Discover how solar batteries reduce utility dependence, improve energy security, lower electricity costs, and help homeowners maximize solar power savings. 

Electricity rates continue to fluctuate, and power outages have become common in many regions. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to gain more control over their energy usage and costs. 

What Readers Will Learn 

• Which solar batteries Kokosing Solar recommends  

• Why they reduce reliance on utility companies 

• Financial and practical benefits of energy storage 

• Whether a solar battery is worth the investment 

Types of Solar Batteries: 

• Tesla Powerwall 

• Franklin  

• Enphase  

Tesla Powerwall  

The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most widely recognized home battery systems. Designed with a sleek, compact profile, it combines energy storage and intelligent energy management in a single solution. 

• A main Powerwall 3 “leader” unit integrates a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with an 11.5 kW AC inverter,  reducing costs for solar + storage when installing a solar at the time of battery installation 

• High energy capacity suitable for powering household loads 

• Strong integration with Tesla’s energy ecosystem 

• Automatic backup power during grid outages 

• User-friendly mobile app for monitoring energy production and consumption 

• Ideal for homeowners seeking a well-established and widely adopted battery solution 

FranklinWH Battery System 

FranklinWH differentiates itself through whole-home backup capabilities and advanced energy management. The system is designed to optimize how and when energy is used, stored, and drawn from the grid. 

Key Benefits: 

• Excellent whole-home backup potential 

• Flexible integration with various solar inverter systems 

• Advanced load management during outages 

• Ability to support larger energy demands and high-consumption households 

• Smart energy controls that maximize self-consumption of solar power 

Enphase IQ Battery 

The Enphase IQ Battery is known for its modular design and strong reliability. Built around Enphase’s microinverter technology, it offers flexibility for homeowners who want to expand storage over time. 

Key Benefits: 

• Highly scalable system that can grow as energy needs increase 

• Excellent integration with Enphase solar systems 

• Reliable performance through distributed architecture 

• Easy monitoring through the Enphase App 

• Ideal for homeowners seeking a customizable and expandable energy storage solution 

Why homeowners are reducing utility dependence  

• Rising Electricity Costs  

• Grid reliability Concerns  

More and more, our team works with homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on utility companies. What we hear from them is that between electricity costs continuing to rise and concerns about grid reliability grow, they are looking for a solution.  

Through Solar Battery Storage, increased energy independence provides both financial savings and peace of mind in an increasingly unpredictable energy landscape. 

How Solar Batteries Reduce Utility Dependence  

1. Store excess solar energy for later use  
2. Increase self-consumption of solar energy 
3. Provide power during outages  
4. Reduce peak Hour grid use  

Store Excess Solar Energy for Later Use – One of the biggest advantages of a solar battery is its ability to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day. This allows homeowners to rely more on the energy they generate themselves rather than purchasing electricity from their utility provider. 

Increase Self-Consumption of Solar Energy – Solar batteries help homeowners maximize the value of their solar investment by increasing self-consumption, which is the amount of solar energy used directly within the home. Instead of exporting excess production to the grid and drawing electricity back when needed, homeowners can store and utilize their own solar energy. This reduces dependence on utility-supplied electricity and can be especially beneficial in areas where net metering isn’t offered or compensation for exported energy is low. 

Provide Power During Outages – A solar battery can provide backup power when the electrical grid goes down, helping homeowners maintain access to electricity during outages. Often our solar storage clients tell us stories of their neighbors coming over to charge appliances when the grid is down.  

Reduce Peak-Hour Grid Use – In Ohio, some utilities allow ratepayers to opt-into Time of Use programs. In these programs, utility companies charge higher rates during periods of peak electricity demand, typically in the late afternoon and evening. Solar batteries allow homeowners to store energy when production is high and use it during more expensive peak-rate periods instead of purchasing electricity from the grid. 

Key Benefits of Solar Batteries for Homeowners 

1. Lower monthly bills  
2. Increased energy independence  
3. Enhance energy security  
4. Improved solar ROI  

How effective are solar batteries at reducing utility dependence? 

Some homeowners may only offset a portion of their grid usage, while others can meet most of their daily energy needs with a properly designed solar-plus-storage system. The effectiveness of a solar battery depends on several key factors, including battery capacity, household energy consumption, solar production, location, and weather patterns. 

Factors to pay attention to:  

• Battery capacity 
• Home energy consumption 
• Solar panel system size 
• Geographic location 

Battery Capacity  

Capacity, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), represents the amount of energy a battery can store and deliver when needed. Larger-capacity batteries can store more excess solar energy during the day and power the home for longer periods after sunset or during outages. 

For example, a homeowner with a larger battery system may be able to run essential appliances, lighting, and electronics throughout the evening without drawing power from the grid. In contrast, a smaller battery may only provide enough storage to cover a few hours of energy use before utility power is needed. 

Home Energy Consumption 

The amount of electricity a household uses each day has a direct impact on how effective a solar battery will be. Homes with high energy demands often require larger battery systems to achieve meaningful reductions in utility usage. Factors such as the number of occupants, appliance usage, electric vehicles, and heating or cooling needs can all increase energy consumption. 

Homeowners who actively manage their energy use by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, adjusting thermostat settings, and reducing unnecessary consumption can often achieve greater energy independence without needing oversized battery systems. 

Solar Panel System Size 

When the grid is down, a battery can only store the excess energy produced by a solar panel system. As a result, the size of the solar array plays a major role in determining how much energy is available for storage, and for how long. A larger solar system will generally generate more electricity during daylight hours, increasing the likelihood that enough excess power will be available to charge the battery fully. 

Geographic Location 

Where a home is located can greatly influence solar production and battery performance. Regions that receive less sunlight (think winter in Ohio) will impact how the batteries charge during the wintertime.  

Local utility rates, net metering policies, and outage frequency can also affect how valuable battery storage is.  

Going completely off grid 

• What off-grid living entails 

• Additional equipment requirements 

• Practical considerations for most homeowners 

In Ohio, most homeowners use batteries to reduce grid reliance rather than completely eliminate it. 

Going off-grid involves much more than simply installing solar panels and a battery. An off-grid solar system operates independently of the utility grid, meaning your home must generate, store, and manage all of the electricity it will need throughout the year, including during periods of low solar production. 

To make off-grid living possible, homeowners typically need additional equipment beyond solar panels and batteries. Most off-grid systems require a larger battery bank to store energy for overnight use and extended periods of cloudy weather, as well as a backup generator to provide power when solar production is insufficient. 

While off-grid systems can be a practical solution for remote properties without access to utility service, they are often less practical for homeowners in Ohio who already have access to the electrical grid.  

Key Takeaways 

Is a Solar Battery Worth It? 

When a Solar Battery Makes Sense 

• Frequent outages 

• High electricity rates 

• Time-of-use billing 

• Desire for energy independence 

When It May Not Be Necessary 

• Strong net metering programs 

• Low utility rates 

• Minimal outage concerns 

Interested in reducing your reliance on the grid? Speak with a solar storage specialist to determine the right battery solution for your home’s energy needs. 

If you’re considering solar panels, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is: How much electricity does your home use in a year? 

Your home’s energy consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly impacts your monthly utility bill, and also the size of the solar system needed to offset your electricity costs. While the average U.S. home uses around 10,000 to 11,000 kWh annually, every Ohio home is different.  

In this guide, we’ll explain what kWh means, how much electricity homes use, what factors affect energy consumption, and how to determine the ideal solar system size for your families specific needs. 

Why Knowing Your kWh Usage Matters for Solar 

The most successful solar projects start with a clear understanding of energy consumption. 

When you know your annual kWh usage, you can: 

• Accurately size your solar system 

• Maximize your solar investment 

• Estimate long-term savings 

• “Right-size” your system  

• Prepare for future energy needs like EV charging 

Rather than guessing based on home size alone, reviewing your actual utility usage provides the most accurate picture of your solar potential. 

If you’re new to your home, we can estimate the size of the system you need, but it will be a ballpark. Our guidance for new homeowners is to give it a year to collect the homes annual energy use. That way when you go solar you get the system that’s “Right-Sized” for the home and the way you live in it.  

What is a Kilowatt hour (kWh)?  

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measurement of energy consumption. A device using 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt) of power for one hour consumes 1 kWh of electricity. 

Approximate Usage for Common Household Appliances  

• Refrigerator – 1-2 kWh/day 

• Central AC – 3-5 kWh/hour 

• Electric Dryer – 3-5 kWh/load 

• Dishwasher – 1-2 kWh/cycle 

• Electric Vehicle Charger – 7-11 kWh/hour 

kW vs. kWh 

Many homeowners confuse these terms. 

• kW (Kilowatt) = Power being used at a specific moment 

• kWh (Kilowatt-hour) = Total energy consumed over time 

Your electric bill measures kWh, not kW. 

National Average 

The average American household uses approximately: 

• 900 kWh per month 

• 30 kWh per day 

• 10,800 kWh per year 

However, averages are well, just averages! Every home is different.  

Average Monthly Usage by Home Size 

Small Homes (1,000-1,500 Sq Ft) 

• 600-900 kWh/month 

Medium Homes (1,500-2,500 Sq Ft) 

• 900-1,300 kWh/month 

Large Homes (2,500+ Sq Ft) 

• 1,300-2,000+ kWh/month 

Energy-efficient homes may use substantially less, while homes with electric heating, electric vehicles, pools, or hot tubs often use more. 

Seasons Effect Home Electricity Use in Ohio

Spring 

• 600-900 kWh/month 

Summer 

• 1,000-1,800 kWh/month 

• Increased air conditioning use 

Fall 

• 700-1,000 kWh/month 

Winter 

• 900-1,600+ kWh/month 

• Especially high for homes with electric heat 

  

Because Ohio experiences hot summers and cold winters, annual energy consumption is often more important than any individual month’s usage when sizing a solar system.  

This is another reason why every solar energy system is different. Your annual and monthly usage will vary widely based on whether you use electricity or gas to heat your home in the wintertime.  

Biggest Electricity Users in a Home  

Understanding where your energy goes can help reduce consumption before installing solar. 

Heating and Cooling 

HVAC systems account for the largest portion of residential energy use. 

• Central air conditioning 

• Heat pumps 

• Electric furnaces 

• Space heaters 

Water Heaters  

Water heaters operate every day and can represent a significant portion of your monthly electricity usage. 

Major Appliances 

High-energy appliances include: 

• Dryers 

• Ovens 

• Refrigerators 

• Freezers 

• Dishwashers 

Electric Vehicles 

A typical EV can add 250-500 kWh per month. This is one of the fastest-growing contributors to household electricity consumption. 

Factors That Affect Home Energy Consumption

Home Size – Larger homes generally require more energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. 

Number of Occupants  

Additional residents increase: 

• Laundry 

• Cooking 

• Electronics usage 

• Hot water demand 

Insulation Quality 

Proper insulation can dramatically reduce: 

• Summer cooling loads 

• Winter heating costs 

Appliance Efficiency – Older appliances consume significantly more electricity than ENERGY STAR-certified models. 

Lifestyle – Remote workers, gamers, EV owners, and households with home businesses often consume more electricity than the average homeowner. 

How to Calculate Your Home’s Annual kWh Usage  

Your electric bill provides the answer. Usually, electric bill shave an annual usage graph which allows you to add up your monthly totals.  

This annual total will help your solar consultant determine how many solar panels you need to offset your annual energy usage.  

Keep in mind: other factors such as home orientation, roof pitch and shade are other factors that come into play when your Solar Consultant determines the right size of solar array to meet your electricity needs.  

 Ways to Reduce Electricity Usage Before Going Solar 

Reducing consumption can lead to a smaller and less expensive solar system. 

• Upgrade to LED Lighting  

• Install a Smart Thermostat 

• Upgrade Older Appliances (look for energy star appliances!)  

• Improve Insulation   

• Use smart power strips and unplug rarely used electronics. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many kWh does a house use per day? 

Most U.S. homes use approximately 30 kWh per day, although actual usage varies significantly depending on home size, appliances, and lifestyle. 

How many kWh does a house use per year? 

Most homes consume between 10,000 and 12,000 kWh annually. 

What is considered high electricity usage? 

Generally, usage exceeding 1,500 kWh per month may indicate high consumption, especially if the home does not use electric heating or own an electric vehicle. 

How can I find my annual electricity use? 

Add the kWh totals from your last 12  months are usually on your last bill in the form of an annual usage graph.  

How many solar panels are needed for a 2,000-square-foot house? 

The answer depends on energy usage rather than square footage alone, but many Ohio homes of this size require a solar system between 8 and 12 kW.