The United States has more blackouts than any developed country, thanks to an aging electric grid and increases in extreme weather. Power outages can make our homes dark and uncomfortable and cause huge disruptions to our daily life.

Food in the refrigerator can spoil and sump pumps stop working, potentially causing basements to flood. Pipes can freeze when heating systems shut down and home offices become unproductive. At-home medical equipment can stop working, putting people’s health at risk. Plus, houses with wells can run out of water and electric vehicle owners can’t charge their cars.

As a result, many homeowners are looking to solar systems with batteries to keep the lights on. We examine four critical home needs that batteries can support during a blackout to help you determine if battery storage could be a wise investment for you.

Use emergency power during blackouts

One of the biggest advantages of battery storage is having electricity during power outages. Your solar energy system charges your battery bank, making electricity available during blackouts. Solar panel systems without batteries must shut down during outages to protect the safety of utility crews, but systems with batteries continue to operate independently of the electric grid. 

In fact, many families with energy storage capacity don’t even realize there is a blackout until they notice that all the other houses in the neighborhood are dark! Panasonic battery backup systems are designed to automatically kick in, instantly powering critical loads.

Avoid the need for a backup generator

Of course, a whole-house or standby generator is another way to produce your own electricity during a blackout. But these engine-powered machines use fuel such as natural gas or propane and connect to your home’s electrical system. There are many advantages to using solar batteries instead. 

Generators make noise when running and require a fossil fuel source to operate, so they produce greenhouse gas emissions and pollute the air. Because of safety concerns from exhaust fumes, proper placement is critical. Although they aren’t particularly large, generators occupy yard space, only provide value during outages, and require regular maintenance.

Photo courtesy of Panasonic Eco Systems NA

By contrast, solar batteries are completely quiet and feature a compact design, making them easy to mount on a wall in the garage, or outdoors. Battery storage systems use energy from the sun or the electric grid, so they create no harmful emissions or fumes, making your home more eco-friendly. As an added bonus, advanced solar batteries require no regular maintenance.

Reduce your electricity bills 

One of the best ways to virtually eliminate your electric bills is by installing a solar panel system. If you live in an area with time-of-use rates, the cost of electricity varies throughout the day. Typically, it is higher in the summer months and during evening hours when demand for electricity is high and lower in the middle of the night, when fewer people are using power. 

In areas with time-of-use rates, the utility company charges higher prices when power demand is high to encourage residents to curtail use. Having a solar battery allows you to save even more on your utility bills during these times. When electricity rates are highest, you can either use power from your solar panels or batteries, saving money.

Gain greater energy independence

As energy prices rise and concerns about decarbonization mount, many families want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and electric companies. Some households don’t like sending a big payment each month with no long-term benefit, but having reliable power is a necessity of modern life. 

Although solar panels provide greater energy independence, they don’t generate electricity around the clock. Having battery storage solves this challenge and makes solar energy available 24/7. It can increase your energy independence and renewable energy use while still allowing you to enjoy reliable power.

Advanced lithium ion solar batteries use cutting-edge technology to provide standby power with or without solar panels. They provide electricity during blackouts, at night, or when utility rates are highest, for true energy independence. Battery storage can be installed with new or existing solar systems to help you get the most value from your solar investment.

Learn more about how Panasonic's batteries can keep up with your critical home needs, no matter what the power grid is doing.