How much solar & battery storage do I Need?

Whole home backup is possible, but it takes a large solar system with around 30 kWh of battery storage. Let’s run through an example scenario of powering essential systems during a 24-hour power outage to get an idea of how much solar and battery capacity you’ll need.

Can battery storage power a solar system?

When paired with solar panels, battery storage can power more electrical systems and provide backup electricity for even longer. In fact, a recent study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that when heating and cooling are excluded:

Why do solar panels need battery storage?

This is especially useful during prolonged power outages because unless you have battery storage, your solar system will be turned off by the local utility to prevent the backflow of electricity from injuring workers trying to repair the grid. But if you have battery storage, your system can operate independently when the grid is down.

How can on-site solar PV & energy storage improve sustainability?

To achieve sustainability goals while meeting the increasing electricity demands of electrification, organizations are pairing on-site solar PV generation with on-site energy storage. These systems, which are considered as “behind-the-meter” (BTM) systems, allow facilities to maximize the benefits of on-site renewable generation.

Can on-site storage be used alongside solar PV?

If a utility restricts the exports from a facility to the grid, the use of on-site storage alongside solar PV can provide a solution to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, thus increasing the feasibility of larger on-site PV installations.

How long does a 10 kWh battery last?

Without running AC or electric heat, a 10 kWh battery alone can power the critical electrical systems in an average house for at least 24 hours, and longer with careful budgeting. When paired with solar panels, battery storage can power more electrical systems and provide backup electricity for even longer.