The other more practical option to navigating blackouts with a solar system is investing in backup power in the form of a battery. Batteries allow you to store the excess energy your solar panels generate during the day, allowing you to use it when you need it, including at night and during a blackout.
This cost-effective and commonsense solution has become the standard in the solar industry. Installing batteries is less expensive than an off-grid system as you won’t need as many to keep your home powered. Since you’re still connected to the grid, you can rely on your utility company to power your home when your solar panels aren’t producing enough electricity, and still have extra backup power stored in your batteries for a blackout. Having batteries will also be sufficient for powering your main home appliances, such as your refrigerator and medical equipment, in most cases for when the power goes out.
For these reasons, batteries have become a go-to solution for homeowners who want to bolster their solar systems. Popular products, like the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and the Panasonic EverVolt, offer scalable battery solutions that can be customized to your specific energy needs. In most cases, batteries offer the perfect balance between energy independence and cost-effectiveness. They may not make you fully grid-independent, but they also won’t break the bank. You’ll get the peace of mind that comes with having backup power while still benefiting from grid-tied incentives like NEM 3.0.
