For homes with panels
You already have solar.
Do you need a battery too?
Short version: not required — but a battery is the only thing that lets your solar keep the lights on in an outage and power your home after dark. Here's the honest breakdown for Baltimore homeowners.
What does a battery actually add to an existing solar system?
Three things your panels can't do alone: keep your home powered during an outage, let you use your daytime solar after the sun goes down, and shield you from expensive evening time-of-use rates. Panels lower your bill on sunny days; a battery turns that into round-the-clock energy security.
Will my solar panels work during a power outage without a battery?
No. Standard grid-tied solar shuts down the moment the grid goes out — an anti-islanding safety rule that stops your system from back-feeding power onto lines crews may be working on. So without a battery, a blackout leaves your solar home just as dark as everyone else's. A battery is what keeps your circuits live when BGE goes down.
How much of my house can a battery back up?
That's a sizing choice. Most Baltimore homeowners start with essential backup — refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, sump pump, and any medical equipment — which a single battery typically carries for 12–24 hours and recharges from solar the next day. Add capacity and you can cover more, up to whole-home backup with multiple units.
Does a home battery pay for itself?
It depends on your situation, and we'll tell you honestly. The case is strongest if your block loses power often, if you have medical or work-from-home needs that make an outage costly, or once time-of-use rates make evening power expensive. Note that as of 2026 the federal residential tax credit has ended and Maryland's storage grant is periodic and currently fully subscribed — so we build the case on backup value and energy savings, not on incentives that may not be there when you install.
Which batteries do you install in Baltimore?
We're brand-agnostic and fit the battery to your home and existing inverter — commonly Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and FranklinWH. The right choice depends on your current solar setup, how much backup you want, and your budget. We'll recommend, not upsell.
Solar alone vs. solar + a battery
| What you get | Solar only | Solar + battery |
|---|---|---|
| Lower bills on sunny days | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power during a grid outage | — | ✓ |
| Use your own solar after sunset | — | ✓ |
| Protection from evening time-of-use rates | — | ✓ |
| Backup for medical or work-from-home needs | — | ✓ |
Get a straight answer for your home.
A local specialist will look at your panels and your outage risk, then tell you whether a battery is worth it — free, and with no pressure.
Get your free battery assessment