Do I Need a Battery with My Solar Panels?

If you're considering residential solar panel installation in Columbus, Ohio, you've probably asked:

“Do I need a battery with my solar panels?”

The short answer is: no, you don’t need one — but having one offers major benefits.

Let’s break it down.

Solar Panels Without a Battery

Installing solar panels without a battery means your system is grid-tied. During the day, your panels produce power and your home uses that power directly. If you produce more than you need, that excess goes back to the grid (you may get credit for it — depending on your utility’s net metering policy).

✅ You’re saving money on electricity.
✅ You’re helping the grid during peak hours.
✅ You’re still connected to the utility, so you have power at night or during cloudy weather.

But here’s the catch:

If the grid goes down, so does your solar. Even if the sun’s shining.

What a Solar Battery Adds

A battery stores extra energy your panels produce. You can use that energy:

• At night

• On cloudy days

• During outages (yes, even multi-day ones)

It’s about resilience and flexibility.

With a battery, you get:

• Backup power when the grid fails

• Better use of your solar power (especially if net metering is limited)

• Control over your home’s energy use

At BC Solar, we often install Sol-Ark hybrid systems — designed for both on-grid and off-grid use — so your fridge won’t even flicker when the power company has issues.

What’s Right for You?

Not every home needs a battery. We’ve installed plenty of grid-tied systems for families looking to lower bills — without needing backup power.

But if you’re thinking long-term…

If you want to protect your home from grid failures…

If you value energy independence…

…then adding a battery is a smart move.

At BC Solar, we design every system around your goals — not a sales script.

FAQ

How much does a solar battery cost in Columbus?

Battery costs vary based on size and brand, but expect $9,000–$15,000 installed. Some clients qualify for the federal solar tax credit, which can offset 30% of the cost. Ask us for a quote that fits your needs.

Can I add a battery later?

Yes. We build battery-ready systems. You can always start with panels and add storage down the line.

Will solar panels work during a power outage?

Not without a battery. Grid-tied systems shut down when the grid does. With a hybrid inverter and battery setup (like Sol-Ark), your home stays powered.

Bottom Line

You don’t need a battery — but having one adds peace of mind. At BC Solar, we build systems that work with or without batteries. We’ll walk you through your options with honesty, no pressure.

It’s your home — we just help power it right.

Want to talk about solar with or without batteries?
📞 Call BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or visit https://bc.solar
📍 777 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH 43229