Backup Power FAQs

Backup power is a system that connects to electricity sources, typically solar panels and the electric grid, to store excess power and return it to your home when you need it, generally because of a power outage during an emergency.

In most cases, your backup power supply will come from a generator or a battery. Today’s solar batteries are also intelligent energy management systems that can optimize your home’s energy usage to take advantage of utility time-of-use plans or to ensure that your electric car is charged with your solar power system.

At Freedom Solar, our goal is to help every homeowner achieve energy independence as quickly as possible as the risk of power outages increases due to extreme weather events, an aging electric grid, and a growing population.

We install batteries for backup power across the states of Texas and Florida.

There’s no doubt that adding the Tesla Powerwall to your home solar power system is a great investment. It’s normal for your solar panels to generate more power than you are using during the day. You can store this extra energy in the Powerwall battery, giving you the option to have clean energy available at night when the sun isn’t shining.

The main benefit is that you can maintain security if power outages occur, reducing your reliance on the grid.

There are many benefits of the Tesla Powerwall. To see if this system is a good investment with your solar panel system, it’s important to look at your energy requirements and consumption patterns.

Once you’ve decided that you want to move forward with a Powerwall installation, it can be helpful to talk to a solar expert about your unique situation. You can get personalized recommendations to design the ideal system for your home.

If you are looking to pair your solar panels with a reliable home battery backup, so you always have power – even when the sun isn’t shining – the market-leading Tesla products are a great option to consider. Tesla is the market leader in solar batteries, and the Powerwall offers a competitive price point compared to other energy storage products on the market.

You may be wondering if a solar battery will save you money. Energy storage prices have fallen 50% in the last year alone and almost 90% over the past decade (source: Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables and the American Clean Power Association). Still, for most homeowners, the decision to purchase a battery is based more on the desire for protection from power outages and energy independence rather than achieving a financial return. You will have peace of mind knowing you always have access to a reliable solar battery backup.

When you are getting an estimate for your Tesla Powerwall, look at the breakdown for materials and labor, as well as the up to 30% federal tax credit that can dramatically reduce the cost of your system. Also, consider the size of your home and normal energy usage. For example, you might need to install multiple Powerwall units if you want enough backup power for the whole home.

Talk to our solar installation team for a detailed estimate to determine whether you want to include the Powerwall as part of your installation.

Tesla offers a 10-year warranty on the Powerwall, which covers equipment (shipping included), labor, and production guaranteed to 70% of power capacity at the end of 10 years.

The number of Powerwalls that is right for your home depends on your electricity usage and how you’re planning to use your stored power (for example, charging your EV at night vs. keeping power during an extended outage, or how much of your normal energy usage you’re willing to conserve during an extended outage). We will meet with you to assess your needs and help you make an informed decision.

Unfortunately, the Powerwall 3 is not backward compatible and cannot be combined with an existing Powerwall 2 in a single system.