Add a Battery to Existing Solar
Without a battery, solar shuts off in an outage. We add one to any installer's system, even if the installer is gone.
Signs you need it
- Solar, no backup
- Time-of-use rates make daytime export worth little
- Your installer stopped answering
- You want solar running through PSPS events
How the install goes
- Review your inverter and interconnection agreement
- Pick an AC- or DC-coupled battery that fits
- Install the battery and backup gateway
- File utility paperwork, then commission
What moves the price
- Battery kWh and how many units
- Whole home, or a backup subpanel for essentials
- Solar or not, and AC or DC coupling to the inverter
- Distance from battery to main panel
- Panel work the load calculation calls for
- Permit and utility interconnection fees, itemized
Permits for backup power
Generators and batteries need a permit and inspection. Batteries add a utility interconnection application, approved at the utility's pace. We file it, line up gas work, and itemize the fees.
Brands we install
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown to identify the equipment we install and service. Chief Electric installs and services Enphase, Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH, Qcells Q.HOME and SolarEdge equipment. Chief Electric is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with these manufacturers.
The offer for this service
Backup power questions
Do batteries work with SolarEdge or SMA solar?
Yes. AC-coupled batteries work with almost any existing inverter.
Will adding a battery change my net metering?
Usually not. Storage doesn't change an existing agreement, and we check first.
Do you charge for the quote?
No. An electrician looks at the job in person and quotes it, free.