Does Battery Storage Work if You Don't Have Solar Panels?

Traditionally, the majority of conversations on home battery storage have centered on using rooftop solar power together with a battery to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night. Many Californians are unaware that a battery may be utilized independently of solar panels because this has long been the standard discussion regarding house batteries and solar. So, without solar panels, how can one have a home battery storage system?

Instead of absorbing energy from the sun through the roof's photovoltaic (PV) panels, the battery collects electricity from the grid and stores it for later use, such as during peak hours when grid power is most expensive. Furthermore, utilizing a battery instead of solar panels allows you to store energy to use during blackouts, which are becoming increasingly common in California. While there are more significant and widespread benefits to using a home battery together with solar panels, if installing rooftop solar is not possible or if you plan to install a battery first and panels later, you'll learn that home battery systems can be extremely efficient and provide plenty of benefits even without a solar source.

Are There Any Downsides to Using a Storage Battery Without Solar Panels?

While a storage battery offers several benefits, there are some downsides to consider if you're not pairing it with solar panels, especially in California.

• Continued Reliance on the Grid: Without solar panels, you'll still rely on the grid to charge your battery, making you vulnerable to fluctuating electricity prices. In California, electricity costs can be high, with the average three-bedroom household paying around $1,500 per year for electricity as of 2024.
• Upfront Costs: A battery system in California will cost you approximately $5,500, but you'll still be paying for electricity from the grid. While this setup provides backup power and potential cost savings through time-of-use rates, the initial investment is significant.
• Better Value with Solar Panels: Installing solar panels alone might be a more cost-effective option. In California, a 3.5 kW solar panel system costs around $9,000 on average and typically lasts at least 25 years—more than enough for a three-bedroom home. Most homeowners break even in about 10-12 years, making it a solid long-term investment.
• Increased Property Value: Adding solar panels can also boost your property’s value. Surveys show that a majority of Californians prefer homes with solar panels, and having a battery system as an added feature could make your property even more attractive.
• Tax Incentives: In California, you can only take advantage of certain incentives, like the federal tax credit, if you purchase a battery system along with solar panels. The tax credit can significantly reduce your overall costs, making the combination of solar and battery storage a more appealing option.

Conclusion

Installing a system that combines solar panels with a home battery is highly recommended if you have the necessary space and funds on your roof. There are two things to think about, though, if that isn't feasible.

First of all, a battery might spare you the trouble and pain of going without electricity if you reside in an area where power outages occur frequently. However, because batteries cannot produce energy as solar panels can, they do not pay for themselves for very long. Additionally, although changing the hours of energy usage results in some savings on energy bills, the reductions are not significant enough to justify installing a separate battery in the first place.

In summary, if preventing power outages is your main priority, a standalone battery is great. However, keep in mind that you may add solar to an existing battery at a later time, just as you can add a battery to solar or another battery in the future, for people who don't have the funds for a solar + battery combination. This not only helps you avoid a single, big investment, but it also enables you to assess if solar and batteries are actually necessary for your home.

In conclusion, if both of the following are true—that is, if your home has a bad roof plan for solar energy and you frequently have blackouts—you should get a standalone battery.