When the power grid fails, most home solar systems shut down as well. One Redditor, however, found a workaround that kept the lights on with their battery storage solution. 

The homeowner, posting to the r/solar forum, shared their experience of adding FranklinWH batteries and additional solar panels to their existing system. Unlike Tesla, Enphase, and other major brands, the FranklinWH setup kept both the original grid-tied solar and new panels generating power during an outage. 

"I chose to go with Franklin's system because they're the only ones who can combine an existing NEM1/2 PV along with an additional non-export PV, have both charge batteries, and allow both to still be active/producing when the grid goes down," they explained. 

They went on to add that, "I was at a wedding the other weekend where someone from PG&E was sitting at my table. He mentioned how he's not looking into getting solar/batteries for his house since he gets 30% off electricity rates and I told him I just installed both of those because his grid sucks at my house."

"Ironically, the next morning I had a blackout due to failing PG&E equipment … I was able to run my AC the whole time while watching both my NEM2 PV and new Enphase PV charge the batteries to power the house."

Pairing battery storage with solar panels helps protect you against rising utility rates and power outages, maximizing your home's renewable energy use. If you're thinking about going solar, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you understand your options and connect you with trusted providers to simplify the process. 

Harnessing solar power is one of the best ways to cut your utility bills and protect against rising prices — and adding battery storage can keep your lights on and food fresh when the grid fails. TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to learn about your options and connect you with the pros to take the guesswork out of going solar, helping homeowners save up to $10,000 in the process. For those working on a budget, partners also offer no-money-down subscription options. 

For example, Palmetto's LightReach leasing program can cut your utility rate by 20%, allowing you to benefit from existing federal tax credits via lower lease rates. EnergySage can also help you review available incentives and receive competitive bids from trusted local installers. 

The free Palmetto Home app can also unlock up to $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades, helping you explore energy upgrades and reduce your energy bill. 

Fellow Redditors were quite happy to hear how well the original poster's new system was working for them. 

Do you have a backup power system at your home? Not at all 🙅 I have a generator 🏡 I have a portable battery 🔋 I use something else 🏠 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"Excellent post on a non-trivial install —  thanks," one commenter wrote. "I ended up self-installing and had to go deep into the weeds — it sounds like you had to do the same thing but with a much more complicated system. Amazing that you were able to understand what was needed and actually get it working."

Pairing panels with heat pumps, or other efficient electric appliances, can really ramp up your energy savings. To see what can work for you, TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it simple to electrify your home's heating and cooling needs.

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