As Rochester embraces renewable energy, we at GreenSpark Solar continue to help empower homeowners with sustainable solutions. One crucial aspect of this transition is residential battery storage, which ensures reliable access to solar energy, even during a grid outage. In our recent battery backup webinar, we explored the ins and outs of residential battery storage and answered common questions asked by homeowners in the Rochester area. 

Here’s everything you need to know! 

Understanding Residential Battery Storage

Residential battery storage involves storing excess solar energy for later use. This allows homeowners to harness the solar energy they produce to power their homes, even in a blackout, promoting energy independence and resilience.

Benefits of Residential Battery Storage in New York

  • Insulate from Utility Volatility: While installation of battery storage isn’t required for those looking to go solar in New York State, adding battery backup to an existing array or to a new solar project gives homeowners maximum insulation from grid outages or future net metering policy changes as we’ve seen in other states.

     

  • Create Energy Reserves and Utility Credits: With a battery storage system, any extra power produced by your solar panels charges your battery first. Once your battery is fully charged, any additional energy above and beyond will return to the grid for a credit via the net metering program. This allows homeowners to maximize their clean energy benefits.

     

  • Seamlessly Maintain Power to Your Home: During an outage, your solar array will stop sending energy back out to the grid and your home but will continue to charge your battery, and, in turn, your battery will seamlessly kick in to continue powering your home.

GreenSpark's Home Battery Storage Solutions

At GreenSpark Solar, we work with you one-on-one to provide the most efficient and economical solution for your needs. 

Though each of GreenSpark’s home battery storage solutions differs slightly in features and power specifications, both options are highly efficient for their power ratings, offer fast and seamless turnover time, and are made with lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP)—the industry standard for safety in battery composition. 

Our home battery storage offerings include:

Tesla Powerwall 3

With a larger storage capacity and whole-home backup capability with a single unit, the Tesla Powerwall 3 is ideal for homeowners seeking comprehensive backup solutions. It is also compatible with various existing solar systems and inverters and is the first choice for adding to an existing solar system.

Additionally, the Tesla Powerwall 3 features the following benefits and power specifications:

  • Larger 13.5 kW storage capacity 
  • 60 Amp start-up load, which enables powering high-energy consuming home systems and appliances like a large HVAC system
  • Expandable up to three units for a total amperage load of 180
  • Tesla Mobile App for convenient, real-time monitoring and control
  • The DC-coupled battery enables direct connection to the DC lines of your array, simultaneously powering your home and charging your battery.
  • 10-year warranty
Enphase IQ 5P Residential Battery Storage Solution by GreenSpark Solar

Enphase IQ 5P Battery

The Enphase IQ 5P Battery has a smaller storage capacity but offers flexibility and scalability, allowing homeowners to customize their backup system to specific energy requirements. Due to its size, it also starts at a lower price point.

Power specifications and features of the Enphase IQ 5P battery system include:

  • 5 kW storage capacity 
  • 48 Amp start-up
  • Stackable “Lego block” system for flexibility in both design and energy usage
  • Expandable up to 16 units for higher energy needs
  • Seamless integration with Enphase Microinverters
  • AC-Coupled battery, which requires an additional AC to DC conversion to power your home
  • Extended 15-year warranty
Residential Battery storage smart panel add on option

SPAN Smart Panel 

The SPAN Smart Panel can be added to any home battery storage system and enables whole-home backup on a single battery by giving you the option to control the power supply down to the circuit. You can remotely adjust where your battery is diverting power via app-based monitoring and controls. 

For example, let’s say you just finished a load of laundry, and now need to use the oven. You can turn off the power to your washing machine circuit and turn on the power to the circuit powering your oven. 

You’ll have complete visibility into how much energy each circuit consumes and have the controls at your fingertips to adjust consumption as your energy needs dictate during an outage.  

Residential Battery Storage Questions and Considerations

How do we determine which battery storage solution is the best fit? 

GreenSpark Solar works with you to identify your battery storage needs by determining how much of your home you wish to cover (whole home or specific loads), how long you want to have battery backup power coverage (how long do your power outages typically last), and what type of solar system (if any) you already own. Understanding this information allows GreenSpark to size your battery storage system to fit your specific power needs. The best way to get started is to request a free battery storage assessment from our team.

What does residential battery storage typically cost? 

The price varies by system (Enphase vs. Tesla) and the number of units. However, battery storage starts at around $13,000 for a single unit and is eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit, bringing the starting investment down to under $10,000 for a single unit. 

Each incremental unit added is discounted, and the entire battery storage cost is eligible for the 30% federal tax credit.

Additionally, with our zero-down financing option, which offers no interest for six months, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of battery storage with no upfront costs.

Can an existing solar system be retrofitted with battery storage?

Yes! Our battery storage systems are compatible with existing solar inverters, ensuring seamless integration with your solar array, no matter if it was installed by GreenSpark or another solar installer. We’ll need to know the type of inverters installed so we can recommend the best battery storage system.

Where does battery storage typically get installed?

GreenSpark Solar typically installs battery storage systems in a garage space due to safety and code considerations; however, if the home or town code dictates, we may choose to install a battery system in a basement or fire-safe room. For communication purposes, the transfer switch just needs to be within 250 feet of the inverters. 

How does battery storage differ from a generator?

At the core, a generator and battery storage system fulfill the same purpose: powering your home during an outage. However, battery storage is much safer, quieter, and uses clean energy from your array.

Additional added benefits you get with battery storage over a generator include:

  • An extended warranty: generators typically only offer a one year warranty, if that, whereas GreenSpark’s battery storage solutions offer 10 and 15-year warranties.

     

  • Enhanced monitoring and control: With battery storage, you’re able to monitor your energy usage from a convenient real-time app and adjust settings remotely. A generator has to be manually powered on and off without any insights or control over how much power you’re consuming.

Does adding battery storage impact my homeowner’s insurance?

While battery storage may affect homeowners insurance, GreenSpark ensures compliance with all safety regulations and town codes and offers solutions to mitigate any impact.

Ready to take the next steps with battery storage?

Battery storage involves complex design, electrical engineering, and permitting, so it’s incredibly important to work with a partner you can trust for proper installation. After all, you’ll only find out if your battery has been properly installed during an outage.

As the top solar and battery installer in the Rochester region, GreenSpark Solar brings unmatched expertise and quality to your installation. With over two decades of experience, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free process from start to finish. We’re also a certified Tesla Powerwall Installer and the only NYSERDA Gold Quality Installer in the region.

Residential battery storage revolutionizes how homeowners in Rochester access and utilize solar energy. With GreenSpark Solar’s expertise and innovative solutions, homeowners can enjoy energy independence, resilience, and long-term savings while contributing to a cleaner, sustainable future.

Contact GreenSpark Solar today for a free battery storage consultation and quote.

 

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