San Diego residents are grappling with significant energy challenges, such as soaring electricity costs and a heightened risk of power outages caused by wildfires and grid overload.
The investment in home energy storage systems can be a promising solution to tackle these problems. By storing energy for use during outages and managing daily energy consumption to power home more efficiently, these systems help mitigate the burden of high energy costs and improve overall energy security.
Why Invest in Home Batteries in San Diego?
There are several reasons why investing in an energy storage system in San Diego is a smart choice.
High Energy Costs: California has some of the most expensive electricity rates in the country, largely due to utilities’ investments in renewable energy and efforts to mitigate wildfires. Many households in San Diego have seen their power bills rise significantly in recent years.
Risk of Outages: The area's vulnerability to wildfires has resulted in preventive Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which have left many residents without power during critical times. For instance, in 2023, Southern California Edison (SCE) reported multiple PSPS events, including one on October 11, 2023, where approximately 8,124 customers were notified of potential de-energization.
How Home Battery Backup Systems Work
Home battery backup systems offer efficient energy storage, reliable power during outages, and smooth integration with your home’s energy sources.
Energy Storage: Home battery backup systems store excess energy generated by solar panels or drawn from the grid during low-demand periods. This stored energy is reserved for later use, ensuring a reliable power supply when needed.
Power Supply During Outages: In the event of a power outage, the system automatically switches to battery power, supplying electricity to essential appliances and systems. This seamless transition ensures that critical appliances remain operational without interruption.
Peak Rate Management: During periods of high electricity rates, the system can release stored energy to power the home, reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity and lowering utility bills.
Integration with Existing Energy Sources: Home battery backup systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing energy sources, such as solar panels and the electrical grid. They work in tandem with these sources to optimize energy usage, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and enhancing energy resilience.
Energy Incentives and Rebates in California for Battery Backup Systems
California offers several incentives and rebates to make battery backup systems more accessible, notably through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
Administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SGIP provides rebates for installing energy storage technologies, including battery backup systems, at both residential and non-residential facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
San Diego residents may qualify for SGIP rebates under specific conditions:
Equity Resiliency Budget: Designed for low-income households and medically vulnerable customers in high fire-threat zones or areas that have experienced multiple Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Eligible applicants can receive substantial incentives, potentially covering the full cost of battery storage installation.
General Market: Other residents may still be eligible for standard SGIP rebates, which offer financial support for energy storage installations.
Application Process
To apply for SGIP rebates:
Verify Eligibility: Determine your eligibility based on income, location, and vulnerability criteria.
Select a Certified Installer: Choose a contractor experienced with SGIP applications.
Submit Application: Work with your installer to complete and submit the SGIP application to the relevant Program Administrator.
For detailed information and to assess your eligibility, visit the CPUC’s SGIP page: www.cpuc.ca.gov
By taking advantage of these incentives, San Diego residents can enhance their energy resilience and reduce costs associated with battery backup system installations.
How to Choose the Right Home Battery Backup System
Selecting the appropriate home battery backup system is crucial for reinforcing energy resilience and efficiency. San Diego residents should consider several key factors to make a well-informed decision.
Capacity
Capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), indicates how much energy the battery can store. Assess your household's daily energy consumption to choose a battery that meets your needs during outages or peak-rate periods. For instance, if your home uses 30 kWh per day and relies entirely on battery power, you may need to stack battery capacity close to that number to cover a full day's usage. The higher the battery capacity, the fewer battery units you will need to support your energy needs.
Compatibility with Solar Panels
If you have or plan to install solar panels, it’s important to make sure the battery system can seamlessly integrate. Some batteries are designed specifically to work with certain solar inverters or panel brands. Compatibility ensures efficient energy storage and usage. Consult with your solar provider to confirm that the battery system aligns with your existing or planned solar setup.
Backup Power Duration
Determine the duration for which you need the battery to supply power during outages. This depends on the battery's capacity and the essential appliances you prioritize. For example, if your essential loads require a combined 1 kW per hour. A 15 kWh battery would then provide approximately 15 hours of backup power for these essentials.
Evaluating Brands
When comparing different brands, consider the following:
- Safety: Look for batteries with certifications from recognized safety standards organizations, such as UL or IEC. Features such as thermal management technology, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, and robust housing can enhance safety.
- Warranty: A solid warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product. Warranties typically cover a specific number of years or energy throughput (e.g., 15 years or 60 MWh), whichever comes first.
- Installation Process: Some systems require professional installation, while others offer DIY options. Professional installation guarantees compliance with local codes and optimal system performance.
FranklinWH: Enhancing Your Power Resilience Like Never Before
The FranklinWH energy management system offers a leading-edge intelligent solution for homeowners seeking enhanced energy resilience and efficiency. Here are some of the key features of FranklinWH System.
An Open Energy Ecosystem
The FranklinWH system seamlessly integrates multiple energy sources—including solar panels, batteries, the electrical grid, generators, and electric vehicle (EV) power—into a cohesive home energy ecosystem. This integration enables whole-home power backup during outages, peak demand periods, or even for off-grid living, ensuring continuous energy availability.
Market-Leading Battery Storage
At the core of the FranklinWH system is the aPower 2 battery, featuring:
- High Capacity and Output: Each aPower 2 unit provides 15 kWh of storage capacity and delivers a continuous output of 10 kW, sufficient to support entire household energy needs with a single unit.
- Extended Warranty: The system comes with a 15-year warranty for 60 MWh of energy throughput, reflecting its durability and FranklinWH's confidence in its longevity.
- Enhanced Safety: Utilizing LFP battery chemistry, aPower 2 offers improved safety and thermal stability compared to other lithium-ion batteries.
Smart Energy Management
FranklinWH system includes the unique aGate intelligent controller, which manages energy flows between sources and household loads. Through the FranklinWH App, homeowners can monitor and control their energy usage in real time, intelligently optimizing consumption based on current data and preferences.
Scalability
Designed with flexibility in mind, the FranklinWH system allows for the connection of up to 15 aPower 2 units per aGate, achieving a total storage capacity of 225 kWh. This scalability accommodates varying energy requirements, from standard household use to more demanding applications.
Compatibility with All Inverters
The FranklinWH system is agnostic to all solar inverter brands, facilitating straightforward installation for both new systems and retrofits. This approach simplifies integration with existing solar setups, elevating system versatility.
Get a Free Consultation on Your San Diego Home Battery Backup System
Boost your home's energy resilience with FranklinWH's advanced energy management and storage system.
We offer complimentary consultations to assess your specific energy needs and determine the most suitable setup for your home. During the consultation, our experts will:
- Evaluate your current energy consumption patterns.
- Discuss potential savings and efficiency improvements.
- Provide a customized plan that fits your needs.
To schedule your free consultation, head over to our Contact Page and connect with a professional local installer. Take the first step towards energy independence and enjoy peace of mind with FranklinWH's reliable and intelligent energy management system.