FAQS

A: Allterra installs the Tesla Powerwall and the Enphase IQ Batteries. Both options integrate seamlessly into your home’s energy system whether you have solar or not. Note: battery projects are eligible for the federal tax credit if installed in conjunction with solar or if you already have solar. 

It depends on how many batteries you have and how well you manage your consumption during an outage. It is important to be mindful of what you have backed up and how long appliances, lights and other draws are being used. Another factor is how much power your solar system is able to generate during an outage. In the winter or in places where shading is an issue, this is especially important.

The life of a solar battery depends on the battery technology. Typically, the solar battery’s useful lifespan ranges between 10 to 15 years. Warranties will give you an idea of how long a particular battery will last. If you install a solar battery today, there is a good chance you will need to replace it at least once over the course of your solar system’s 25 year warrantied lifespan. 

The primary factor that will impact how long your batteries will last is installation in a reasonably cool location. The battery’s temperature significantly affects the lifespan of a battery so it is important to ensure that it is installed inside a garage or on an exterior wall that doesn’t experience extreme heat or cold. Small enclosures are often a good way to maintain temperature between 30 and 90 degrees fahrenheit.

Yes. Important factors are shading and stormy weather.

Both battery systems offered by Allterra have a system that will automatically put your battery system into 100% backup mode 48 hours in advance of a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff or Winter Storm Warning for your address. This is so the batteries will have as much power as possible when the power does go out.

A home battery system, a is a device that stores electrical energy for later use. It typically consists of lithium-ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries housed in a compact unit installed either indoors or outdoors. These batteries store electricity either from the grid or renewable energy sources like solar panels. During periods of high electricity demand or when the grid is down, the stored energy can be discharged to power essential appliances and devices in the home.

Overall, home battery systems provide homeowners with greater control over their energy usage, allowing them to store excess energy generated during off-peak hours or from renewable sources for use during peak times or in case of power outages.

Home battery systems offer several advantages related to energy savings and backup power:

• Energy Savings: By storing excess energy generated from your solar panels, home battery systems allow homeowners to reduce their reliance on the grid during peak times when electricity rates are typically higher. This can result in significant cost savings on electricity bills by optimizing energy usage and minimizing the need to purchase electricity from the grid at peak rates.
• Energy Independence: With a home battery system, homeowners gain greater energy independence by relying less on the grid for their electricity needs. This is particularly beneficial during power outages or grid failures, as the stored energy in the battery can provide backup power to essential appliances and devices, ensuring continuity of critical services such as lighting, refrigeration, and communication.
• Resilience and Reliability: Home battery systems enhance the resilience and reliability of the home’s power supply by serving as a backup power source during grid outages or emergencies. This is especially valuable in areas prone to extreme weather events, natural disasters, or unreliable grid infrastructure, where uninterrupted power supply is essential for safety and comfort.
• Environmental Benefits: By reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity from the grid, home battery systems contribute to lower carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. When paired with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, home battery systems enable homeowners to further reduce their carbon footprint and support the transition to clean, renewable energy.

Overall, home battery systems offer a range of benefits that contribute to energy savings, grid resilience, and environmental sustainability, making them a valuable investment for homeowners seeking greater control over their energy usage and backup power solutions.

Capacity is a crucial factor when selecting a home battery system. The capacity of a battery is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and represents the amount of energy it can store. Here are some key considerations for determining the appropriate capacity:

• Electricity Usage: Allterra will analyze your household’s average daily electricity consumption to determine the peak energy demand during typical usage hours.  This will help to ensure the selected battery capacity can meet your needs.
• Backup Power Requirements: If your primary concern is backup power during outages, Allterra will calculate the minimum capacity needed to support essential loads such as lights, refrigeration, and communication devices for the desired duration of backup. We also consider factors such as the frequency and duration of outages in your area.
• Solar Integration: If you have solar panels or plan to install them, Allterra will consider the capacity needed to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during periods of low solar production or at night. The battery capacity should be sufficient to store surplus energy to maximize self-consumption and offset grid usage.
• System Sizing: Allterra works to ensure that the battery capacity is compatible with your overall energy system, including existing or planned renewable energy sources, inverters, and energy management systems. Optimal system sizing requires balancing the battery capacity with the power output of renewable sources and the energy demand of the household.
• Future Expansion: Anticipate future changes in energy usage patterns or system upgrades when selecting the battery capacity. Choose a modular battery system that allows for easy expansion by adding additional battery modules as needed to accommodate future energy storage requirements.
• Manufacturer Specifications: Consider the manufacturer’s specifications, including the depth of discharge (DoD), cycle life, and warranty terms, when evaluating battery capacity options. Higher capacity batteries with deeper DoD and longer cycle life may offer better long-term value and performance.

By carefully assessing your electricity usage patterns, backup power needs, solar integration goals, and future expansion plans, you can choose the right size and type of home battery system that optimally matches your requirements for capacity and functionality. Consulting with a reputable installer or energy advisor can also provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

The lifespan of a home battery system refers to its ability to maintain optimal performance over time. Several factors influence the effective lifespan of a battery system:

• Battery Chemistry: The type of battery chemistry used in the home battery system significantly impacts its lifespan. Lithium-ion and  Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, which are commonly used in residential energy storage systems, typically have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as usage patterns, depth of discharge (DoD), and environmental conditions.
• Cycle Life: The number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity degrades significantly is known as its cycle life. Lithium-ion batteries used in home energy storage systems typically have cycle lives ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 cycles, depending on the specific chemistry and manufacturer.
• Depth of Discharge (DoD): The depth to which a battery is discharged during each cycle affects its lifespan. Shallower discharge cycles result in less stress on the battery cells and can extend their lifespan. It’s essential to size the battery system appropriately to avoid frequent deep discharges, which can accelerate degradation.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to extreme weather can impact battery performance and longevity. Proper installation and maintenance, including temperature regulation and protection from harsh conditions, can help prolong the lifespan of the battery system.
• Battery Management System (BMS): The effectiveness of the battery management system (BMS) in monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging processes plays a crucial role in maximizing battery lifespan. A well-designed BMS can optimize battery performance, prevent overcharging or over-discharging, and detect and mitigate issues that may arise over time.
• Warranty Coverage: Home battery systems typically come with warranties that guarantee a certain level of performance and provide coverage for defects or premature failure. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer but typically range from 5 to 15 years, reflecting the expected lifespan of the battery system.

Overall, the effective lifespan of a home battery system in terms of performance depends on various factors, including battery chemistry, cycle life, depth of discharge, environmental conditions, and the quality of the battery management system. Proper sizing, installation, and maintenance can help maximize the lifespan and performance of the battery system, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effective energy storage for the home.