Common Questions Oregon Homeowners and Businesses Are Asking About Backup Batteries
Backup battery storage is becoming an important consideration for Oregon homeowners, businesses, and farms, especially during wildfire season and winter power outages. We get a lot of questions about how battery storage works, what it can power, and whether you need solar to have a battery.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear about backup battery storage.
Do I need solar to have a backup battery?
No. You do not need solar panels to install a backup battery. Many battery storage systems can charge from the electrical grid when power is available and provide backup power when the grid goes down. Adding solar can provide another way to recharge your battery and, depending on the system, continue producing and storing energy during an outage. For homeowners who already have solar, adding a battery can provide backup power and allow them to use stored solar energy when the grid is unavailable. If you do not have solar, a standalone battery can still provide backup power for your home, business, or farm.
Can a battery power my home during a wildfire-related power outage?
Yes. A properly installed battery storage system can provide backup power during a wildfire-related outage or Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The amount of power available and how long the battery lasts depends on the battery's capacity, the equipment being powered, and how much electricity is being used.
A battery can be used to keep essential equipment running, such as:
Refrigerators and freezers
Lights
Wi-Fi and internet equipment
Security systems
Medical equipment
Well pumps
Garage doors
Other essential household appliances
Battery storage can also provide backup power during winter outages, making it useful beyond wildfire season.
What can a backup battery power during an outage?
A backup battery can power many of the essential systems and appliances you rely on every day. However, the equipment a battery can support depends on the size of the battery, the electrical setup, and how much energy those appliances require. For businesses and farms, backup power may be used for critical equipment such as computers, point-of-sale systems, refrigeration, irrigation equipment, pumps, ventilation, and other essential operations. Every battery system should be designed around your specific energy needs. Our engineering team can evaluate what you want to keep running during an outage and help determine the appropriate system size.
How long will a backup battery last?
There is no single answer because battery runtime depends on several factors, including the battery's capacity, how much electricity your home or business is using, and which appliances and equipment are running. For example, running only essential loads will generally allow a battery to last longer than powering an entire home or facility. When designing a battery system, our engineering team looks at your energy usage and the equipment you want to keep powered to help determine the appropriate battery capacity for your needs.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
In many cases, yes. A battery may be added to an existing solar system, including some systems that were installed by another solar company. The existing solar equipment, electrical system, and system configuration need to be evaluated first to determine compatibility and what equipment may be required. If you already have solar and are considering backup power, our team can evaluate your existing system and discuss battery storage options.
Will my solar panels work when the power goes out?
Typically, a standard grid-connected solar system will automatically shut down when the electrical grid goes down. This is a safety feature designed to prevent electricity from being sent onto power lines while utility crews are working to restore power. When solar is paired with a properly configured battery storage system, solar can continue generating electricity and recharge the battery during an outage, depending on the system design. This allows solar and battery storage to work together to provide backup power when the grid is unavailable.
When should I install a backup battery?
The best time to plan for backup power is before an outage occurs. Wildfire season can bring unexpected outages and PSPS events, while winter storms can also cause extended power interruptions. Waiting until the power goes out may limit your options or leave you without the backup power you need. Planning ahead gives you time to evaluate your energy needs, determine what you want powered during an outage, and choose a system that fits your home, business, or farm.
Can battery storage help lower my electricity costs?
Battery storage can potentially help manage electricity costs by allowing stored energy to be used when it is most beneficial, depending on your utility rate structure, system configuration, and how the battery is operated. When combined with solar, a battery can store excess solar energy for use later rather than relying entirely on electricity from the grid. The financial benefits of battery storage vary from customer to customer, so our team can help evaluate your specific energy usage and goals.
Is battery storage only useful during wildfire season?
No. While wildfire season is an important time to think about backup power in Oregon, batteries can provide value throughout the year. Winter storms, severe weather, equipment failures, and other events can cause power outages. A battery storage system can provide backup power whenever the electrical grid is unavailable. For homeowners, businesses, and farms that depend on electricity for essential equipment, having backup power available year-round can provide an additional layer of energy security.
Have more questions about battery storage?
Every home, business, and farm has different energy needs. Battery size, system design, backup loads, and solar compatibility all depend on the property and the equipment you want to keep powered. If you're considering a backup battery, our team can help you understand your options and determine what type of system may fit your energy needs.