Solar Basics
Solar, battery storage, and the electric grid: a homeowner’s guide
How panels, batteries, the grid, and your utility bill work together.
Solar produces power in daylight, the grid balances supply and demand, and a battery can store some energy for later. Each plays a different role.
Solar power during the day
Panels convert sunlight into electricity. Your home can use that production as it is generated; the treatment of extra production depends on local utility and program rules.
What a battery changes
A home battery can store energy for later use and may support selected circuits during an outage. Backup duration depends on battery capacity, charge level, household loads, system design, and weather. It is not unlimited whole-home power by default.
Your connection to the grid
Most residential systems remain grid-connected. That connection supports the home when solar production is low and governs how exported energy is credited. During an outage, solar alone usually shuts down unless it is paired with compatible backup equipment.
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