So you’ve already made the smart decision to go solar. That’s a huge step toward energy independence, lowering your utility bills, and reducing your carbon footprint. But what’s next? For many Southern Oregon homeowners, the answer is clear: add a battery. In this Solar Stories blog post, we’ll explore the main reasons to explore adding a battery storage to your home or business.
Battery storage is no longer just a nice-to-have accessory for your solar system. It’s becoming a must-have for anyone who wants to take full control of their energy future. Whether you’ve been solar-powered for years or just had your system installed last summer, adding a battery brings a whole new level of benefits—and peace of mind.
Let’s take a closer look at why it might be the smartest energy upgrade you make this year.
1. Keep the Lights On—Even When the Grid Goes Down
In Southern Oregon, we’re no strangers to power outages. Between wildfire prevention shutoffs in the summer and downed lines in winter storms, utility reliability isn’t what it used to be. Without a battery, your solar system shuts down during outages—yes, even on a sunny day—because it’s designed to protect utility workers.
But with a battery like Tesla Powerwall, Sol-Ark, or FranklinWH, your solar system can keep powering your home or business during an outage. That means your refrigerator keeps running. Your well pump still works. You can charge your phone, turn on the lights, and stay connected.
It’s not just about convenience—it’s about security. With battery storage, your home becomes your own energy island, and you decide what stays on when the grid goes down.
2. Maximize the Value of the Energy You Produce
Solar panels produce the most energy in the middle of the day, often more than your household needs. Without a battery, that excess power flows back to the grid. While net metering lets you earn credits at the current 1-to-1 exchange rate—those policies are constantly evolving.
With a battery, you store that excess energy and use it later—like in the evening when your household energy demand is higher and the sun isn’t shining. And with the emergence of programs like Wattsmart, you could be compensated by your utility company for having a battery. Why? Because we’re all adding more energy use to the grid (home electrification, new EVs, and new energy-hungry data centers) and the power companies are feeling the squeeze, especially in the hours of 5-9pm.
3. Protect Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs
Utility rates are on the rise—and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. In fact, many utility providers across Oregon have proposed double-digit rate increases in recent years.
Battery storage offers a hedge against those increases. With the right setup, you can use your battery to reduce your reliance on the grid during expensive peak periods. Some systems even allow for time-of-use programming, so your battery prioritizes discharging when rates are highest.
Think of it as having your own personal energy savings account—drawing on it when energy prices spike.
4. Increase Your Home’s Energy Independence
Adding solar was your first step toward energy freedom. Adding a battery takes that independence to the next level.
Imagine never wondering if your utility is going to turn off your power to prevent wildfires. Imagine not worrying about summer brownouts or being home during a blackout with a freezer full of food. With a battery, your home becomes more self-sufficient. And if you add additional storage or backup loads, you can prioritize essentials like your HVAC system, medical devices, or electric vehicle charging.
Energy independence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practical reality for more Southern Oregon families every year.
5. Smart Technology, Seamlessly Integrated
Today’s battery systems are smarter than ever. Tesla and FranklinWH systems, for example, monitor weather patterns and automatically charge your battery to full if an incoming storm is detected. Sol-Ark and FranklinWH offer hybrid capabilities, integrating with generators or prioritizing solar over grid input depending on the day’s needs.
These smart systems come with intuitive apps that let you see your energy flow in real time. You’ll know exactly how much energy your home is producing, storing, and using. It’s empowering—and kind of addictive.
Plus, at True South Solar, we install and support battery systems that integrate seamlessly with existing solar installations, whether we installed your panels or not.
6. Incentives Make Battery Storage More Affordable Than Ever
Battery prices have come down significantly in the past few years, and incentives are helping homeowners make the leap.
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently offers a 30% tax credit for battery storage when installed with solar—or even added to an existing system. That’s thousands of dollars in savings right off the top.
Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for additional rebates through the Oregon Department of Energy or the Energy Trust of Oregon, especially if you live in a rural or wildfire-prone area.
The True South Solar team can help you understand which incentives apply to you and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
7. Boost Your Property Value
Solar already increases your home’s value. Add a battery, and you’ve got one of the most sought-after upgrades in real estate today.
More buyers are looking for homes with energy storage because they understand the benefits—resilience, savings, and sustainability. A battery system not only sets your home apart, it also signals a level of energy sophistication and preparedness that many people find highly attractive.
8. Be Part of the Energy Transition
Every home battery installed helps create a more flexible, resilient energy grid. It reduces peak demand, supports renewable energy adoption, and moves us away from fossil fuel dependence.
When you add battery storage to your solar system, you’re not just helping your household—you’re helping your community and the planet. That’s something to feel good about every time you see the sun shining.
Let’s Talk About Your Battery Options
Whether you’re interested in Tesla Powerwall, Sol-Ark’s powerful hybrid system, or FranklinWH’s whole-home capabilities, the team at True South Solar is here to help.
We’ve installed hundreds of battery systems across Southern Oregon—from rural homes to businesses and schools. We know the ins and outs of incentives, permits, and design—and we’ll walk you through every step of the process.
Already have solar? Great. Let’s make it even better.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to take control of your energy future and enjoy the full benefits of solar + storage, reach out today. Our team will help you find the right battery solution for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
And if you’re still exploring your options, download our free guide: