Solar Battery Backup Systems: How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season presents significant challenges for homeowners in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. As Hurricane Helene demonstrated in 2024, our region is vulnerable to severe weather events that can cause extended power outages. A solar power system with battery backup provides crucial energy independence during these challenging times, ensuring your home maintains power when you need it most.

How Solar Battery Backup Systems Work During Storms

With a solar battery system, excess energy generated by your solar panels fills your battery for use when needed. This stored energy provides reliable backup power during outages caused by hurricanes and severe storms. Battery storage systems are particularly effective for handling critical loads during power outages, ensuring essential systems in your home continue to function.

Sundance Power Systems can design a battery system calibrated to handle your most crucial power needs. Whether it’s keeping your refrigerator running, lights on, or water system pump operational, solar batteries ensure you maintain essential services during extended outages that commonly follow hurricanes.

Types of Battery Systems for Hurricane Preparedness

Several battery technologies are available for hurricane preparedness, each with unique advantages:

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

More thermally and chemically stable than standard lithium-ion, making it safer with less chance of fire—an important consideration during extreme weather events. These batteries offer higher peak power ratings and longer life, with no maintenance required once installed.

Lithium-Ion

While more expensive than lead acid options, lithium-ion batteries offer significant advantages for hurricane preparedness:

• Higher depth of discharge, allowing you to use more stored energy during extended outages

• Longer lifespan through higher cycle life

• Higher energy density (smaller footprint in your home)

• Higher round trip efficiency (less wasted energy)

• Virtually maintenance-free design

• Fast charging rates when power is available

Sealed Lead Acid and AGM Batteries

These battery types require less maintenance than traditional options and are considered safer. AGM batteries charge about 5 times faster than flooded lead acid batteries—an advantage when trying to prepare for an approaching storm.

Featured Solution: Fortress Power Avalon Battery System

Sundance Power Systems is a Diamond Level Installer of the Avalon Battery System by Fortress Power, offering an extended 25-year warranty. This system provides exceptional performance during hurricane season with its three-component design:

• High-capacity LiFePO4 Battery: Stores substantial energy for extended outages

• Reliable Inverter: Converts DC power to AC household current

• Smart Energy Panel (SEP): The focal point managing power flow between different sources (inverter output, grid, generator, and solar) in a seamless automated manner

This advanced system ensures you maintain power even when your neighbors are in the dark.

Hurricane Helene Response: Sundance in Action

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. Sundance Power Systems assisted the Footprint Project in emergency deployment of mobile solar power systems, bringing critical power to communities in need. This experience further enhanced our expertise in designing resilient power systems that withstand extreme weather events.

Current Incentives Make Hurricane Preparedness More Affordable

Now is an ideal time to invest in a solar battery system for hurricane preparedness:

• Duke Energy PowerPair Program: Offers up to $9,000 in direct payouts

• Federal Tax Credit: 30% tax credit on battery systems (now available even for standalone batteries without solar)

• Combined Savings: Average customers save 52% on their solar system with battery backup

These incentives make hurricane season preparedness more affordable than ever before.

Take Action: Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to secure your home’s power. With hurricane seasons becoming increasingly unpredictable and intense, now is the time to invest in resilient power solutions.

Contact Sundance Power Systems today to begin a conversation about how to design a solar power system with solar batteries that will keep your home powered through any storm.

Hurricane Preparedness FAQ: Solar Battery Backup

How does battery backup differ from a traditional generator during hurricanes?

Unlike generators that require fuel (which may be difficult to obtain during disasters), solar battery systems store energy from your solar panels or can charge from the grid before a storm. They operate silently, without emissions, and transition seamlessly during power outages without manual intervention.

What household items can I power with a battery system during a hurricane-related outage?

Our Renewable Energy Consultants will help you determine the most efficient way to use your backup power. Typically, critical systems include refrigeration to prevent food spoilage, lighting for safety, water pumps for well systems, medical equipment, and essential electronics. The system is designed based on your specific priorities.

How long will my battery system provide power during an extended outage?

The duration depends on your battery capacity and energy usage. We conduct a thorough load analysis to design a system that meets your specific needs. Systems can be designed to provide power for days, especially when paired with solar panels that recharge batteries when sun is available between storm systems.

Can a battery system be damaged during a hurricane?

Battery systems are typically installed indoors (in garages, utility rooms, or basements) where they’re protected from the elements. The outdoor components of solar+battery systems are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds, when properly installed by experienced professionals.

Will my battery system work if my solar panels are damaged in a storm?

Yes. If your solar panels are damaged, battery storage systems can still provide backup power for critical loads until repairs can be made. The battery will have stored energy from before the storm, and if connected to the grid, can potentially recharge when grid power is restored, even if your solar system is temporarily compromised.

Do battery systems require special maintenance to prepare for hurricane season?

Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate battery systems require minimal maintenance. However, it’s wise to ensure your system is functioning properly before hurricane season begins. Sundance offers service plans to ensure your system is ready when you need it most.

Don’t Face Another Hurricane Season Unprepared

The 2024 hurricane season demonstrated how vulnerable our power infrastructure can be to severe weather. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, having a reliable backup power source is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Contact Sundance Power Systems today at (828) 645-2080 to discuss how a custom-designed solar battery solution can provide peace of mind and security during hurricane season and beyond. Our team of experts has been designing and installing battery backup systems since 1995, with real-world experience supporting communities through Hurricane Helene and other severe weather events.

Take advantage of current incentives and prepare your home for the next storm. Your family’s comfort and safety are worth the investment.

Sundance Power Systems – Empowering Western NC and Upstate SC with Solar Since 1995

With Duke Energy’s PowerPair incentives and the enhanced federal tax credit, there has never been a better time to explore solar battery backup. Investing in your energy independence with solar is a great start. Adding battery power is a smart way to maintain reliable power and maximize the work your solar panels are doing.

Contact Sundance Power Systems today to begin your journey toward energy security and independence.

What factors should I consider when choosing a solar battery?

Consider your energy needs, budget, available space, and what you want to power during outages. Key technical specifications to evaluate include peak power (surge capacity), depth of discharge (DoD), round trip efficiency, retention rate, cycle life, and warranty terms. Our Renewable Energy Consultants can guide you through these considerations.

How does battery storage help during North Carolina’s seasonal storms?

In Western North Carolina, homes and businesses are susceptible to power outages during strong summer thunderstorms and blustery winter weather. A battery storage system provides seamless backup power during these outages, keeping your critical systems running. This means your refrigerator stays on, your lights work, and your water system pump continues to operate.

Can I add a generator to my battery system?

Yes! Many modern battery systems offer generator integration, which means a generator can be integrated to communicate with the inverter to charge the batteries when needed, and/or power the back-up loads when necessary. This creates a comprehensive backup power solution.

How long will a battery system power my home during an outage?

The duration depends on the battery capacity and your energy usage. Our design team performs a thorough load analysis to determine which essential appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. We then size your battery system to provide the appropriate backup duration for your specific needs.

What maintenance is required for different battery types?

Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries are virtually maintenance-free. Sealed lead acid (AGM and gel) batteries require minimal maintenance. Flooded lead acid batteries need the most attention, requiring periodic inspection and maintenance including checking water levels and cleaning terminals.

Don’t wait for the next power outage to consider your energy security options. With current incentives reducing costs by up to 52%, solar battery storage is more affordable than ever.

Contact Sundance Power Systems today at (828) 645-2080 to schedule a consultation with our expert team. Or check out this link to get your solar inquiry started: https://www.sundancepower.com/quote-for-solar-radiant-floor-heating-wind-energy/

We’ll help you design a solar battery solution that provides peace of mind and energy independence for decades to come!

Sundance Power Systems – Empowering Western NC and Upstate SC with Solar Since 1995