What is a home battery backup?

Author: Schneider Electric

This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services

Power outages are increasing in frequency, mostly due to extreme weather or stressed electrical grids. And today, whether for remote work, online education, or simply keeping things running smoothly, reliable power supply is essential. These interruptions disrupt our daily lives, stop work and school activities, and affect essential appliances like refrigerators, medical devices, and heating or cooling systems. The number of outages has doubled in the last 10 years, making it crucial to have resilient energy solutions at the ready.

Dealing with power outages has taken a giant leap forward with home battery backup. While the rest of the neighborhood is scrambling for their flashlights and trying to start up loud, dirty generators, you’ll enjoy quiet, uninterrupted power. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you’re covered in any situation. Watch this video to see how home battery backup can enhance your overall energy management and resilience:

In my first blog, we discussed homes’ reliance on fossil fuels. Now, home battery backup systems are stepping into the spotlight. They promise a cleaner, greener way to power our homes, whether saving money using stored solar power or keeping your lights on and appliances humming during a blackout.

Is a home battery backup a good option for you? Check out these pros and cons:

• Money saver: By using stored power instead of drawing from the grid, you can reduce the amount of purchased electricity, which means lower electric bills. By using stored power instead of drawing from the electric company, you can lower your electricity bills. It also means you won’t have to depend as much on the electric company since you can store power generated during the day—like from solar panels if you have them—to use at night or during times when electricity costs more.

• Eco-advantage: Even though most of the US grid is still carbon-based, using home backup batteries charged from grid electricity is much cleaner than using gas—or propane-fueled generators.

• Solar savers: Already have solar panels? Pair them with a home battery. During the day, your solar panels send excess energy to your battery for storage. Come nightfall or cloudy days, you can tap into this reserve instead of paying for grid electricity.

• Low maintenance lovers: Let’s not forget the appeal of low maintenance—with batteries, there are no more generator oil changes, refueling runs, spark plug swaps, or calls for repairs.

• Hmm, not so fast: If your biggest power struggle is deciding between streaming services and outages are rare, or if your power is already considered renewable (like hydro, for instance), you might wait to invest.

• Cost considerations: Upfront costs such as installation charges and the need for eventual battery replacement are worth evaluating. However, payback periods and savings from incentives help offset expenses. For example, the federal investment tax credit (ITC) can cover 30% of the upfront cost as a tax credit. Other rebates can further decrease costs depending on your state and local programs.

The path to powering up

Even if your backup power needs vary, today’s home batteries are like tailored suits for your home, fitting perfectly into your home’s energy plan. They’re easier to install than traditional generators, too – no need to pour concrete pads, no exhaust fumes to worry about, and they can be placed indoors. They’re quiet, produce zero emissions, and need little to no maintenance.

When paired with your batteries, smart electrical panels provide new level of control and convenience. With a user-friendly interface, you can decide which appliances or rooms to prioritize in real time, ensuring your comfort and safety during an outage. They can also increase the life of your battery by intelligently managing which devices draw power, preventing overload and optimizing your energy use. These advanced systems adapt to your needs, offering the flexibility to modify your backup setup as your lifestyle evolves. It’s truly the tailored suit — simple setup, smart savings, seamless control — that ensures your home remains powered precisely to your preferences.

You also have a couple of good options for home battery backups. You can choose an option that plugs into solar. If you’re not quite ready for solar, you can connect your home battery directly to the grid and store energy during cheaper, off-peak times. Then, if your electric utility uses Time-of-Use (TOU) rates (and not all do), you can charge your battery when electricity costs less and use it when prices are high. Smart, right?

Your EV: A portable power bank

Imagine your electric vehicle (EV) not just as a means of transportation but also as a versatile, portable power source. Its stored energy can serve as your home battery backup, providing power during extended outages. This innovative feature, known as bidirectional charging, can even offer opportunities to earn extra cash or gain financial incentives from your utility company.

Join the electrification revolution

Are you craving more insights? Visit What to look for in home battery backup for a deeper dive to make the most informed decision for your home.

As pioneers in sustainability and home energy solutions, Schneider Electric is here to power your journey to an electrified future. We’re lighting the way with over a century of innovation, and our technology is in four out of ten US homes. Embark on your home electrification adventure by visiting SchneiderHome.com. Together, let’s spark a brighter, cleaner future.

Tags: Electrification, home battery backup, power bank, power grid, power outage, renewable energy, smart electrical panels