How Much Does a Home Battery Backup System Cost?

Thinking about adding a battery backup to your home? You're not alone. With grid instability, rising energy prices, and more severe storms, homeowners across Columbus are turning to home battery systems for peace of mind.

But how much does a system cost—and what are you paying for?

Let’s break it down honestly.

What's the Real Cost?

The typical installed cost of a home battery backup system in Columbus falls between $11,000 and $23,000, depending on these key factors:

1. Battery Size (kWh Capacity)

• Smaller systems (around 5-10 kWh): $11,000–$15,000

• Medium systems (10–20 kWh): $15,000–$18,000

• Larger systems (20–30+ kWh): $18,000–$23,000+

Most BC Solar residential clients install between 10 and 20 kWh—enough to power essentials like refrigerators, lights, Wi-Fi, sump pumps, and HVAC for hours or even days, depending on usage.

2. Battery Chemistry

• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is the most common today for its long cycle life and safety profile.

• Brands we often recommend: Sol-Ark, EG4, and Fortress.

3. Inverter Type

• Hybrid inverters that manage solar, battery, and grid switching tend to cost more—but they’re worth it for seamless backup.

4. Labor and Installation

• Custom-fit matters. BC Solar systems are never “one-size-fits-all.”

• We often reuse existing components where possible to reduce costs, without sacrificing reliability.

5. Solar Integration (Optional)

• If you’re installing solar panels at the same time, you can save on labor and optimize for tax credits.

What Do You Get for That Price?

A properly designed battery backup system from BC Solar includes:

• Modular lithium battery bank

• Hybrid inverter (usually Sol-Ark or similar)

• System monitoring

• Load prioritization (so critical loads stay online)

• Wiring, conduit, mounting, permits, and inspection

And above all: Craftsmanship you can trust. Brian Zaayer, our founder, personally oversees every system.

Can You Get Tax Credits?

Yes. Battery systems paired with solar panels are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit under the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Even standalone batteries may qualify if they are charged with solar, per IRS guidelines.

Is It Worth It?

If you value:

• Staying powered during outages

• Reducing grid dependence

• Protecting food, heating/cooling, medical equipment, and peace of mind

Then yes, a home battery system is a smart investment.

FAQs

How much battery capacity do I need?

It depends on what you want to back up. Most families do well with 10–20 kWh, but we’ll help you size it based on actual usage.

Will it run my whole house?

Not continuously. We design systems to keep critical loads running, not necessarily everything at once.

Do I need solar to install batteries?

No. Batteries can be installed without solar and charged from the grid. This is useful for peak shaving, emergency prep, or energy resilience.

How long do batteries last?

Most lithium systems are rated for 10+ years or 6,000+ cycles, with warranties ranging from 10–15 years depending on the brand.

Talk With Us

We don’t do high-pressure sales. Just honest advice and systems built right.

Call BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or visit bc.solar to schedule a no-obligation site visit.