Solar battery backup is a must-have in California. A battery will keep your lights on during a power outage and help you maximize your return on investment. Under California’s new net metering policy, the payback period for solar plus battery storage is faster than the payback period for solar panels alone.
If you’re thinking about installing a battery, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we explain how to choose the best solar battery backup system for your home and provide a breakdown of the most popular solar batteries for 2024.
Choosing the Best Solar Battery for Your Home
When researching solar batteries, your budget will probably be top of mind. Solar batteries are not cheap and it’s important to think about cost vs return on investment. But it’s not the only factor to consider. You’ll also want to pay attention to capacity, power output, and warranty.
Key Factors to Consider:
Cost
The cost of a solar battery can vary significantly depending on the brand and how complex your installation is. When shopping for a battery, keep in mind that you’ll get 30% back with the federal solar tax credit, which applies to solar panels and solar batteries.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity measures the amount of power a solar battery can hold. The higher the capacity rating, the longer the battery will last during a power outage. Most solar batteries have a storage capacity of around 10 kWh. Tesla Powerwall and FranklinWH solar batteries have higher capacities, of 13.5 kWh and 13.6 kWh, respectively.
If you think your backup power needs will expand in the future, consider a modular battery. Modular batteries are stackable, which makes it easy to expand your system as your needs change and grow.
Power Output
Power output dictates what appliances a battery can start up and run. Some appliances, like air conditioners and heat pumps, need a lot of energy to start up. If you want to power your AC with battery backup, make sure you choose a battery with a high power output.
Lifespan & Warranty
Solar battery lifespan can range from around 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of battery you install. Most manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty, but there are some outliers. FranklinWH, for example, comes with a 12-year warranty.
Popular Solar Batteries for 2024
There are many solar battery systems on the market in 2024. Here are some of the most popular options.
Tesla Powerwall 3
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is the latest battery from industry leader Tesla. The Powerwall 3 has the same 13.5 kWh storage capacity as its predecessor, the Tesla Powerwall 2, but it boasts a much higher power output. The Powerwall 3 is a great option if you want to backup large loads like your heat pump or air conditioner. However, it’s also one of the most expensive options.
FranklinWH Energy Storage System
FranklinWH is a newcomer to the solar battery scene, but it’s making a splash. FranklinWH uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries which are safer, more durable, and longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries. They have an impressive 13.6 kWh storage capacity and come with a 12-year warranty.
Enphase IQ 5P
The Enphase IQ 5P is the most powerful Enphase battery yet. It has a relatively low storage capacity of 5 kWh and is a great option if you want to back up a few essential loads. The IQ 5P comes with a 15-year warranty, up to 6,000 cycles.
Generac PWRcell
Generac PWRcell has a highly modular design, which makes it easy to customize your system based on your backup power requirements. You can get 9-18 kWh with a single cabinet, or up to 36 kWh with two cabinets. The battery is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Get Help Choosing the Best Solar Battery Bank for Your Home
A solar battery is a big investment and it’s not a choice you should make lightly. An experienced solar installer can help you compare your options and recommend the best fit based on your backup power needs, clean energy goals, and budget.
The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find a contractor to help with your solar battery selection and installation. Our free, online directory connects homeowners to reputable clean energy contractors in California that have undergone an extensive vetting process to ensure high-quality service. Try it out today!