Quick answer: Whole-home backup pairs a 10–30+ kWh LiFePO4 bank with an automatic transfer switch and a hybrid or backup inverter, so the house switches to battery within moments of a grid failure. Runtime is simply capacity ÷ load: 10 kWh runs essentials (~0.8 kW) for about 12 hours, a home office plus essentials (~2 kW) for 5 hours, or the whole home including HVAC (~5 kW) for 2 hours. Backing up everything costs more capacity and a larger inverter than critical-loads-only — that is the core decision.

Key facts at a glance

  • Typical capacity: 10–30+ kWh for a whole home; 5–10 kWh for essentials-only.
  • Transfer: Automatic, near-seamless changeover when the grid drops.
  • Cycle life: 6,000+ cycles for LiFePO4 at 80–90% DoD.
  • Chemistry: LiFePO4 — stable cathode, no thermal runaway propagation in residential form factors.
  • Enclosure: IP65 rated for indoor or outdoor installation.
  • Decision: Critical loads vs whole home sets both inverter size and capacity.
Customer installation of a 10 kWh powerwall battery
A residential LiFePO4 backup installation — bank, hybrid inverter and automatic transfer switch.

What is whole-home battery backup?

Whole-home battery backup pairs a LiFePO4 bank with an automatic transfer switch and a hybrid or backup inverter so that when the grid drops, your home switches to battery within moments. CMX Battery sizes the system from your critical and whole-home loads, the backup hours you want, and whether the array refills it during the outage. The honest trade-off: backing up everything (including HVAC) costs more capacity and a larger inverter than critical-loads-only; we help you decide based on the loads that actually matter to you. Every system is documented for safe install and, where required, inspection.

How long will my home run on battery?

Run-time is capacity divided by what you actually draw. These are indicative figures — we size from your measured load profile and the backup hours you want. A critical nuance: HVAC start surge can be 3–5× the running current for a second or two, so the inverter’s surge rating, not just its continuous rating, decides whether the air conditioner starts at all.

Load scenarioTypical drawOn 10 kWhOn 20 kWh
Essentials only (lights, fridge, comms)~0.8 kW~12 h~25 h
Home office + essentials~2.0 kW~5 h~10 h
Whole home including HVAC~5.0 kW~2 h~4 h

Indicative only — HVAC start surge and your real duty cycle change the result. We model it before quoting, and we size from the hours you want rather than a round battery number.

32 kWh LiFePO4 solar home battery 51.2V
A 32 kWh stackable residential bank — the upper end of whole-home backup capacity.

What is in a whole-home backup system?

Which battery chemistry?

LiFePO4 — safe chemistry with 6,000+ cycles, in indoor or outdoor enclosures. The olivine phosphate cathode does not release oxygen when abused, which is why it is the only lithium chemistry routinely accepted for residential installation without extraordinary mitigation.

What does the inverter do?

A hybrid or backup inverter charges the bank from grid or PV and inverts back to household AC. Continuous rating must cover simultaneous loads; surge rating must cover motor starts.

How does the changeover happen?

An automatic transfer switch gives automatic, near-seamless changeover when the grid drops. For most modern hybrid inverters the transition is fast enough that electronics do not reboot.

How do I know what is happening?

Monitoring puts state of charge, load and history in one view, so you can see remaining runtime at the current draw and shed load deliberately rather than by surprise.

Typical applications

ApplicationWhat it means for the design
Outage resilienceLights, fridge, comms — a 5–10 kWh essentials sub-panel is often enough
Medical / home officeCritical loads that cannot drop — UPS-grade transfer and monitored SoC
HVAC backupLarger system — surge rating and capacity both step up materially
Storm-prone areasMulti-day with PV — battery sized for overnight, PV refills by day
51.2 V 122 Ah 6 kWh IP65 wall-mounted LiFePO4 battery
IP65 wall-mounted 6 kWh module — stackable for 10–30+ kWh whole-home banks.

Home backup systems to start from

10KWh 48V 200Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery pack for residential

From $1,500.00

The 10kWh 48V 200Ah lithium battery is a high-performance solar home lithium battery, built with advanced LiFePO4 battery cells for maximum safety, efficiency, and durability. Designed for residential solar energy storage, this 10KWh lithium battery delivers stable power output, over 6000 cycles of long life, and excellent thermal stability.

Perfect for both new and retrofit solar installations, this wall-mounted 10kWh 48V 200Ah LiFePO4 battery offers compact size, easy installation, and wide inverter compatibility. Whether you're upgrading your off-grid system or adding backup power to your grid-tied home, this solar lithium battery provides a reliable, safe, and future-ready energy storage solution.

15kWh 48V 300Ah Server Rack Lithium Battery for Home Solar Energy Storage

From $2,150.00

48V 300Ah 15KWh Server Rack Battery bank

This 15kWh 51.2V 300Ah lithium server rack battery bank uses high-quality Grade A LiFePO4 cells to deliver long service life, strong safety performance, and a practical design suited for modern energy storage systems.With a 51.2V nominal voltage, the battery works smoothly with most 48V hybrid inverters. As a result, it fits well in home solar storage systems, off-grid installations, and backup power applications.In addition, the system supports parallel connection of up to 16 units, which allows users to expand capacity as their energy needs grow. It also provides more than 6,000 deep charge cycles, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for remote monitoring, and an integrated fire suppression system. Together, these features make it a reliable and scalable energy solution for both residential and commercial use.

16.08kWh Mobile LiFePO4 Energy Storage Battery | 51.2V 314Ah IP65 Modular ESS with Wheels for Residential & Commercial

From $2,750.00

CMX Battery 51.2V 314Ah 16.08 kWh home energy storage battery — factory-direct from a LiFePO4 battery manufacturer and OEM/ODM partner, supplied wholesale and in bulk with private-label options.

  • Performance: 6,000+ cycles @ 80% DoD with Grade A automotive cells and smart BMS protection; 5–10 year warranty.
  • Compliance: Certified to CE, RoHS, UN38.3 and IEC62619 (UL available); CAN / RS485 / RS232 for inverter and EMS integration.
  • Best for: Residential solar self-consumption; Off-grid and hybrid homes; Backup power during outages.

16kWh 48V 320Ah Lithium Battery for Solar Home Energy Storage

From $2,300.00
Product Name: 16kWh 51.2V 320Ah Floor-Standing Lithium Battery with Wheels
Battery Type: 48V 320Ah Grade A LiFePO4 Cells
Cycle Life: >9000 Cycles (@25°C, 80% DOD)
IP Rating: IP65 Water & Dust Protection
Communication Protocols: RS485 / CAN
Display: Touch Screen LCD
Dimensions: 850(with wheels)*453*240mm34.4(with wheels)*17.7*9.5inch
Mobility: Equipped with 4 Universal Roller Wheels
Application: Residential Solar Storage, Backup Power, Off-grid, Hybrid Systems, Commercial Use

1KWh 2KWh Portable Power Station for home backup outdoor

1KWH 2KWh Portable Power Station for Home Backup Outdoor

The 1kWh portable power station lithium battery uses durable LiFePO4 cells to deliver safe backup power for camping, travel, and emergencies. Lightweight and solar-compatible, it’s an excellent portable power station for camping or powering small devices and a camping fridge on short trips.The 2kWh portable power station lithium battery features a pure sine wave inverter and larger capacity, ideal for fridges, CPAP, tools, or eBikes. As a solar-powered portable power station, it provides clean and quiet energy for blackouts, RVs, and off-grid use.Both models are designed for reliability and affordability, with options ranging from individual units to portable power station wholesale supply, making them a practical choice for home backup and outdoor power.
ModelCapacityOutput PowerCharging PowerDimensions (mm)Weight
EG-PW-A10001004.8Wh300W400W290×130×2259.9kg
EG-PW-A1000 Pro1004.8Wh500W500W290×150×22510.8kg
EG-PW-A20002009.6Wh500W500W300×215×25020.9kg
EG-PW-A2000 Pro2009.6Wh1000W1000W340×260×26021.8kg
 

20.48kWh High Voltage LiFePO4 Battery | 204.8V 100Ah Stackable Home ESS Tower

From $3,450.00
204.8V 100Ah solar home battery (20.48kWh) with smart BMS — factory-direct from CMX Battery, wholesale & OEM/ODM available.

24V 100Ah Rack-Mount LiFePO4 Battery Module | 2.56kWh 3U Server Rack for Solar & Telecom

25.6V 100Ah solar home battery (2.56kWh) with smart BMS — factory-direct from CMX Battery, wholesale & OEM/ODM available.

24V 200Ah Rack-Mount LiFePO4 Battery | 5.12kWh 4U Server Rack Solar Storage Module

25.6V 200Ah solar home battery (5.12kWh) with smart BMS — factory-direct from CMX Battery, wholesale & OEM/ODM available.

2022 New CMX Battery Hybrid Inverter Solar Energy Systems 5Kwh 10Kwh 20Kwh 30Kwh

From $3,000.00

CMX Battery 5 kWh hybrid solar inverter — factory-direct from a LiFePO4 battery manufacturer and OEM/ODM partner, supplied wholesale and in bulk with private-label options.

  • Performance: 6,000+ cycles @ 80% DoD with Grade A automotive cells and smart BMS protection; 5–10 year warranty.
  • Compliance: Certified to CE, RoHS, UN38.3 and IEC62619 (UL available); CAN / RS485 / RS232 for inverter and EMS integration.
  • Best for: Home solar and storage systems; Off-grid cabins and RVs; Telecom and remote sites.

230V 1000W off grid hybrid Micro inverter with battery storage

230V 1000W off grid hybrid micro inverter

The 230V 1000W off grid hybrid micro inverter with battery storage is an advanced residential solar energy solution that integrates PV input, battery storage, AC coupling, and on/off-grid switching in a single compact system.By combining multiple functions, it helps homeowners lower electricity bills, reduce reliance on the grid, and enjoy reliable backup power when needed.This 230V 1000W micro inverter off grid system offers full flexibility, allowing you to configure different operation modes according to your energy needs. With remote Wi-Fi and local monitoring via APP, you can easily track inverter status, optimize energy usage, and enjoy true energy independence.

230V 800W on off grid hybrid Micro inverter with battery storage

Micro Inverter Model:  EG-HX800

This 230V 800W on off grid hybrid micro inverter with battery storage is a versatile solution that supports both grid-tied and off-grid operation.In on-grid mode, it synchronizes with the utility grid to power household loads directly from solar panels and can export surplus electricity to the grid. In off-grid mode, it stores excess energy in a 48V lithium battery and delivers up to 800W of reliable AC power during outages.The 230V 800W on off grid hybrid micro inverter with battery storage helps lower energy bills, maximize solar usage, and provide seamless backup power when you need it most.

30-70kW Commercial Hybrid Inverter for 208V and 480V Three-Phase Systems

From $5,450.00
The CMX Battery 30-70KW Hybrid Inverter is a high-voltage, three-phase commercial hybrid inverter platform that coordinates solar PV, battery storage, utility power and protected loads.Select the 30kW 120/208V model or a 40kW, 50kW, 60kW or 70kW 277/480V model to match the facility's electrical service and energy strategy.
  • 4 MPPTs and 8 PV inputs for flexible commercial array design
  • Dual 100A battery channels for high-power charging and discharging
  • <20ms EPS transfer for correctly sized critical-load backup
  • Up to 6 units in parallel for scalable on-grid and off-grid systems
  • IP66 outdoor enclosure with AC coupling and optional generator integration

Before choosing a model, use our 208V vs 480V commercial hybrid inverter selection guide to compare service voltage, load sizing, battery compatibility, PV string design and backup requirements.

How do I specify a home backup system?

Step 1: Decide critical vs whole-home first

This single choice sets inverter size and capacity. Critical-loads-only is often half the cost of whole-home.

Step 2: List the loads and hours

Size from the loads and backup hours you need, not a round number. Measure with a clamp meter or smart-meter history.

Step 3: Convert hours to kWh

kWh = average kW × hours. Ten hours of a 0.8 kW essentials load is 8 kWh usable — roughly a 10 kWh bank.

Step 4: Check inverter surge rating

Confirm the transfer switch and inverter are rated for the loads, including HVAC start surge (typically 3–5× running current).

Step 5: Confirm PV recharge

If solar should extend the outage, the array must recharge the bank during daylight hours, not just offset daytime load.

Step 6: Get certification docs

UL 1973 / UL 9540A and local AHJ requirements — we supply the test files, not just a claim.

How CMX Battery builds it

Solutions are where product lines meet an application — backup, off-grid, peak shaving or telecom. We specify the cell chemistry, capacity, inverter and controls as one system, then document the design so your team can deploy and service it.

Certifications & compliance

  • UN38.3 — Mandatory lithium battery transport test (altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, external short). Required for any cross-border shipment.
  • IEC62619 — International safety standard for industrial Li-ion cells and batteries; expected by EU and most APAC buyers.
  • UL1973 — North American safety standard for stationary lithium battery systems.
  • UL9540A — Fire safety test method for ESS installations; often required by US authorities having jurisdiction.
  • CE — EU declaration of conformity for the applicable directives.
  • IP65 — Dust-tight and low-pressure water-jet resistant — suitable for outdoor enclosures.
48 kWh solar battery storage for home backup power
48 kWh of residential storage — sized for multi-day storm resilience with PV recharge.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between whole-home and critical-loads backup?

Whole-home costs more capacity and a bigger inverter; we size from what matters to you. Critical-loads-only backs up a sub-panel (fridge, lights, comms) and is typically half the investment.

How long will the battery last during an outage?

From capacity ÷ load; PV during the outage extends it. 10 kWh at 0.8 kW is about 12 hours; at 5 kW with HVAC it is about 2 hours.

Can it run my air conditioner?

If the inverter and capacity cover the start surge, yes — size accordingly. Compressor inrush can be 3–5× running current, so surge rating is the binding constraint, not average draw.

Is LiFePO4 safe for residential installation?

LiFePO4 is the safe chemistry; enclosures are IP65 and documented to standard. The phosphate cathode does not release oxygen under abuse, unlike layered-oxide chemistries.

How many cycles will I get?

6,000+ cycles at 80–90% depth of discharge. In a backup role with shallow, infrequent discharges, calendar life (15+ years) is usually the limiting factor rather than cycles.

Related products & resources

More in this series

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