Power When You Need It Most ⚡ 

At Kokosing Solar, we’re always looking for ways to help homeowners take control of their energy. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Franklin aPower2—a cutting-edge battery storage solution designed for reliability, efficiency, and energy independence. 

🔋 Why Choose the Franklin aPower2?
✔ 15 kWh capacity – Power through outages with industry-leading storage.
✔ Smart monitoring & control – The Franklin App helps you track energy use, prepare for storms, and optimize efficiency.
✔ EV integration – Use stored energy to power your home or charge your electric vehicle.
✔ 15-year warranty – Long-term reliability you can count on. 

With the Franklin aPower2, you can store excess solar energy, reduce dependence on the grid, and keep your most important appliances running—even when the power goes out. 

Ready to take the next step toward energy security? 

Fill out the form to learn more or schedule a consultation with our team. 

SREC Residential Ohio: How Homeowners Can Benefit from Solar Renewable Energy Certificates 

If you’re a homeowner in Ohio considering solar, you’ve likely heard about Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)—but what exactly are they, and how can they benefit you? At Kokosing Solar, we help homeowners understand how to maximize their solar investment, and SRECs are an important piece of the financial equation. 

What Are SRECs? 

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) represents the environmental benefits of generating solar energy. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (or 1 megawatt-hour (MWh)) of electricity your solar system produces, you earn one SREC. These certificates can then be sold in energy markets to utilities and businesses that need to meet renewable energy requirements. 

How Many SRECs Will My Solar System Produce? 

The number of SRECs you generate depends on your solar system’s size. On average, a 1-kilowatt (kW) solar system produces about 1 SREC per year. Here’s what that looks like for common residential system sizes: 

• 5 kW system → Approximately 5 SRECs annually 

• 10 kW system → Approximately 10 SRECs annually 

Since most residential solar systems in Ohio range from 5kW to 10kW, homeowners can expect to generate multiple SRECs per year, creating a valuable income stream. 

How to Sell Your Residential SRECs in Ohio 

Homeowners can sell their SRECs through brokers, aggregators, or direct buyers. At Kokosing Solar, we recommend Sol Systems, a trusted SREC management company that simplifies the process: 

1. State Certification & Registration 
2. Sol Systems helps register your system with PJM-EIS GATS, the tracking system required to convert solar production into SRECs. 
3. Certification typically takes 60 to 90 days after installation. 
4. Solar Reporting 
5. You’ll submit solar production data to Sol Systems at a regular cadence.  
6. Sol Systems updates your account and manages SREC sales for you. 
7. Receive Payment for Your SRECs 
8. Homeowners can choose between lump-sum upfront payments or recurring payments over time based on market pricing. 

What Is the Current Value of Ohio SRECs? 

As of recent reports, Ohio SRECs are valued at approximately $3. However, Ohio-based solar systems can also qualify for Pennsylvania’s Tier 1 SREC market, which currently offer a better return. 

To ensure homeowners get the best possible value, Kokosing Solar recommends Sol Systems’ Sol Upfront contract, which provides a one-time, lump-sum payment for 15 years of SREC production. For those who prefer ongoing income, Sol Systems also offers a 3-year Sol Annuity option. 

💡 SREC pricing fluctuates monthly—check with Sol Systems for the latest rates and contract options. 

How and When Do You Get Paid? 

Once your system is fully certified and registered, Sol Systems issues payment within 15 business days. The lump-sum payout is made after state and regional approvals are finalized. 

Key Considerations for Homeowners 

• SREC prices fluctuate, so securing a contract at the right time is key. 

• Market values can vary depending on Ohio vs. Pennsylvania Tier 1 eligibility. 

• SREC income may have tax implications—consult with a tax professional. 

Maximizing Your Solar Investment with SRECs 

SRECs provide Ohio homeowners with a unique financial opportunity to earn extra income from their solar systems. Whether you choose a lump-sum payment or ongoing payouts, leveraging SRECs can help offset your initial solar investment and increase long-term savings. 

Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to explore your solar options and discover how to make the most of your SRECs. 

Helpful Resources: 

• Sol Systems PA-Tier-1-REC Contract Options

• Sol Systems Payment Schedule 

 

As more homeowners explore the benefits of solar energy and battery storage, we often hear questions about system flexibility, grid independence, and battery expansion. In this blog, we’re answering some of the most common questions we receive about solar batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall and Franklin aPower2, and how they fit into your home energy strategy. 

Can I Add a Second Battery Unit in the Future? 

Yes! Today’s battery storage systems are modular, meaning you can start with one unit and add more later as your energy needs grow. Whether your household’s electricity usage increases over time, or you want to expand your backup power capacity, adding an additional battery is a straightforward process. 

What Happens to a Grid-Tied Solar Battery Storage System When the Grid is Down? 

When the power grid goes down, a grid-tied solar system with battery storage automatically switches to island mode, meaning your home runs off stored solar energy instead of drawing from the grid. This transition happens seamlessly with the help of your inverter and battery system, ensuring you have backup power when you need it most. 

Here’s what technically happens when the grid goes down: 

1. Solar Panels – If the sun is shining, your solar panels will continue to generate electricity. However, instead of sending excess energy back to the grid, this energy is directed to charge the battery and power essential home loads. 
2. Inverter – The inverter plays a critical role in detecting grid outages. When the grid goes down, the inverter disconnects from the utility grid to prevent power from being sent back onto the grid—a safety requirement known as anti-islanding protection. The inverter then shifts to off-grid mode, converting the DC electricity from your battery into AC power for your home. 
3. Battery System – Your battery takes over as the primary power source, discharging stored energy to keep essential circuits running. If the battery is connected to solar, it will recharge during daylight hours, extending backup power for as long as possible. Both the Tesla and Franklin battery offering allow you to prioritize certain loads in real time on your app, like refrigerators, medical devices, or well pumps, to make the most of your stored energy. (click here for a grid outage demo featuring the Tesla App) 

How is This Different from When the Grid is Online? 

Under normal conditions, a grid-tied solar system operates as follows: 

• Solar panels generate electricity, which is first used to power your home. 

• Excess energy is either stored in the battery or sent back to the grid for credits (net metering). 

• Your home still draws power from the grid when solar production is low or at night. 

When the grid is down, your system must island itself to prevent unsafe electricity flow back onto power lines. Instead of feeding power to the grid, your system prioritizes using solar energy for your home and battery to keep essential loads running. 

This setup ensures energy security and self-sufficiency, especially during unexpected outages. Want to learn more about how battery storage can enhance your solar system? Contact us today! ☀️🔋 

Can I Install Fewer Solar Panels to Only Charge a Battery Unit for EV Charging? 

Technically, solar panels can be installed just to charge a battery, but it’s not an economical solution for residential customers. The size of the battery system must be carefully matched with the solar array and the energy loads it will support. At Kokosing Solar, we design solar and battery storage systems to optimize energy efficiency and savings, rather than as standalone EV charging stations. 

Can I Install Fewer Solar Panels to Only Charge a Battery Unit for Backup Power? 

Similar to the EV charging question, installing a solar and battery system solely for backup power in case of a grid outage is not the most cost-effective approach. Your battery capacity, solar array size, and backup power needs should all be carefully balanced to maximize your investment and energy independence. Our team ensures that every system we design provides practical, long-term value for your home. 

The Bottom Line 

Solar and battery storage solutions offer energy security, cost savings, and flexibility, but they work best when designed as part of a comprehensive system. If you’re considering adding a battery backup to your home solar setup, our team is here to help you find the best solution for your energy needs. 

Have more questions? Fill out the form below to learn more about solar + battery storage! ☀️🔋