#1 HOME BATTERY & SOLAR PROVIDER, NEAR YOU
Frequently Asked Questions
Battery storage FAQs
Our rechargeable solar battery systems are designed to keep you on the grid during normal service times while providing reliable backup power when grid power isn’t available.
Storing excess energy from your solar company’s system can help you manage power consumption and save money by using stored power during peak pricing hours.
While full off-grid living requires significant battery storage, most homeowners find that staying connected to their local utility with a battery backup system is the most practical and cost-effective option. A trusted solar installer can help design the right setup for your needs.
Your home battery or batteries will allow you to store the electricity your solar energy system produces during the day and use it when you need it most—such as in the evening during the time of use (TOU) peak pricing or when the electric grid fails due to an extreme weather event or physical damage to the equipment. (See below for more information on TOU peak pricing and whether it applies to your jurisdiction).
With a home battery system, you’ll get even greater control over your energy and significantly boost your energy independence. You can store power that you produce during the day for use during power outages or after the sun sets. How we suggest you use your battery backup system varies by home; speak with a Sunrun consultant to learn more.
Availability will depend on where you live. Sunrun installs premium hardware from companies like Lunar, Tesla, and FranklinWH. The right battery can help meet your energy needs by storing excess solar energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to power your home with solar even when the sun isn’t shining.
A well-designed battery bank can also help reduce energy costs by optimizing energy usage and minimizing reliance on the grid.
Like solar panels, the size of your system (how many solar batteries we recommend you get) will depend on your unique battery and backup power needs.
Factors such as the amount of electricity you use at home and the devices and appliances you want to back up will play a key role in designing your ideal battery storage system.
Choosing lithium-ion batteries can also impact performance and efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries typically offer more energy storage in a smaller space, while flooded lead-acid batteries are a more traditional option. Sunrun’s battery offerings through Tesla, Lunar Energy, and FranklinWH are all lithium-ion solutions.
The right system will ensure you can power your home efficiently, especially during outages or peak usage times, bringing down electricity costs.
We’ll design a solution that’s right for your home based on a number of factors. Typical placement is on an exterior wall of your home with sufficient space or potentially inside your garage.
Pairing your battery storage with solar panels ensures you have reliable solar power available, even during a natural disaster or peak hours when electricity demand is high.
For those looking to back up their home, proper placement is crucial to optimizing efficiency and ensuring seamless energy transition when needed.
In many cases, the answer is yes. However, your ability to save on electric bills—or overall—depends on several factors. Where you live and whether you already went solar (and when) affect which solar compensation programs you qualify for, which impacts your savings.
The combination of solar panels and the latest lithium battery allow generated electricity to be stored and used when electricity rates are high, maximizing savings.
A battery inverter ensures that any energy stored is converted efficiently for home use, helping you get the most out of your system.
Additionally, if you choose to purchase your battery and solar system, you may qualify for tax credits that can help offset the cost. If you're looking for added security, a battery system can also provide whole home backup, keeping your essential appliances running during outages.
Speak with a Sunrun representative to learn more about batteries and potential energy savings.
*Recommended battery operation mode varies by home. Some homes are not incentivized to use stored energy except during outages.
While most batteries are designed to work alongside the grid, some systems allow for off-grid operation in specific scenarios.
However, backup systems capable of powering an entire home independently require sufficient storage and high energy density to sustain continuous use. If you're considering an off-grid or hybrid setup, it’s essential to choose the right energy storage solutions to meet your needs.
Yes, but the ability to run AC during an outage depends on your battery’s capacity and high power output.
Some systems may provide enough power for essential appliances but might not sustain energy-intensive devices like an AC unit for extended periods. If running the AC on battery backup is a priority, selecting a battery with a large storage capacity is crucial.
An AC-coupled system works with existing solar power setups by storing energy as alternating current electricity, making it ideal for retrofitting batteries onto an existing system.
A DC-coupled system, on the other hand, stores solar power as direct current electricity before converting it for home use, which can lead to better efficiency.
Choosing the right system depends on your home’s setup, energy consumption, and grid capabilities.
Solar Panels FAQs
A home solar panel array is made up of components that all work together to convert solar energy into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.
1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your solar panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.
2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.
3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your solar panels generate more solar power than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.
4. Sunrun meter
Your Sunrun meter monitors your solar panels and overall system production, sending the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Sunrun if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar panels and entire system are in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.
5. Utility meter
When your solar panels produce more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar panels can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
Our solar panels and all of our solar equipment is backed by factory warranties. On top of that, our monthly solar panel lease plan and prepaid solar panel plan (also known as a solar PPA) come with 24/7 proactive monitoring and free maintenance. If we detect that your rooftop solar panels or solar battery aren't performing optimally, we'll dispatch a specialist to repair your solar panels, ensuring they're back to full capacity without any effort on your part. This benefit distinguishes Sunrun from other companies offering solar panels and solar storage.
Once approved for a solar panel installation, your property will undergo a site assessment, and an expert technician will schedule a visit with you to confirm the design of your solar panels and full solar energy system.
After that, our Solar Design Experts will make any necessary adjustments to the design of your solar panels and get your final approval. Once it’s approved, we’ll submit your design to the city for permitting, which can take up to eight weeks. From there, either Sunrun or one of our local certified partners will install your solar panels. We only partner with top-rated solar installers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have the highest quality solar installation available.
When your installation is finished, the city or county will perform a final inspection of your system. Once it’s approved, it’ll be connected to the grid, and we’ll submit your documents to the utility company. After your utility company grants Permission to Operate (PTO), you’ll be all set to start powering your home with the sun.
Focus on your home’s energy needs, roof condition, and local electricity rates. Also consider system size, battery storage options, financing (like $0-down subscription plans), warranties, and the installer’s experience. The goal isn’t just solar panels, it’s a system that fits your lifestyle, budget, and future energy use.
Solar energy can help ensure predictable energy costs, protect against rising utility rates, and reduce reliance on the grid. When paired with battery storage, it can provide backup power during outages. It’s a modern energy source that can increase home value and support long-term energy independence.
Ask about system design, total costs, payment options, warranties, and ongoing support. Find out who handles permits, maintenance, and monitoring. It’s also important to ask how long the installer has been in business, how many systems they’ve installed, and what their track record looks like. Finally, clarify what happens if your system needs service later.
Look for high efficiency, strong durability (weather resistance), and long-term performance warranties. Panel aesthetics and brand reputation also matter. More importantly, consider how the panels integrate with the full system, including inverters, monitoring tools, and battery storage.
For example, your inverter plays a key role in system performance (learn more about how solar inverters work), while adding storage can provide backup power and help manage energy use (explore solar battery storage options).
Pros: More predictable energy costs, protection from rising rates, and optional backup power with batteries.
Cons: Upfront costs for some purchase options, variable production based on weather and location, and the need for proper system design and ongoing support.