Is a Solar Battery Worth It?

A battery can provide backup power, shift solar energy into evening hours, or do both. The right answer depends on which purpose matters most.

For outage backup

Ask which circuits are backed up, usable capacity, continuous output, surge capability and whether solar can recharge the battery during an extended outage.

For bill management

Model the rate plan, export values, round-trip losses, reserve settings and cycling strategy. A battery is not automatically economical simply because export credits vary.

Incentives

California’s SGIP can provide incentives for qualifying technologies and customer categories, but funding and eligibility change. Verify the current program before relying on an incentive.

Sources

• SDG&E Solar Billing Plan
• CPUC SGIP

Rules, rates, products and programs change. Verify current information with the linked official source and the final written contract.