SolarEdge Battery Backup System

Q:           How much does it cost?

A:           A single inverter and single battery system costs around $15,000 before the 26% tax credit or $11,100 after the tax credit.  If we are installing a new solar system for you, then the same inverter can do both solar and battery backup, so additional cost of adding the battery backup system is only around $13,500 before tax credits or $9,990 after tax credits.

Q:           How long will a single battery last in a power outage?

A:           It depends on what you are powering.  If powering typical critical loads, you should be able to make a full battery last between 9 hour and 24 hours.  If only powering a single modern fridge, a battery will last about 6 days without recharging.

Q:           What are the typical backup loads?

A:           The typical backup loads are: Fridges, freezers, garage door openers, garage door lights, internet, microwave, a few lights, and igniters for gas appliances (stove, furnace, fireplace).

Q:           Can I run my air conditioner or well pump?

A:           No.  You should only plan on running essential loads on the systems we are installing today.  By next year, if you have the budget, the system will be expandable to handle whole house backup.

Q:           If I have solar, will it charge the batteries?

A:           Yes. If it is sunny, the solar will recharge the batteries. The solar will also power your critical loads during the day, so your battery remains charged going into nightfall.

Q:           Can I have more than one battery?

A:           Yes.  Each battery backup inverter can support two batteries.  This will double how long the battery will last in backup mode (analogy: more gas in the gas tank).  It will not give you twice the power (analogy: bigger engine in the car).  For twice the power, you need another inverter.

Q:           Can I have more than one inverter?

A:           Yes. The backup interface is designed to handle up to three 11.4kW inverters with two batteries each.  Today, the software only handles one 7.6kW inverter with one or two batteries.  The 11.4kW inverters and software to handle multiple inverters should be available around January 2021.

Q:           If I have an existing solar inverter, can we still use it in the system?

A:           Maybe.  Only the new SolarEdge Energy Hub battery backup inverter can handle both solar and battery power.  Older SolarEdge inverters can only handle solar, but NOT battery power.  The older SolarEdge inverters should be able to be connected to the system with a software update around October 2020.  Non-SolarEdge inverters may be able to be connected to the backup interface in the future.

Q:           Can I also use my generator to add more backup power or recharge low batteries?

A:           Yes. The backup interface has an input to handle up to a 15kW generator.  There is also a relay that can start and stop an automatic generator.  The software to handle a generator input should be available around January 2021.

Q:           What’s included in the $15,000 cost for a single inverter and single battery system?

A:           $5,000: Base installation, which includes:

- SolarEdge Backup Interface (200A automatic transfer switch, inputs for up to 3 inverters plus generator) and installation

- Backup Loads Panel and installation

- Design and Permitting

- If backup circuits and components are remote from one another, then installation costs may be higher

$4,000: One SolarEdge 7.6kW Energy Hub Battery Backup Inverter plus Installation

$6,000: One LG Chem RESU10 Battery plus Installation

Q:           What’s the additional cost to add another battery or inverter?

A:           To add one 7.6kW Energy Hub battery backup inverter plus installation will cost $4,000.  To add one LG Chem RESU10H battery plus installation will cost $6,000.

Q:           Does the battery have a warranty?

A:           Yes. The battery has a 10 year warranty from LG Chem.

Q:           How much space do I need?

A:           The system is modular, but the ideal layout will use a 9’ wide by 9’ high space on the garage wall.  Most components can also be installed outside, but must be under eves and out of direct sunlight.

Q:           How long does it take to install?

A:           Typical installation will be around 2 days.  If you are also getting solar, the total installation time is around one week.

Q:           Are you accepting new Customers:

A:           Yes.  But only if you are also installing a new solar system.  If you are an existing Apex Solar Customer, we will install a battery backup system for you.  At this time, we are not accepting Customers who have existing solar systems installed by other companies.

Q:           What is your backlog and how long do I have to wait to get my system?

A:           Systems will be installed on a first-come, first-serve basis and while supplies last.  We usually have at least a 4 week lead time.  A supply shortage in any component will delay installation. The federal tax credit will drop from 26% to 22% after 12/31/20.  Contracts must be signed and a $1,000 deposit submitted to reserve a spot on our installation schedule.

Q:           Any other cool things that we forgot to ask?

A:           Yes. The Energy Hub Inverter can also charge your EV.  The system comes with a consumption meter, so you can better understand your usage.  The Energy Hub is equipped with a cell modem, so you can check out the state of your system, including battery level and load consumption, even during an outage.

Q:           Can you share links of the product datasheets and a photo of the installation?

A:           Yes.  You can click on the following link:  https://apexsolarinc.com/battery-backup