A home battery can power essential circuits during Atlanta's storm outages and store midday solar for later use. Without a battery, a typical grid-tied solar system shuts off when the grid goes down. Size a battery around the loads you need and how long outages last, and make sure it's listed to UL 9540 and installed under permit.
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Summer thunderstorms, the occasional ice storm, and falling trees knock out power across Metro Atlanta every year. A home battery can keep essential circuits running through an outage, and it can store solar power for use later in the day. Batteries are also expensive, so it's worth being clear about what you want one to do.
What a battery can and can't do
- Backup power. Most home batteries are set up to power selected "essential" circuits, such as the refrigerator, lights, internet, a well pump, or medical equipment. Backing up a whole house, including central AC, takes more capacity and often more than one battery.
- Recharging during an outage. Paired with solar, a battery can recharge from the panels during a multi-day outage. Without solar, it only lasts as long as its stored charge.
- Using more of your own solar. Where exported power is credited at less than retail, storing midday solar to use in the evening can make better use of your system. How much that's worth depends on your utility's current rate structure.
A standard grid-tied solar system without a battery shuts off during a power outage. That's a safety requirement to protect utility line workers, and it surprises many new solar owners.
Sizing questions to work through
- Which circuits do you need? List the loads that matter most during an outage.
- Power vs. energy. A battery's power rating (kW) limits how much can run at once; its capacity (kWh) limits how long. Large motor loads like well pumps and AC compressors need enough power to start.
- How long are your typical outages? A few hours calls for a different setup than several days.
Battery vs. generator
A standby generator runs as long as it has fuel and can handle larger loads, but it needs fuel, maintenance, and periodic exercising, and it makes noise. A battery is quiet and needs little upkeep, but its runtime is limited by capacity and sunshine. Some homeowners use both. A good installer will walk you through the tradeoffs rather than push one answer.
Safety and code
Home batteries should be listed to recognized safety standards, such as UL 9540 for energy storage systems, and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, the electrical code, and local fire and building requirements. Location matters: there are rules about where batteries can go in garages, on exterior walls, and near living spaces. Expect a permit and an inspection, and your utility may need to approve the system before it's connected.
Adding a battery to existing solar
Many existing systems can accept a battery, but compatibility depends on your inverter and how the system was wired. An installer may recommend an AC-coupled battery that works alongside your current inverter. Ask how adding a battery affects your existing panel and inverter warranties.
Incentives
Battery incentives have changed in recent years, and the federal residential clean energy credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, according to IRS guidance. Ask your utility about any current programs, and check with a tax professional before counting on any credit.
To discuss backup power for your home, request a battery installer serving your area.
Frequently asked questions
Will my solar panels work during a power outage?
Usually not, unless you have a battery or a specially designed system. Standard grid-tied systems shut off during outages to protect utility workers. A battery with the right controls lets solar keep powering selected circuits.
Can a battery run my whole house?
It can, but whole-home backup, especially with central air conditioning, requires more capacity and often more than one battery. Many homeowners back up only essential circuits to keep costs reasonable.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Often, yes. Compatibility depends on your inverter and wiring, and an AC-coupled battery may be recommended. Ask how adding a battery affects your existing warranties.