In the old days, California homeowners looking for a backup power system had one option: generators. But generators often run on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. Today, California homeowners have another, more environmentally-friendly option: solar battery storage systems. Solar battery storage systems like Tesla Powerwall, Sonnen eco, and LG Chem RESU are increasing in popularity—and it’s easy to see why.
Backup power is a major benefit of solar battery storage, but it’s far from the only reason to install a solar battery. Today we’re going to discuss some of the biggest benefits of home battery backup and how you can find a contractor to install yours for years and years of reliable operation.
1. Power Your Home During an Outage
Unfortunately, Californians are becoming more and more familiar with power outages due to wildfires and planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). With solar battery backup, you can store electricity to keep the essentials running in your home if grid power goes down.
2. Use Free & Clean Solar Energy Throughout the Day (& Night!)
Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun’s out, which means most homes with grid-tied solar still draw power from the grid at night and on cloudy days. Solar power comes from a clean and renewable energy source, but much of California’s grid power still comes from fossil fuels. With a solar battery installed, you can use stored clean solar energy even when your panels aren’t actively producing electricity.
3. Avoid More Expensive Time-of-Use Electricity Rates
Many California homeowners are enrolled in electricity plans that include time-of-use pricing—making the cost of electricity higher during certain parts of the day (usually afternoon and evening, when grid demand is highest). By drawing power from a solar battery during those peak rate hours, you can avoid higher electric bills (a process known as arbitrage).
4. Helps Home Electrification Upgrades
You don’t need solar panels or solar battery installation to have an all-electric home. But solar technology can help you maximize the benefits of home electrification! The more all-electric appliances and systems in your house—from heat pumps to water heaters and induction cooktops—the more you can run your house entirely on free and clean solar energy.
5. Save Money with Recently-Increased Battery Incentives
The recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act includes a number of homeowner incentives that will make clean energy upgrades more affordable, including updates to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that affect battery storage! Homeowners can now qualify for an increased federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost to buy and install their solar battery or solar battery bank, and beginning in 2023, the battery won’t have to be connected to solar panels to qualify (though you’ll get more for your money if it is!).
Find a Solar Battery Installer Near You with the Clean Energy Connection
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to install battery storage for your home. So how do you find a reliable and qualified contractor to help you choose between the many different brands and models and install it correctly? The answer is simple: with the Clean Energy Connection!
Our online directory connects California homeowners with vetted local companies that specialize in home electrification and energy-efficiency services, including solar battery installation. The Clean Energy Connection is easy to filter and sort by location, services, incentives, and more, and best of all, it’s completely free for both homeowners and contractors—we have no financial stake in who you choose.