Can You Install a Solar Battery Without Solar Panels?

Solar batteries have a lot of benefits in Arizona. They provide backup power during a grid outage, and they can help you avoid on-peak hours if you’re on a time-of-use electric plan.

But do you need solar panels to install one?

Surprisingly, no. You can install a standalone battery that charges from the electric grid instead of solar panels.

Whether it’s the right choice for your home, however, depends on your priorities.

Keep reading to learn what you can expect from a battery-only installation and how it compares to solar-plus-storage systems.

Home Battery Backup Without Solar Panels

Battery-only systems can offer reliable backup power and some savings in areas with time-of-use electricity rates. However, they don’t generate their own energy, which limits their long-term value. It can be a good option for many homes, but if you’re mainly looking for power outage protection, a standby generator could be a better fit.

How Home Battery Storage Without Solar Works

A battery works by storing energy for later use. Without solar panels, it charges and stores energy from the electric grid, typically during off-peak hours when rates are lowest. This stored energy can then be used during on-peak hours or a power outage.

Pros & Cons of Battery Storage Without Solar Panels

Pros:

Backup power during outages: Keep essentials like lights, refrigeration, and internet running even when the grid is down.
Time-of-use savings: You can program your battery to charge during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and use stored energy during on-peak hours to save on electric bills.
Quiet and clean: Unlike generators, batteries operate silently and without emissions.
Tax credit savings (for now): Standalone batteries are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. But act soon! Congress is eliminating this tax credit at the end of 2025.

Cons:

No energy generation: You’re still fully reliant on the grid to charge your battery.
No recharging during a power outage: Once the battery is drained, you can’t recharge it until grid power is restored.
Lower financial return: Without solar, battery systems don’t offer the same level of long-term savings.
Environmental impact: Charging from the grid uses fossil fuel-generated electricity.

Home Battery Backup With Solar Panels

Installing home solar panels with your battery will increase the benefits. You save more on your electric bills and can recharge for extended backup power during an outage. Plus, you’re charging with clean energy, which reduces emissions. The upfront investment is higher, but the long-term benefits are worth it for many homeowners.

How Home Battery Storage With Solar Panels Works

When paired with solar panels, a home battery stores the excess energy your system produces during the day. Instead of sending all that energy back to the grid, your battery holds onto it so you can use it at night, during peak hours, or when the power goes out. This setup gives you a reliable source of solar energy that you can use around the clock.

Pros & Cons of Solar Panels with Battery Storage
Pros:

True energy independence: Generate and store your own electricity, reducing or even eliminating your reliance on the electric grid.
Can recharge during outages: With solar, your battery can replenish itself whenever the sun is shining, even when the grid is offline.
Greater long-term savings: Produce your own electricity so you buy less from the grid and save more on your electric bills.
Increased tax credit value: Installing solar with storage qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit. But this incentive is at risk! Congress is considering eliminating it at the end of 2025. Go solar now to lock in your savings!
More sustainable: You’re powering your home with clean, renewable energy rather than storing electricity from fossil fuel sources.

Cons:

Higher upfront cost: Adding solar increases the initial investment compared to a battery-only system, but the added cost is often offset by long-term savings on your electric bills.
More complex installation: Solar-plus-storage systems require more planning, permitting, and equipment. But our team handles the entire process for you, so you don’t have to do any extra work.
Roof or property space needed: You’ll need suitable space for solar panels, which may not be available on every home.

Find the Right Backup Power System for Your Home

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to home backup power. The best choice for your home depends on your goals, budget, energy usage, and how you want your system to perform in an outage.

At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we help you compare your options and find the right fit for your home so you can get the performance and peace of mind you’re looking for.