What does energy independence mean?
For homeowners, it means having the electrical power you need even if the public grid goes down. With today’s electrification technologies, varying degrees of energy independence are now more attainable than ever.
Why invest in energy independence?
Local electric utilities face mounting challenges to maintain their reliability, between aging transmission infrastructure and extreme weather conditions growing more problematic due to climate change. That makes energy independence—also known as resiliency—more important than ever for homeowners. And with more people working and studying from home, the potential impact of each power outage is magnified.
Reduce Your Reliance on the Grid
Discover how modern electrification technologies make your home more self-sufficient, whether installed individually or integrated into a comprehensive system that can meet your energy needs for extended periods.
Be More Independent with Battery Storage
A battery energy storage system, also known as a power storage system or battery bank, consists of a large-capacity rechargeable battery. (It’s an EV without the car, essentially.) The system can be charged a few different ways: from the public grid, alternative energy sources like solar panels, or through EVs and EV charging stations equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities.
Think of a battery storage system as your own private electrical service provider, able to:
- Store and disburse energy to your connected circuits and equipment as needed
- Access that stored energy to power your household in the event of rolling blackouts, power outages, or other natural disasters
- Power your home using stored energy to save money during peak hours when electricity from the grid is more expensive
Produce Your Own Power with Solar Panels
By now, solar panels have become a common sight on rooftops across the country. And while the energy they produce has traditionally been sent back to the public grid, more homeowners are implementing inverter technology to utilize that power themselves.
With an inverter installed by a licensed and qualified electrician, you can use solar panels to meet your household electrical needs while charging your battery storage system with any excess power you generate. This setup will allow you to take full advantage of the solar power you produce, even at night.
Prevent Disruptions with a Smart Panel
Smart panels are a far cry from the electrical panels of old, going well beyond the traditional function of linking household circuits to the grid. Among other advanced capabilities, smart panels can react to evolving conditions as needed. For example, in an outage, your smart panel can be programmed to automatically power your home from your solar panels or battery storage system to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Add Emergency Power Generation for a Comprehensive Solution
Even with all the other technologies listed above installed, you may want to consider adding a backup generator, depending on your needs and risk profile. An extended outage may deplete your battery storage system before it can be recharged from your solar panels, especially if the sky remains stormy or cloudy. In that case, you’ll need a natural gas- or propane-powered generator to keep your home running.
