. For example shops, doctors rooms, and rented offices.

• The modular nature of the system allows you to select more batteries at a later stage.
• The system can also be permanently integrated into your electrical distribution board by a competent electrician.
• Although this system can handle high-loads it is not recommended, since it will quickly drain the batteries, leaving no energy for lighting, TV, cell phone charging.

GES Backup
– Budget Range Plus
– System Components

Inverter/Charger: KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter VMIII 3kW 24V

The KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter, adaptive charging, plus multiple system integration features.

• Continuous output power at 25°C : 3000 W
• Peak power: 6000 W
• DC input power: 4000 W
• DC inputs: one
• Weight: 10.6 kg
• Warranty: 3 years
• Link to datasheet

Battery: Pylon UP2500 2.8 kWh Li-Ion, 24V

More than 4500 cycles with 90% DoD or 6000 cycles with 80% DOD. Deliver up to 1.3 kW of power with a single battery module.

• Nominal Voltage: 24 V
• Nominal Energy Capacity: 2.4 kWh
• Usable Capacity @ 80% Discharge : 2.27 kWh
• Weight: 28 kg
• Design life: 10+ years
• Cycle Life: >4500 @ 25°
• Download Datasheet

Lockable Steel Cabinet with Smoked Glass Door

The complete system are constructed inside a cabinet. This makes installation, moving and upgrading the system very easy.

• 6 x Standard 3 round pin plugs.
• 4 Adjustable feet and castors.
• Material: seamless steel board.
• Powder coated to protect against rust, oxidisation, scratches, lacquer peeling.
• Framework: High strength steel with a 500kg weight capacity.
• Lockable smoked glass front door.

GES Backup
– Budget plus range systems
– Options

3. GES Backup
– Victron range systems
– Description

Integrated systems are custom designed to your requirements. Fully integrated into the electrical system of your house or business.

Start off with just a backup system (inverter and batteries), then later on add solar power to your system.

Available inverter sizes:

• 1.0 kW
• 1.3 kW
• 2.4 kW
• 4.0 kW
• 8.0 kW
• 12.0 kW

Contact us for a consultation to access your requirements

System Installation

Our standard backup systems do not necessarily need installation. One just plugs it into a normal wall plug and charge it up with Eskom power when available. One could connect essential equipment to the output of the backup system with extension leads.

Alternatively one can integrate it into your DB board. Then certain essential circuits will be supplied by the backup power system. This needs to be done by a competent electrician. We can recommend an electrician in your area.

For more information on how distribution board integration is done, have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions Section.

Request a Quote / more information.