Power failures are a common challenge for both residential and commercial establishments. Choosing the most suitable power backup solution depends on several critical factors such as load requirement, backup duration, budget, maintenance cost, and long-term reliability.

Before selecting any backup system, it is important to assess what equipment you really need during a power shutdown and how long you want them to operate whether for 2 hours, 6 hours, or even 12 hours based on the frequency and duration of power cuts in your area.

Powertech Controls helps customers identify and implement the most efficient and cost-effective backup solution tailored to their needs.

Understanding Your Power Backup Requirement

Let’s consider a common business scenario.

If you own a small business and need to run:

• CCTV systems
• Lights and fans
• Laptop or desktop computer
• Printer for billing

during power outages, the backup capacity must be calculated based on:

• Total wattage of appliances
• Duration of backup required
• Simultaneous load usage

Once these parameters are identified, selecting the right power backup system becomes easier.

Generator as a Power Backup Solution

Generators are a traditional and widely used power backup option, especially for large loads and industrial applications.

Advantages of Generators

• Can handle very large and heavy loads
• Suitable for industrial machinery
• Continuous operation as long as fuel is available

Challenges of Generator Backup

• High diesel cost
• Regular maintenance and servicing
• Oil change and coolant top-up
• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) cost
• Noise pollution
• Air pollution

Due to these factors, generators are more suitable for industries and large commercial facilities rather than residential use.

Top Generator Brands in the Indian Market

• Honda
• TMTL
• Koel
• Mahindra
• Cummins

For best pricing and genuine generators from the above brands, contact Powertech Controls.

Off-Grid Solar Power Plant – A Smart Backup Alternative

For homes and small businesses, Off-Grid or Hybrid Solar Power Systems have become one of the most suitable power backup solutions due to their low running cost and eco-friendly operation.

Components of an Off-Grid Solar System

• Solar Panels
• Solar Batteries (Lead Acid or Lithium Ferro Phosphate – LFP)
• Off-Grid or Hybrid Solar Inverter

Warranty and Long-Term Benefits

• Solar Inverter: 3 years warranty
• Solar Batteries: 60 months replacement warranty
• Solar Panels:
  
  • 10 years replacement warranty
  • 25 years performance guarantee

The only recurring investment in a solar power system is the battery replacement.

Battery Life Expectancy

Solar lead-acid tubular batteries typically last 6–7 years on average, when maintained properly.

Trusted Solar Battery Brands

• UTL Solar
• Exide
• Luminous
• Eastman

A 150Ah solar battery costs approximately ₹14,500/- (including 18% GST). The number of batteries required depends on the inverter voltage rating.

Understanding Battery and Inverter Voltage Configuration

Each battery is 12V DC. Based on inverter capacity:

• 2 KVA inverter → 24V DC (2 batteries)
• 3 KVA / 5 KVA inverter → 48V DC (4 batteries)
• 7.5 KVA inverter → 96V DC (8 batteries)
• 10 KVA inverter → 120V DC (10 batteries)

The total DC voltage is achieved by connecting batteries in series.

Solar Power Generation Capacity

On average:

• 1 kW off-grid solar system produces ~3 units per day
• Power generation is directly proportional to system capacity in kW

Typical Residential Load Example

Appliances	Maximum Wattage
Washing Machine	500 W
Mixer / Grinder	750 W
Fans	80 W
Refrigerator	400 W
Lights	40 W
TV, WiFi Modem, CCTV	200 W
1 Ton AC	1200 W

Add the total load and divide by 0.8 to determine the required inverter capacity. This ensures the inverter operates within safe load limits.

Roof Space Requirement for Solar Installation

For solar installation, ensure:

• 80 sq.ft of shadow-free roof space per kW
• No obstruction from buildings, trees, or water tanks

How an Off-Grid / Hybrid Solar System Works

• Solar power generation starts around 7 AM
• Solar energy is given first priority
• Excess power is drawn from EB (electricity board) only if required
• During EB power failure, batteries supply additional power
• When sufficient solar irradiation is available, the system completely isolates from EB and runs purely on solar power

This intelligent operation maximizes savings and backup reliability.

Top Solar Off-Grid Inverter Brands in India

• UTL Solar
• Luminous
• Eastman

For best pricing, system sizing, and installation, contact Powertech Controls your trusted partner for complete power backup solutions.

Conclusion: Choosing the Most Suitable Power Backup Solution

The most suitable power backup solution depends on:

• Load requirement
• Backup duration
• Budget
• Maintenance cost
• Environmental impact

Generators suit heavy industrial loads, while off-grid and hybrid solar systems are ideal for residential and small business applications.

Powertech Controls helps you choose the right solution with expert guidance, genuine products, and reliable support.

Feature	Diesel Generator	Off-Grid / Hybrid Solar Power System
Fuel / Energy Source	Diesel	Sunlight (Free & Renewable)
Running Cost	Very High (Diesel + Maintenance)	Very Low (Only battery replacement)
Maintenance	High (Oil change, service, ATS, repairs)	Low (Basic panel cleaning & monitoring)
Noise Pollution	High	Nil
Air Pollution	High	Zero (Eco-friendly)
Initial Investment	Medium	High (One-time investment)
Backup Duration	Unlimited (with fuel)	Limited by battery & solar size
Load Handling	Very High (Industrial loads)	Moderate to High (Residential & commercial)
Ideal For	Industries, large factories	Homes, offices, small businesses
Long-Term Cost	Very Expensive	Highly economical
Government Support	None	Eligible for subsidies (where applicable)

Conclusion

·        Generators are suitable for heavy industrial and large commercial loads

·        Solar power backup systems are the most suitable power backup solution for homes and small businesses due to low operating cost and sustainability

Why Solar Is the Most Suitable Power Backup Solution Today

·        Zero fuel dependency

·        Rising diesel costs make generators expensive

·        Long warranty on solar panels and inverters

·        Environment-friendly solution

·        Reduces EB electricity bills

·        Silent operation

With proper sizing, solar power systems can replace generators completely for residential and light commercial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the most suitable power backup solution for homes?

Off-grid or hybrid solar power systems are the most suitable power backup solution for homes due to low maintenance, silent operation, and long-term savings.

2. Is a generator better than solar for power backup?

Generators are better for very large or industrial loads, while solar systems are ideal for residential and small commercial usage.

3. How long does an off-grid solar power system provide backup?

Backup duration depends on:

• Battery capacity
• Load connected
• Solar generation availability

With proper design, backup can range from 2 hours to 12+ hours.

4. What is the lifespan of solar panels and batteries?

• Solar panels: 25 years performance guarantee
• Solar batteries: 6–7 years average lifespan
• Solar inverter: 3 years warranty

5. How much roof space is required for solar installation?

Approximately 80 sq.ft of shadow-free roof space per 1 kW of solar capacity.

6. Can solar power run AC, washing machine, and refrigerator?

Yes. With correct inverter sizing and battery configuration, solar systems can run ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, lights, fans, and electronics.

7. Which brands are best for solar inverters and batteries?

Trusted brands include:

• UTL Solar
• Luminous
• Eastman
• Exide

8. Who can help me choose the right power backup solution?

Powertech Controls provides expert consultation, sizing, supply, and installation for generators and solar power backup systems at the best pricing.

Looking for the Most Suitable Power Backup Solution?

Contact Powertech Controls – trusted partner for
Power Backup Solutions
Solar Power Systems
Generators
Inverters & Batteries

We help you save money, protect your appliances, and stay powered always