As more homeowners seek energy independence and peace of mind during outages, battery backup systems like the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase 5P, and Franklin Home Power are becoming popular additions to solar energy setups. These powerful storage systems offer many benefits—but it’s important to set the right expectations so you can make the most of your investment.
Here’s what you should know before installing a home battery system.
⚡ 1. Battery Backup ≠ Whole-House Backup (Usually)
Most home batteries are designed to back up essential loads, not your entire home. That typically includes:
- Lights
- Refrigerator
- Wi-Fi/router
- Outlets for charging devices
- Garage door or sump pump
High-consumption appliances like HVAC systems, electric ovens, or dryers may not be backed up unless you install multiple batteries or significantly oversize your system. Work with your installer to define which circuits are critical during an outage.
🔋 2. Battery Capacity is Finite
Batteries don’t generate power—they store it. During an outage, your energy use must be managed wisely to extend backup time. For example:
- A Tesla Powerwall stores ~13.5 kWh of energy per unit.
- The Enphase 5P offers ~5 kWh per unit.
- Franklin Home Power offers ~13.6 kWh per unit.
Depending on your usage, a single battery may provide 8 to 24 hours of backup. Systems with solar panels can recharge the battery daily during a prolonged outage.
☀️ 3. Pairing With Solar Enhances Value
Solar Panels Can Recharge Your Battery During the Day
While you can install a battery without solar, the best long-term performance (and backup potential) comes from combining the two. Solar panels recharge your battery during the day, helping you:
- Stay powered longer during outages
- Offset peak utility rates (if your utility supports time-of-use billing)
- Increase your energy independence
Without solar, your battery is a one-time backup that needs the grid to recharge.
💰 4. It’s an Investment—With Big Incentives
Battery systems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on size, number of batteries installed, brand, and installation complexity. However, there are ways to reduce costs including the Federal Tax Credit (30% under the Inflation Reduction Act).
If you are on a time-of-use plan (TOU) with your utility, a battery can save you even more money. With a TOU plan, your utility charges different rates based on when you use electricity:
-
Off-peak hours (usually late at night or early morning): Low cost
-
Peak hours (usually afternoons/evenings): High cost
To save money, batteries can be set to charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest, either from your solar panels or from the grid (if allowed). During peak pricing hours, the battery system automatically powers your home using the stored energy instead of pulling from the expensive grid. If you have solar panels, your battery stores excess solar energy during the day and uses it later—so you avoid buying electricity when it’s most expensive.
🧠 5. Smart Features Give You Control
Monitor your battery system from anywhere.
Modern battery systems come with mobile apps that let you:
- Monitor energy usage and battery charge
- Choose between backup, self-consumption, or cost-saving modes
- Get outage notifications
These tools empower you to fine-tune how your battery is used, whether you want to maximize backup time or reduce your energy bill.
🛠️ 6. Installation Takes Planning
Electricians from Good Energy Solutions install a battery backup system.
Expect the process to include:
- Site assessment and load evaluation
- Permitting and utility coordination (may take several weeks)
- A professional installation that could take 1–5 days depending if the battery is installed with solar
- A system walk-through so you understand how it works
The more proactive your installer is with communication, the smoother this process will be.
✅ Summary: What to Expect from Your Home Battery System
| Expectation | Reality |
|---|---|
| Complete home backup | Only critical loads unless multiple batteries are used |
| Unlimited power consumption during outages | Power consumption is limited by battery size and usage, unless recharged with solar panels during daylight hours |
| Instant return on investment | Long-term savings + peace of mind over time |
| Always online during an outage | Sunlight and usage patterns impact performance |
| One-size-fits-all setup | System is tailored to your home and goals |
Thinking About Battery Backup?
At Good Energy Solutions, we’ve installed many battery systems across Kansas and Missouri using trusted brands like Tesla, Enphase, and FranklinWH. Our team will help you plan the right setup based on your energy goals, usage, and budget—so you’re prepared for the next outage and the future of energy.
👉 Learn more about the batteries we offer
See How a Battery Backup System can Help Your Home or Business
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Our mission at Good Energy Solutions is to provide our customers with honest, real solutions to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and lower their long term energy costs. Our combination of hands-on experience, education, and outstanding customer service make our company the clear choice to help you achieve your energy goals.
Founded in 2007 by Kevin and Shana Good, Good Energy Solutions has earned a reputation for our expert reliable service, long workmanship warranties, and quality commercial and residential solar installations.
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