Winter is coming, and on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, that means windstorms that can take down trees and knock out the power lines for hours or even days.
If you don’t want to be stuck searching for candles in the dark this winter, now’s the time to start thinking about backup power.
Solar batteries are one of the best options for home backup power. They’re reliable, quiet, and don’t produce hazardous emissions the way a generator does.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about installing solar battery backup for your home in Jefferson, Clallam, or Kitsap County.
How Solar Batteries Work During a Power Outage
A solar battery is exactly that—a battery. It works the same way any rechargeable battery works, by storing energy, delivering that energy to a device, and then recharging.
There are two ways to charge a home battery. You can either install solar panels and charge your battery using the energy they produce, or you can charge it from the electric grid. If you charge your battery exclusively from the electric grid, it’s called a standalone battery.
We install both and can help you decide which battery backup system is best for your home.
Charging from Solar Panels
When paired with solar panels, your battery stores the energy your solar system generates during the day. If there’s a power outage, your home will automatically switch to battery power. Your solar panels will recharge your battery whenever there’s enough sunlight. If the power comes back on when the sun isn’t shining, your battery will automatically recharge from the electric grid. With the right setup, you can keep your essentials running indefinitely.
Keep in mind that solar panels don’t work during a power outage unless you have a solar battery.
Pros:
- Uses clean, renewable energy
- Can recharge during multi-day outages (weather permitting)
- Can charge from solar panels or the electric grid
Cons:
- Solar plus battery systems cost more upfront than a standalone battery
Charging from the Electric Grid
Standalone battery systems are connected to the electric grid. When there’s a power outage, you can use the stored energy in your battery to back up your home. This is a good way to get some backup power for essentials, but you won’t be able to recharge your battery while the power is down, so it’s not the best option for long-term outages.
Pros:
- Lower cost than a full solar + battery system
- Great option for homeowners who aren’t ready to go solar just yet, or if you don’t have a good roof for solar
Cons:
- Can’t recharge during an outage
- Most grid power in Washington is renewable (thanks to hydro), but not 100%
Does Battery Backup Really Make a Difference During a Power Outage?
Having battery backup will make a huge difference in your comfort and peace of mind during a power outage.
A single battery is powerful enough to:
- Keep the lights on, which is a huge comfort during an emergency
- Keep your refrigerator running
- Charge your phone so you can get news and stay in touch with family or friends
- Power essential medical devices
- Run small appliances like your microwave, allowing for a warm meal
A larger and more powerful battery can do more. With the right setup, you could back up your entire home. With whole-home backup, you might not even notice the power is out. That’s how quickly a battery can take over during an outage.
Every home and family has different priorities during an outage. At Cascadia Solar, we take the time to understand your priorities so we can design a system that makes the biggest difference for you and your family, whether that means keeping a few essentials running or turning your house into a fortress with long-term, whole-home backup.
