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Rick's Recommended Blueprints

Stop guessing. These are the exact components I'd install in my own home. Three configurations based on your needs and budget.

STARTER KIT

The 10kWh Basic

Estimated Total

~$4,800

Perfect for backup essentials: lights, fridge, WiFi, and phone charging. Ideal for apartment dwellers or those new to battery backup.

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EG4 LifePower4 (x2)

48V LFP Battery, 5.12kWh each

$1,299 ea

EG4 6000XP Inverter

6kW Hybrid Inverter, 48V

~$1,799

Battery Communication Cables

CAN bus cables for BMS

~$50

Breaker Panel & Wiring

Sub-panel, breakers, 4 AWG cable

~$300

Rick's Note

This is what I recommend for beginners. The EG4 ecosystem is DIY-friendly, well-documented, and the batteries stack easily. You can always add more later.

MOST POPULAR RECOMMENDED

The 20kWh Whole Home

Estimated Total

~$8,500

Runs your entire home for 8-12 hours during an outage. Handles AC, water heater (heat pump), and most appliances. The sweet spot for most Texas homeowners.

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EG4 PowerPro ESS (x2)

48V LFP Battery, 10.24kWh each

$2,499 ea

Sol-Ark 15K Inverter

15kW Hybrid, 48V, UL9540 Listed

~$3,200

Battery Rack + Cables

Server rack, CAN cables, busbars

~$200

Transfer Switch + Panel

200A automatic transfer, sub-panel

~$400

Rick's Note

This is my personal setup. The Sol-Ark 15K is the gold standard - it handles whole-home backup, works with any 48V battery, and the monitoring app is excellent. Worth every penny.

PREMIUM SYSTEM

The 30kWh Fortress

Estimated Total

~$12,500

Multi-day backup for large homes. Run everything including EV charging. Designed for serious off-grid capability or homes with high power demands.

Shopping List

EG4 PowerPro ESS (x3)

48V LFP Battery, 10.24kWh each

$2,499 ea

Sol-Ark 15K Inverter

15kW Hybrid, 48V, UL9540 Listed

~$3,200

Server Rack (42U)

Full-size rack with cable management

~$350

Heavy Duty Wiring Kit

2/0 AWG cables, 200A disconnects

~$500

Smart Load Panel

Span or similar for load management

~$800

Rick's Note

At this level, consider professional installation unless you're comfortable with 200A+ wiring. The Sol-Ark can be paralleled for even more power, but 15kW handles 99% of residential needs.

Important Notes

  • Prices are estimates and may vary. Check current pricing at the linked retailers.
  • Installation costs not included. DIY is possible for smaller systems; larger systems benefit from professional installation.
  • All systems require permits in most jurisdictions. Check your local codes before installation.
  • Federal tax credit (30% ITC) may apply to battery storage when paired with solar. Consult a tax professional.

Not Sure Which Kit is Right?

Use our free calculator to determine the right battery capacity based on your electric usage.

Try the Battery Sizing Calculator