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1. What is the PowerTower?
The PowerTower is Gaia's main energy
storage and management product. The
core technology of the PowerTower is a
combination of advanced power
electronics, batteries, and communication
modules that harness the power of
energy storage in an affordable turnkey
solution.
2. What makes the PowerTower
unique?
The PowerTower bridges the gap
between UPS systems that provide
seamless backup power, but only to a
single device, and generators, which
provide poor power quality and require
a complex installation with frequent
maintenance. The PowerTower installs
indoors, requires no generator permit,
produces no polluting emissions, and
provides up to several days of power.
3. Are there different PowerTower
models available?
The PowerTower is available in the C and R series. Both PowerTower models provide backup protection to the critical circuits of a house such as furnaces, refrigerators, pumps, and lighting. The PowerTower C offers a substantial capacity and highly conditioned power. This makes it ideal for handling large loads and supporting areas with sensitive electronics, such as home offices or media rooms. The PowerTower R integrates renewable inputs such as solar or wind to provide the cleanest possible backup power solution.
4. How long does it take to charge a
PowerTower?
The PowerTower maintains fully
charged batteries whenever power is
available. After a blackout, a full
recharge typically takes a couple of
hours.
6. What maintenance does the Power
Tower require?
The PowerTower has no moving parts
and requires only an annual check,
which can be performed by the owner,
to ensure that the system is operating
properly.
7. What is the warranty on the Power
Tower?
The PowerTower has a full two-year
warranty for all backup power installations.
8. How does the PowerTower connect
to my house?
The PowerTower connects to an
emergency subpanel in your home
containing all the items you want to run
during an outage. Unlike a generator,
the PowerTower does not require a
transfer switch; the PowerTower’s
electronics allow the system to seamlessly
and automatically transfer to
backup power in milliseconds.
9. What circuits can I power with the
PowerTower?
The PowerTower is available in a
variety of configurations to meet your
power needs. A typical system will
provide 1-2 days of backup power for
the critical circuits of your house (such
as refrigerator, furnace, sump or well
pump, phone system, and security
system) as well as lights and outlets in
several rooms.
10. I already have a stationary
generator. Why would I need a
PowerTower?
1) A PowerTower hybrid configuration
can greatly increase the efficiency of
your generator. The PowerTower
provides electricity on an as-needed
basis, so the generator runs only to
charge the batteries. For example,
powering a single light at night with a
generator alone requires the full output
of that generator, while in a
PowerTower/ genset configuration, the
exact amount of power needed for that
light is fed by the PowerTower, with no
additional waste. A PowerTower
system paired with a generator can
reduce genset runtime by up to 75%,
decreasing fuel usage and extending
the life of the generator. 2) The Power-
Tower eliminates the power gap
created by a transfer switch 3) A
generator frequently has trouble
providing clean, conditioned power, and
a PowerTower can smooth out the
surges and lags in voltage both from
the generator and from the utility,
protecting sensitive electronic equipment
such as computers or stereos.
11. I have a portable generator. Can I
use it with a PowerTower?
Yes, you can use it to charge the
PowerTower as needed. Be sure to
follow all operating instructions.
12. How often will I have to replace the
batteries in my PowerTower?
Lead-acid batteries provide the most
cost-effective bulk energy storage
available today. Gaia Power Technologies
uses only the highest quality and
longest lasting valve-regulated, sealed
lead-acid batteries. Under typical
usage, they will last 7-10 years before
needing replacement.
13. Where can I put a PowerTower?
The PowerTower is emission-free and
about the size of a large filing cabinet,
allowing for convenient installation in a
basement or garage. For best performance,
it should be placed in a dry
location with temperatures that stay
between 32 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
It should not be placed outdoors.
14. What does 'it's always on' mean?
The PowerTower includes a monitoring
function that measures power flow.
The PowerTower comes online instantaneously
in response to outages or
interruptions to maintain a continuous
power supply.
15. Who do I call if I need support?
You should contact your local Gaia
Authorized Dealer, who has a 24-hour
emergency hotline. You can also
always call Gaia at 888-424-2669.
16. Who installs a PowerTower? How
long does installation take and how
much does it cost?
A PowerTower is installed by a licensed
electrician. Gaia can work with an
electrician of your choice, or may be
able to recommend someone in your
area familiar with the system. Installation
takes a few hours at most, and
requires no concrete pouring, tank
installation, or wall mounting. The cost
will depend upon the rate of electricians
in your area.
17. What environmental benefits does
the PowerTower offer?
The PowerTower produces no polluting
emissions during operation, and
recharges using utility power, which is
significantly cleaner than that produced
by a small generator. Renewable
power sources, such as solar or wind
power, can also be used to charge the
PowerTower.
18. I have/am getting solar power. Can
a PowerTower help? What else do I
need to make a PowerTower work with
my solar installation?
The PowerTower R is designed to
recharge from solar or wind power and
increases the efficiency and simplifies
the management of any alternative
power installation. To learn more about how PowerTower works with alternative energy sources, click here.
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