Living off the grid comes with its fair share of challenges when the power goes out. Gas generators are a common solution for emergency backup power, but they aren’t without their frustrations. Pull starting a generator multiple times just to get it running can be a pain, not to mention keeping fuel stabilizer on hand and remembering to run the gas out of the system before storing.
In this article, we’ll look at how a portable battery system like the EcoFlow Delta Pro can provide a cleaner and quieter emergency power solution. We’ll cover the setup process, real-world testing with household loads, expanding the system capabilities, and ideal use cases. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of the benefits of switching from a traditional gas generator to a portable battery power station.
Why Replace the Gas Generator
I currently have a 5500 watt gas generator that I’ve used for years to provide backup power to my home during outages. The problem is that gas generators can be very unreliable and difficult to start, especially when you need them most during a power outage. Despite doing everything right like draining the gas, using fuel stabilizer, and proper maintenance, I still struggle to get the generator started. It can take 5+ minutes of pulling the cord before it sputters to life, leaving me out of breath. Even when properly maintained, gas generators just aren’t as reliable as other options. I never know if it will start when we need it, which is concerning if I’m away and my wife needs to use it. So for reliability and ease of use, I decided it was time to replace the generator with a better backup power solution.
Introducing the EcoFlow Delta Pro
The EcoFlow Delta Pro is a portable power station that contains a large 3.6 kWh Lithium-Ion battery capable of powering a variety of devices and appliances. Some key features of the Delta Pro include:
-
Multiple 120V AC outlets – The Delta Pro has standard 3 prong 120V outlets similar to a normal wall outlet allowing you to plug in and power most household electronics and appliances.
-
30A RV outlet – For higher power draw appliances like an RV air conditioner, the Delta Pro has a 30A RV-style outlet.
-
USB and 12V DC ports – For charging phones, tablets, and other USB powered devices, the Delta Pro has multiple USB ports. It also contains 12V car-style ports for powering things like fridges, lights, fans, etc.
-
Extremely quiet operation – Unlike loud gas generators, the Delta Pro operates very quietly which allows it to be used indoors.
-
LCD touchscreen display – The built-in display shows the current power draw, remaining runtime, battery percentage, and more.
-
WiFi connectivity and app – Connect the Delta Pro to WiFi to monitor usage and control settings remotely via the EcoFlow app.
-
Can be charged by AC, solar, or car – The Delta Pro has multiple recharging options including from a wall outlet, solar panels, or a car cigarette outlet.
-
Portable and wheeled design – Weighing 99lbs, the Delta Pro features a telescoping handle and durable wheels so it can be transported like rolling luggage.
Overall, the Delta Pro provides a versatile portable power solution with its powerful battery capacity, variety of AC and DC outlets, quiet operation, and flexibility in charging and monitoring usage.
Expanding and Customizing the System
The EcoFlow Delta Pro system is highly customizable and expandable. Here are some of the ways you can customize the system to fit your needs:
Adding Batteries
- Each Delta Pro unit can accept up to 2 additional batteries.
- This triples the energy storage capacity from 3.6 kWh to 10.8 kWh per unit.
- More batteries means you can power more devices for a longer duration during an outage.
Adding Solar Panels
- Each Delta Pro can connect up to 1600W of solar panels.
- With 2 units, you can have up to 3200W of solar.
- The solar panels recharge the batteries during sunlight hours.
- This provides renewable energy to reduce reliance on the electrical grid.
Using Multiple Units
- You can connect 2 Delta Pro units together to double the power and voltage.
- This creates a 240V/7200W system capable of powering large home appliances.
- Connecting 2 units provides redundancy in case one unit fails.
- Additional units can be added to increase capacity as needed.
Setting Up the Delta Pro
To set up the system, you first connect the two Delta Pro units together using the double voltage hub accessory. This hub plugs into the infinity port on each unit. Once connected, the units communicate and you have a combined 240V output to power household appliances.
You’ll want to turn on each Delta Pro unit using the power button after connecting them. The screens on each unit will show a “linked” icon, indicating they are now working together as one system. At this point, the total capacity is doubled to 3.6kWh and you have up to 3600W to work with.
The system now acts as a single power source with both standard 120V outlets and high powered 240V outlets ready to connect to your home’s electrical panel. With just a couple cords connected between the Delta Pro units, you have a mobile power station capable of rivaling the output of a gas generator.
Connecting to the Electrical Panel
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to connect a backup power system like the Delta Pro to your home’s electrical panel is by using a generator interlock.
A generator interlock is a metal plate installed inside your home’s main electrical panel or load center. It prevents your main breaker and generator breaker from being turned on at the same time, which avoids accidentally sending electricity back into the power grid while running off of generator or backup power.
To connect the Delta Pro system to the house wiring, first the main breaker is turned off. This cuts power to the home electrical system.
Next, the interlock plate allows the generator breaker to be turned on. This sends power from the Delta Pro into the home’s electrical wiring through the generator breaker.
With the interlock installed, it is physically impossible to have both the main breaker and generator breaker on at the same time. This prevents any risks of backfeeding the electrical grid.
The generator interlock allows the Delta Pro system to power the home’s existing wiring and outlets, unlike running extension cords from a portable generator outside. With whole home backup power connected at the electrical panel, all normal lighting, outlets, and other loads operate as usual during an outage.
For a safe and legal way to connect whole home backup power, installing a generator interlock at the main electrical panel is a great option. The interlock securely integrates the backup system into the home’s permanent wiring.
Testing Household Loads
After connecting the EcoFlow Delta Pro system to the home’s electrical panel, it was time to walk through the house and test all of the appliances and lights. The goal was to verify that the Delta Pro could power the entire house just like the gas generator.
Starting downstairs in the utility room, the freezers, on-demand hot water heater, water softener, HVAC system, and other mechanicals all powered on without issue. The furnace blower turned on and began circulating heated air throughout the home.
Moving upstairs, all of the ceiling lights came on along with ceiling fans and outlets in every room. Common plug-in appliances like phone chargers, lamps, and TVs all functioned normally. The microwave and other kitchen appliances also turned on, though the clocks had to be reset after switching over to the Delta Pro.
No issues were found during the initial testing. With proper load management, the Delta Pro’s battery capacity appeared sufficient to power the entire house for an extended multi-day outage. Monitoring the usage screens and smartphone app would provide insight into the remaining runtime.
Monitoring Usage
With the EcoFlow Delta Pro, you don’t have to constantly check the display to monitor remaining runtimes and power usage. The system connects to WiFi and the EcoFlow app, allowing you to view runtimes and usage right from your smartphone.
Through the app, you can view each Delta Pro unit individually. The app displays the real-time wattage draw and estimated runtime remaining based on the current load. It’s incredibly helpful for keeping track of your power usage during an outage so you know if you need to adjust your usage to conserve power. The app also shows when the Delta Pro is recharging from a solar panel, so you can monitor the recharge progress.
The ability to monitor the Delta Pro system from anywhere using the app is a huge advantage. You don’t have to run outside and check the display when a large load turns on. Using the app, you can view the impact of that load on your runtime from inside your home. The app brings convenience and peace of mind for managing your power during an outage.
Running High Power Appliances
We wanted to test the Delta Pro with some high power 240v appliances, like the oven and clothes dryer. Rebecca decided to bake some hamburger buns in the oven while the Delta Pro was powering the house. When she turned the oven on, both Delta Pro units jumped up over 2000 watts output each! The oven is a large 240v appliance, so it was a great test to see if the Delta Pro could handle it.
Next, I tested the clothes dryer on a normal cotton setting. As soon as the dryer started, the power output on the Delta Pros jumped up over 3000 watts each! That’s a total of over 6000 watts of power draw, which is the maximum output for the two Delta Pro units. While it did successfully run the dryer, it would quickly drain the batteries in a real power outage. For emergency backup power, you’d want to avoid running large appliances like the oven or clothes dryer to conserve the battery capacity. But it was amazing to see the Delta Pro effortlessly handle these high power appliances during our tests!
Power Outage Usage Tips
During a power outage, it’s important to be strategic about power usage in order to conserve battery life. Here are some tips:
-
Turn off any lights, fans, or other devices that you aren’t actively using. Only have on what you absolutely need.
-
Avoid using large power hogs like the oven, dryer, or heat pump system. Stick to smaller essentials like phone/laptop charging, a lamp or two, and potentially the refrigerator.
-
Turn things off completely rather than leaving them in standby mode. The tiny amount of standby power draw can add up.
-
If you have a generator or solar setup, try to run things directly off of that when possible rather than draining the battery.
-
Keep tabs on the battery level and estimated runtime. Be prepared to shed more loads if needed to stretch out your power supply.
-
Keep mobile devices charged so you have a way to get information during an extended outage. But avoid ineffective charging of small devices when power is very low.
-
Only open the refrigerator/freezer when necessary to avoid letting cold air escape. And don’t add room temperature items to it if possible.
-
If desperate, you could turn the fridge temp warmer to require less energy for cooling. But this will reduce food storage time.
-
When in doubt, remember necessities first: lighting, communications, medical devices, small appliances. Discretionary use comes later.
Conserving power with some smart usage habits will help your battery backups and alternative power supplies last as long as possible during an outage. Be prepared with some usage discipline.
Cost Considerations
Battery backup systems like the EcoFlow Delta Pro currently come at a premium cost compared to traditional gas generators. While the convenience, expandability, and integration with solar power make them an attractive option, the initial investment can be steep for some homeowners.
The Delta Pro unit showcased in this article retails for around $3,700. Adding a second unit for whole home backup brings the total cost to over $7,000 before any additional batteries or solar panels. This rivals the cost of a permanently installed home backup generator fueled by natural gas or propane.
For some homeowners, this type of investment only makes sense if power outages are very frequent and prolonged. For others living off-grid or with ambitious sustainability goals, the long-term benefits may justify the price. As battery and solar technology continue to advance and decline in price, systems like the Delta Pro will become more accessible to mainstream homeowners.
The Delta Pro isn’t the only option either. EcoFlow offers several smaller, more affordable power stations in their lineup without the home backup capability. Goal Zero, Bluetti, and Jackery also offer competitive products at various price points. Consider your specific power needs and how often you plan to use the system. An affordable portable power station may suit your situation better than an expensive whole home setup.
Ideal Uses
The EcoFlow Delta Pro system has a variety of ideal use cases beyond just home backup power. Its portability, solar capabilities, and power output make it well-suited for several off-grid applications.
Off-grid Cabins
For remote cabins without access to the electrical grid, the Delta Pro is an excellent solution. A single unit can provide sufficient power to meet basic electrical needs, while the expandability allows you to add more power through additional units or batteries. The ability to recharge via solar is ideal for off-grid cabins to achieve energy independence.
RVs/Campers
For RVers, campers, and overland travelers, the Delta Pro is a gamechanger. You can bring reliable and quiet power on the go without running noisy, gas-powered generators. The Delta Pro allows you to run appliances, A/C, heaters, and other devices to enjoy the comforts of home while off-grid. The solar recharging preserves your fuel supply.
Full Home Backup
With two units connected, the Delta Pro can provide full home backup power even for larger homes. It can meet high power demand from appliances like refrigerators, electric ranges, and laundry machines. This makes it an ideal emergency power solution when the utility grid goes down.
Future Testing Plans
I have some exciting plans to test the capabilities of the EcoFlow Delta Pro system. The first thing I’ll be doing is adding solar panels. I have solar panels on order that will allow me to charge the Delta Pro using only the sun.
My goal is to maximize solar input so I can rely primarily on the sun to keep the system charged. I’ll start with a small solar array and monitor how quickly it charges the Delta Pro. Then I’ll expand the solar capacity to determine the ideal setup for maintaining a full charge.
Once the solar panels are in place, I’m looking forward to testing exactly how long I can run my house solely on the Delta Pro system. I’ll start by powering critical loads like lights, appliances, and necessary outlets. My target is to power these critical loads indefinitely using only solar power.
After I’ve optimized the solar charging system, I’ll start adding additional household loads like TVs, computers, and other devices. My goal is to run as much of my home’s power needs from the EcoFlow Delta Pro and solar panels. This will allow me to be completely off-grid for extended periods of time.
I’m thrilled to experiment with powering my home with the Delta Pro and solar. Stay tuned for updates on my solar panel setup, charging tests, and results powering real-world household loads. My goal is to achieve a high level of energy independence using this innovative portable power station.
Conclusion
Overall, the Delta Pro system left a very positive first impression. After setting it up and running initial tests, it’s clear this is a major upgrade over a traditional gas generator. The Delta Pro provides a clean, quiet, and reliable power source that can handle household loads with ease.
The main advantages of the Delta Pro are its portability, ease of use, and versatility. Simply roll it out, plug it in, and power on – no more struggling to start up a generator. Monitoring power usage and time remaining from an app is extremely convenient as well. Plus, the ability to expand and customize the system makes it a smart long-term investment.
While the Delta Pro isn’t cheap, it packs a ton of advanced technology into a compact and portable unit. For those seeking a whole house backup power system, there aren’t many options that can compete. Overall, the Delta Pro makes power outages less stressful and provides valuable energy independence. After this experience, I’m eager to test the solar charging capabilities and find more ways to integrate this system into daily life. The Delta Pro has proven itself as a next-level power solution.
Outro
Thank you for reading this in-depth look at replacing a gas generator with an EcoFlow Delta Pro portable battery system. I hope you found the information useful and that it gave you a good idea of the capabilities of these advanced solar generators.
If you’re interested in a clean, quiet, eco-friendly alternative to a traditional gas generator, be sure to check out the full line of EcoFlow Delta and River portable power stations. With their innovative expandable modular design and flexible recharging options, they offer a reliable way to power through power outages or go off-grid.
To stay up to date on my future tests and videos using the EcoFlow system, make sure to subscribe to my channel. I’ll be hooking up solar panels, running more appliances, and seeing just how long I can power my homestead. Your support helps me continue creating this educational DIY content.