How EPS Solar Systems Keep Essex Homes Running During Outages

Picture this: You're settling in for the evening in your Romford home when suddenly, the lights go out. The heating stops, the fridge starts warming up, and your Wi-Fi router dies. Meanwhile, your neighbour's house across the street? Still fully lit and running as normal.

What's their secret? An Emergency Power Supply (EPS) solar system.

What Exactly Is an EPS Solar System?

An EPS (Emergency Power Supply) solar system is a clever bit of kit that automatically switches your home to battery power the moment it detects a power cut. Unlike standard solar panel installations that shut down during outages for safety reasons, EPS systems keep your essential appliances running seamlessly.

Think of it as having your own personal power station right on your roof and in your garage.

How Does EPS Technology Work?

Here's the brilliant part - it all happens automatically:

1. Normal Operation: Your solar panels generate electricity during the day, powering your home and charging your battery storage

2. Grid Monitoring: The EPS system constantly monitors the mains electricity supply

3. Instant Switching: The moment a power cut occurs, the system disconnects from the grid and switches to battery power in less than 0.02 seconds

4. Seamless Power: Your lights stay on, your heating continues, and your devices keep running

5. Automatic Restoration: When grid power returns, the system switches back automatically

   
   

Why Essex Homeowners Are Investing in EPS Systems?

Power Cuts Are More Common Than You Think

According to Ofgem data, the average UK household experiences 70 minutes of power cuts annually. But here in Essex, we've seen some particularly challenging weather in recent years:

• Storm Eunice left thousands without power for days

• Heatwave-related grid stress causes summer outages

• Winter storms regularly affect rural Essex communities
  

Real Benefits for Essex Families:

🏠 Home Comfort: Keep your heating, lighting, and essential appliances running 💻 Work Continuity: Perfect for home workers who can't afford downtime 🍕 Food Safety: Prevent spoiled food in fridges and freezers 🔒 Security: Maintain alarm systems and security lighting 💡 Peace of Mind: Never worry about power cuts again

EPS vs Standard Solar: What's the Difference?

Many homeowners don't realise that standard solar panel systems actually switch off during power cuts. This is a safety feature to protect engineers working on power lines.

Standard Solar System During Outage:

• ❌ No power to your home

• ❌ Solar panels stop working

• ❌ You're left in the dark like everyone else
  

EPS Solar System During Outage:

• ✅ Instant backup power kicks in once EPS starts

• ✅ Essential circuits stay powered

• ✅ Solar panels continue charging batteries (during daylight)

• ✅ You're the only house on the street with lights on (if connected to the EPS)
  

What Can an EPS System Power in Your Essex Home?

The beauty of EPS systems is flexibility. You can choose which circuits to back up based on your priorities:

Essential Circuits (Recommended):

• Kitchen appliances (fridge, freezer, kettle)

• Heating system and hot water

• Lighting in main living areas

• Wi-Fi router and charging points

• Security systems
  

Whole House Backup: With larger battery systems, you can power your entire home for hours or even days, depending on your usage and battery capacity.

How Long Will Your EPS System Keep You Powered?

This depends on two factors:

1. Your battery capacity (measured in kWh)

2. Your power consumption during the outage
   

Typical Essex Home Examples:

Small System (5kWh battery):

• Essential circuits: 8-12 hours*

• Reduced usage: 24+ hours*
  

Medium System (10kWh battery):

• Essential circuits: 16-24 hours*

• Whole house (careful usage): 8-12 hours*
  

Large System (15kWh+ battery):

• Essential circuits: 2-3 days*

• Whole house: 12-24 hours*

*the above depends on the two factors as mentioned (your battery capacity & your power consumption)

Is EPS Right for Your Essex Property?

EPS systems are particularly valuable if you:

• Work from home and need reliable power

• Have medical equipment that requires electricity

• Live in rural Essex areas prone to outages

• Want complete energy independence

• Have experienced frustrating power cuts in the past
  

The Investment: What Does EPS Cost?

While EPS systems represent a higher initial investment than standard solar, the peace of mind and practical benefits often justify the cost. Prices vary based on:

• Battery capacity required

• Number of circuits to back up

• Complexity of installation

• Property size and electrical setup
  

Choosing the Right EPS Installer in Essex

Not all solar installers offer EPS capability. When choosing your installer, ensure they:

• Are MCS certified (like AJK Energy)

• Have specific EPS experience

• Understand local Essex electrical regulations

• Offer comprehensive warranties

• Provide ongoing maintenance support
  

Is your house ready for an EPS system?

Power cuts don't have to disrupt your life. With an EPS solar system, you can enjoy complete energy security while reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills.

Interested in learning more about EPS systems for your Essex home?

Our experienced team at AJK Energy has been installing solar solutions across Essex for over 7 years. We'd love to discuss how an EPS system could work for your property.

Get your free, no-obligation EPS consultation today:

• Call us for a chat about your requirements

• Book a home survey to assess your property

• Receive a detailed quote tailored to your needs
  

Don't wait for the next power cut to wish you'd acted sooner, contact us now

📍 Serving Romford, Brentwood, Chigwell and throughout Essex  ⚡ MCS Certified Solar Installers  🏠 Over 7 Years of Local Experience