Solar Battery Storage - Kokosing Solar

SOLAR BATTERY STORAGE

LEARN ABOUT SOLAR STORAGE

Solar batteries have become increasingly common for homeowners who want a backup power solution. Grid tied solar systems don't require solar batteries, so determining if they're the right backup solution is critical when you go solar. Check out the resources below to help you decide if solar battery storage is the right fit for you.

Is Solar Battery Storage for Me?

At Kokosing Solar, we guide people to Solar Energy Storage when it aligns with their goals for a backup power solution. What type of goals would align a homeowner with solar battery storage?

Assures power in the event of a grid outage

Solar Energy Storage increases the self-consumption of solar power generation. Solar batteries can store surplus solar energy during daylight hours and use that energy later when the sun is not shining.

Battery storage can charge during low rate periods when demand for electricity is lower, and discharge during more expensive rate periods when electricity demand is higher.

Design Considerations

The video below introduces you to choices you’ll need to consider when designing battery system size that will best meet your goals.

How Many Solar Batteries Do I Need?

Keep all four of these sizing guidelines in mind as you find the product that will meet your needs.

When we’re sizing a solar battery system for a client, we first look at how much power will need to come out of the battery to kick on all the appliances you want to power. If all the loads you want to run are running simultaneously during an outage, how much power will that take?

Next, we look at time. How long do you want to be able to run these loads? Do you want to be able to power these loads for the typical two to four hour utility outage? For a full day? Or for even longer?

Consider load management to help further hone in on your battery needs. For example, imagine that you want to be able to run your hot tub during a two to four hour power outage. You can surmise that it will require more batteries to power the hot tub for a twenty four hour power outage. So, if you’re willing to shut off your hot tub if you know the outage will be longer than two to four hours, you will need fewer batteries.

The last thing to think about is how much solar you have. Most solar batteries require a certain number of solar battery units per the size of your solar energy system.

Solar Battery Storage Questions

What are the available incentives for solar batteries?

Building a more efficient and resilient energy system is in everyone’s interest! The Federal Government makes available an income tax credit worth 30% of the cost of battery systems powered by solar.

Learn More

What types of solar batteries do you install?

Kokosing Solar’s offering of battery solutions includes Tesla Powerwall, Franklin, and Enphase.

What can solar batteries power?

Solar batteries can power anything from outlets to freezers to an entire home. The size of your batteries determines how much you’ll be able to power in the event of a power outage and for how long. Our Solar Experts will prepare a custom design and answer your questions along the way.

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.

What Happens to a Grid-Tied Solar Battery Storage System 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.

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

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.

Can Generators Backup Solar battery storage?

Generators provide reliable backup. They automatically turn on during utility failures, and power your home when the sun isn’t shining, and solar batteries are drained.

One misconception we hear frequently is that a generator can provide backup power to the same loads as the solar battery, after the battery is drained. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It is not possible for both systems (generators and solar batteries) to back up the same loads.