Comparing the cost of a DIY to Ford Intelligent Backup

[PopsGG]

I want to do an exercise in comparing what it would cost to build a DIY energy backup system and compare it to the Tesla Powerwall and Ford’s solution. I am using $5,000 for the installation price of all systems with a professional electrician because the estimates I am finding range wildly. I imagine all 3 are a similar level of installation complexity. Also I am aiming for systems with a similar output to the HIM to make them comparable.

Ford Home Integration System:

• F150 Lightning $40k-$90k. This will not be factored in, because it’s also your vehicle.
• Charge Station Pro $1,310
• Home Integration System $3,895

Capabilities

• 9.6 kW output
• ~120 kWh capacity for ER

Tesla Powerwall:

• (2x) Tesla Powerwall $10,500, but two units will cost $17,000

Capabilities

• 9.2 kW output
• 28.8 kWh capacity

DIY:

• (2x) EG4 6500EX All-in-one Solar Power System $2,498
• (6x) EG4-LifePower4 Lithium Battery $8,994

Capabilities

• 13kW output
• 28.8 kWh capacity

======================================
Total costs (with $5k install) :

Ford HIM: $10,205
Tesla Powerwall(s): $22,000
DIY: $16,492

Pros/Cons

Ford HIM
Pro: Cheapest and largest capacity.
Con: Using your truck to drive, makes the system unusable.

Tesla Powerwall
Pro: Well thought out seamless system.
Con: Most expensive with lowest capabilities.

DIY
Pro: Largest output, equal capacity to Tesla.
Con: Support will be more complex and could involve multiple vendors.

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[watchdoc]

really depends on your goals for the system.

Do you just want critical loads backup power? Just buy a Pro with the 7.2kw of bed power and directly power a critical loads panel. No solar required.

Do you was full solar integration, home back up, and future "intelligent" power backup for things like grid shaving or to take advantage of time of use rates. This is where the ER battery and HIM system could really shine. Is it worth an $40k???

 

[merek]

You're missing a lot of labor costs. The Ford backup system is going to be within the 10k range by the time you're done with it. At that price point, you're in the same range as a standby natural gas generator.

I already have a generator so I won't use it, but I would just have some sort of manual emergency load panel with a transfer switch. I think there are some around that isolate the neutral, which would be what you would need for the truck probably, but nobody has tried it yet to my knowledge.


Alternatively, just get some good extension cords and run it off the bed of the truck.

 

[personalt]

Exactly. If you have F150 L with the 240 outlets you can get by with a mounted 240 volt plug, a manual transfers switch and the proper cable.

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