During the day, solar systems generate more energy than needed by your home. For solar owners without a battery, this excess energy is exported to the utility grid. The Utility then credits customers under the Net Energy Metering program. In the evening, when the solar system is not generating energy, the customer buys electricity from the grid to meet home energy needs.

Battery storage enables customers to store excess energy produced by their Solar System during the day, and then use this stored energy during the evening. The management software automatically determines the amount of excess solar energy to export to the grid or to store in the battery. Battery customers on a Time-of-Use Rate could save by reducing the amount of energy used from the grid when it’s the most expensive and carbon-intensive.

Yes, most systems can be programmed to do so your battery will continue to work during a power outage to supply power to your home.

A battery can power your home for 2-16 hours depending on the battery, how it is programmed, and the usage in the home.

Battery backup storage systems use Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The battery and all other included components are designed to last at least 10 years. For backup power, the duration of the power supply is dependent on overall home energy use, battery size and listed capacity on the battery.

Having battery storage does not mean that you are off the grid. Batteries are not a generator by themselves, they need to be charged either by the utility grid, generator or by solar system.

Most battery suppliers offer both indoor and outdoor options to suit individual consumers need. All our battery storage enclosures are UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-certified or National Electrical Manufacturers Association-rated to meet applicable safety standards.

Backup battery storage systems are generally very safe. The primary concern is the potential for overheating which is addressed through several safety measures, including:

• Ensuring an adequate cooling system for the batteries
• The inclusion of dividers between individual battery cells
• Electronic protection circuits built into the battery pack
• Real-time monitoring of system temperature, rate of charging and discharging
• Remote shut-off via smart management software

The noise generated by a battery storage system is minimal and will not present excess noise. The volume when operating is equivalent to an an electric fan.