Is battery storage right for me?

Even if a solar system comes equipped with battery storage, it doesn’t ensure you will have the backup power you need during a power outage. Powering the average consumer’s home, including HVAC systems, lights, appliances, well pumps, and water heating, requires a tremendous amount of energy.

Inclement weather variation plays a complicating factor. Having your entire home powered would require a solar array coupled with battery storage that is appropriately sized based on your energy consumption.

Battery storage technology continues to evolve, and battery banks are not readily available or cost-effective for the average consumer to purchase. For example, the average CEC home uses about 44 kWh daily—equivalent to the power capacity of about 4 Telsa Powerwall batteries. These batteries cost approximately $30,000 per battery and may only last 1 day, depending on whether the sun shines long enough to replenish the battery.

Members looking for a cost-effective and reliable backup power should consider a portable or permanent backup generator. Generators are much less expensive, run for more extended periods, and are readily available. More information on those systems can be found here.