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As homeowners look for energy resiliency and security in the face of more numerous power outages , severe weather , aging utility infrastructure and rising energy bills , homebuilders can have an edge over the competition by adapting to their customers ’ changing needs and providing the necessary infrastructure to integrate new technologies into homes .
Home standby generators
One of the most dependable and robust solutions is the integration of home standby generators . A well-designed generator will switch the power over automatically without any action from the homeowner , making it a quick and seamless experience . Home standby generators typically run on natural gas or propane , offering a reliable source of power for an extended period .
Homeowners are increasingly considering home standby generators as a way to secure their energy supply during outages . These generators can power essential appliances , heating and cooling systems and even the entire home , depending on their size and capacity . Additionally , modern home standby generators are quieter , more efficient and more affordable .
Home standby generators offer homeowners a host of advantages beyond security and comfort during an outage , including protection against storm damage and power outage costs . They also lower homeowners insurance bills . A recent study by Remodeling magazine showed that standby generators increase home resale values by 52.7 percent of the cost of the generator system . They are long-term investments that often boost home values , making them an attractive feature for homebuilders to incorporate into new construction .
Energy storage systems
In the age of renewable energy , ESS is gaining popularity as a backup power solution . ESS can store power from any generation source , such as solar panels , a generator or the utility grid itself . That power can be used immediately to run electrical loads in a home or it can be stored in the batteries for a later use .
These systems can use lithium-ion , lead acid or other battery technologies , but those considered by experts to be the safest on the market run on a subset of lithium-ion battery power called lithium Iion phosphate ( LiFePO4 ) chemistry . LiFePO4 eliminates cobalt , which , in turn , reduces the risk of thermal runaway , fire propagation , operating temperature constraints and toxic coolants to deliver more efficient , safer and reliable energy storage .
An ESS offers a modular and scalable solution for homeowners to customize its backup power solutions based on energy needs . Furthermore , integrating energy storage systems with home energy management systems and grid connectivity can create smart , responsive homes . These systems enable homeowners to make informed decisions about their own generation and consumption to maximize their energy security and utility rate cost savings . Seven in ten homebuyers are actively looking for a smart home , and 59 percent of Americans who are concerned with climate change are willing to pay more for smart home devices .
As ESS technology becomes more affordable , and state and federal governments incentivize the adoption of renewable technologies . An opportunity is created for homebuilders to embrace and incorporate energy storage solutions into new homes , giving homeowners the option to utilize renewable energy and ensure their energy security in the face of outages .
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