What is a Battery Backup? Energy Security with Solar Power

What is a Solar Battery Backup? A battery backup is a system that stores excess electricity produced by your solar panels, allowing you to use that stored energy during times when solar production is low or the grid is down. Battery backups are rechargeable, and they ensure that you have power available when you need [...]

What is a Solar Battery Backup?

A battery backup is a system that stores excess electricity produced by your solar panels, allowing you to use that stored energy during times when solar production is low or the grid is down. Battery backups are rechargeable, and they ensure that you have power available when you need it most, especially during outages or peak demand times.

Key Functions of a Battery Backup:

Energy Storage: Battery backups capture excess energy from your solar panels during the day, storing it for whenever you need it.
Reliable Power Supply: When your panels aren’t producing—whether it’s night, a cloudy day, or during a grid outage—your battery backup steps in, keeping the power on.
Energy Independence: With a battery backup, you’re less dependent on the grid, giving you control over your energy and boosting your home’s resilience. Unlike regular grid-tied systems, solar batteries keep your lights on even during blackouts.

Grid-Tied Solar System vs. Battery Backup Solar System

There are two main directions you go when setting up your home solar installation. You may choose to have your system connected to the grid via your Net Metering program, or you may choose to stay off the grid with solar batteries and be completely energy independent.

A grid-tied solar system connects directly to your local utility grid, stepping in when your panels aren’t producing power, like at night or on cloudy days. When your panels generate extra energy during peak sunlight hours, that surplus flows back to the grid, earning you energy credits through Net Metering. Most people produce enough electricity with solar to cover their entire power bill over the year. Those sunny summer days generate more than enough to offset energy use at night and during winter, balancing everything out beautifully.

Benefits of a Grid-Tied System:

Lower Initial Cost: Grid-tied systems are generally less expensive to install because they don’t require batteries, which are a significant added cost.
Net Metering Savings: Homeowners can earn credits for excess energy produced, offsetting electricity costs when they pull power from the grid.
No Need for Large Storage: With grid access, there’s no need to store large amounts of energy for nighttime use, making this system ideal for those looking for an affordable way to go solar.

Limitations of a Grid-Tied System:

No Backup During Outages: If the grid goes down, a grid-tied solar system also shuts off for safety reasons, leaving the home without power.
Dependence on the Grid: With a grid-tied system, you remain dependent on the utility grid for power during low solar production times.

A battery backup solar system, or hybrid system, adds energy storage to the mix. With this setup, you can store the extra solar power generated during the day and tap into it whenever you need—like at night or during a power outage. Battery backups give you more control over your energy, letting you rely less on the grid and more on the power you produce.

Benefits of a Battery Backup System:

Power During Outages: In the event of a power outage, a battery backup system can continue to provide electricity, keeping essential appliances and devices running.
Maximized Solar Use: By storing excess energy for later use, you can use more of the electricity generated by your solar panels, reducing reliance on the grid.
Increased Energy Independence: A battery backup reduces your dependence on the grid, giving you greater autonomy over your home’s energy supply. Limitations of a Battery Backup System: • Higher Initial Cost: Adding a battery backup to your solar system increases installation costs due to the price of the batteries and additional equipment. • Battery Lifespan: Batteries have a finite lifespan and may need to be replaced after 10-15 years, adding a future maintenance cost to the system.

Limitations of a Battery Backup System:

Higher Initial Cost: Adding a battery backup to your solar system increases
installation costs due to the price of the batteries and additional equipment.
Battery Lifespan: Batteries have a finite lifespan and may need to be replaced after
10-15 years, adding a future maintenance cost to the system.

How Does a Battery Backup Work with Solar Panels?

In a solar system with battery backup, the electricity your panels generate first flows to power your home’s immediate needs. Any leftover energy is sent straight to the battery, where it’s stored for later.

When your panels aren’t producing—like at night or during a grid outage—your home taps into that stored energy in the battery instead of relying on the grid. Here’s how it all works, step by step:

During the day, your solar panels work to generate electricity, sending power directly to your home. Any extra energy that isn’t immediately used flows to the battery, building up a reserve to tap into later.

Once in the battery, this surplus energy is stored safely, ready for those moments when solar production slows or demand rises. Think of it as a savings account for your energy needs.

At night or on cloudy days, when solar production is lower, your home draws from the battery first, reducing your reliance on outside power sources.

In the event of a blackout, your battery backup becomes your home’s power source, keeping essential devices and appliances running smoothly and ensuring you stay connected.

Is a Battery Backup Right for You?

A battery backup is an excellent option for many homeowners who want energy independence and reliability, but it may not be necessary for everyone.

If you’re in an area with frequent power outages, a battery backup can be a game-changer. It keeps your home powered when the grid goes down, giving you peace of mind and a reliable source of electricity no matter what.

In regions with high electricity costs, storing and using your own solar energy can bring major savings. With a battery backup, you don’t have to rely as heavily on pricey grid electricity, making it easier to control your power bills.

For those wanting to break free from grid dependency, a battery backup offers a path to true energy independence. By storing your own solar power, you have greater control over your energy use, making it possible to rely more on your own setup and less on the utility grid.

If environmental goals are part of your plan, using stored solar energy helps you cut down on fossil fuel use. With a battery backup, you’re able to reduce your home’s carbon footprint by relying on clean, stored solar power to meet your energy needs.

Get a State-of-the-Art Setup with XOLAR

A battery backup is a valuable addition to a solar energy system if you your primary goal is
100% reliability and energy independence. It provides reliable energy storage, protection
during outages, and greater control over your energy use.

Interested in learning more about going solar?

The first step is to acquire a solar proposal. By understanding your energy consumption, sunlight exposure, and roof orientation and space, we can design a solar solution that meets your needs both now and in the future. A well-sized solar system can help you achieve your energy goals and reduce your carbon footprint.

Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of any provincial or federal programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.