Do I need solar panels to use the battery, or can it work as a standalone backup?

How a Standalone Battery Works

In a standalone setup (often called a "grid-charged" or "backup-only" system), the battery is connected directly to your home's electrical panel and to the utility grid.

• Charging: The battery charges by pulling electricity directly from the grid. You can program it to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are typically lower.

• Backup Power: During a power outage, an automatic transfer switch (part of the battery system) immediately disconnects your home from the grid. The battery then takes over, seamlessly providing power to your home's pre-selected critical loads.

• Load Shifting (for savings): Even without an outage, you can use the stored power during on-peak hours when electricity rates are at their highest. This practice, known as "load shifting" or "arbitrage," can significantly lower your electricity bills.

   

Why Choose a Standalone Battery?

There are several scenarios where a standalone battery system is the best choice:

• For Backup Only: If your primary goal is to have reliable backup power during blackouts and you aren't concerned with generating your own electricity.

• No Suitable Roof for Solar: If your roof is heavily shaded, is too small, or has a complex shape that isn't ideal for solar panels.

• Cost-Effective First Step: A standalone battery can be a lower initial investment than a full solar-plus-storage system. You can gain immediate protection from outages and reduce energy bills without the full cost of solar panels.

• Future Planning: Many standalone batteries are "solar-ready." This means you can install the battery now and easily add solar panels to the system later when you are ready to expand.

   

   

While a solar-plus-battery system provides the maximum benefits—generating your own free electricity and having backup power—a standalone battery is a perfectly viable and effective solution for energy resilience and cost management.