Home Battery Storage Without Solar in Arizona

When people think of home battery storage, they usually picture a system paired with rooftop solar panels, charging up during the day and powering the home at night. But did you know that you can install a battery without solar panels? While it might sound counterintuitive at first, there are benefits to using a home battery as a standalone system and it’s becoming increasingly popular for homeowners wanting to achieve some energy security without the added cost of solar panels - at least initially. 

Instead of storing excess solar energy, a battery charged from the utility grid can take advantage of time-of-use (TOU) pricing by charging up with cheaper electricity during off-peak hours and using that stored energy when rates are at their highest. It can also provide backup power during outages to keep your home running when the grid goes down. 

For homeowners who can’t install solar panels or aren’t ready to make the full investment in a solar and battery combination, a battery-only system can still offer energy savings and resilience in the event of a blackout. In this article, we’ll explore why some Arizona homeowners are choosing a home energy storage battery without solar, how it works, and things to consider before making the switch. 

Key takeaways: 

• Home battery storage isn’t just for solar power. You can install a home battery without solar panels and still enjoy cost savings and backup power during outages.
• Home batteries can reduce utility costs by allowing you to charge your battery when electricity is cheapest and use it during more costly on-peak hours. 
• Batteries can keep essential appliances running when the grid goes down, providing a fuel-free alternative to generators. 
• Energy storage can make your home more attractive to buyers who value energy-efficiency and cost savings. 
• Most home battery systems are solar-ready, which means you can still install solar panels in the future. 

What are home battery systems?

Home battery systems are batteries designed to store electricity for later use. These systems typically use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to store energy, either from the grid or from solar panels. When needed, the stored energy is converted back into usable electricity through an inverter, providing seamless power to your home. 

But modern home battery systems do more than just store power, they also come with smart features that help maximize efficiency and cost savings. These include:

• Automatic power switching during outages: When the grid goes down, the battery instantly kicks in to keep your lights on and essential devices running. 

• Time-based control: You can program your battery system to use stored energy during costlier on-peak rate periods to reduce your utility costs. 

• Remote monitoring & control: You can track your energy usage and battery status through a mobile app in real time and make adjustments as needed.

• Load management: Some systems can prioritize critical appliances so only your most important devices stay powered during extended power outages. 

How batteries work without solar

Don’t get us wrong, pairing a battery with solar is still the best way to achieve the most cost savings, lasting energy independence, and a greatly reduced carbon footprint. But we understand that budgets may require some homeowners to manage their switch to renewable energy in phases. Batteries can store grid power just as easily as solar power, making them a highly logical first step if you’re not quite ready for rooftop solar. 

Here’s how home batteries work without solar: 

Charging from the grid

Home batteries can charge directly from the grid. In this scenario, most people set their battery system up to charge from the grid during the cheapest off-peak hours when rates are at their lowest, and discharge during the most expensive on-peak times when rates are most expensive. This setup is simple: the battery connects to your home’s electrical panel and automatically draws power when needed.

Charging from a generator

If you have a backup generator, your home battery can also use it as a charging source. This setup ensures you have a steady power supply when solar energy isn’t available and the grid is compromised. However, you’ll need to choose a battery system with an advanced controller that can optimize the charging process by adjusting the battery’s charge rate. This maximizes efficiency while minimizing generator runtime. 

See Similar: Batteries or Generators: Which Backup Solution is Best for Your Home?

Charging from an EV (vehicle-to-load or V2L)

Some home batteries can even be charged using an electric vehicle using vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology. Instead of sending power back to the home’s electrical system (like more complex vehicle-to-home setups), V2L allows an EV to discharge energy directly to appliances or a battery backup system via an onboard inverter. This technology is still quite new, and not available from every EV, Inverter or battery system. It’s best to consult a trained solar and battery expert if powering your home with your EV is part of your plan. 

Why install solar batteries without solar panels?

But why install solar batteries without solar panels in the first place? Even though batteries were originally designed to store excess solar energy for later use, they can still benefit homeowners without rooftop solar. 

Here’s are some reasons why people install battery storage without solar: 

Roof limitations

Some roofs simply aren’t suitable for solar panels due to:

• Poor orientation: North-facing roofs in the southern hemisphere receive less sunlight, making solar less efficient. While you can still generate enough solar power to meet your needs or charge a battery, for some people the reduced production is not enough to offset the investment costs. 

• Shading & obstructions: Trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings can block sunlight and reduce solar output, making it unsuitable for certain homes or locations. 

• Limited space: Homes with small or complex roof designs might not have enough room for a viable solar array. 

• Structural issues: Some manufactured homes or mobile homes cannot support solar panels. Or perhaps the roof is aged and needs replacing. In these instances, batteries can still offer a way to save on energy costs and achieve a level of energy resilience. 

Housing restrictions

Not everyone owns a home with a private roof to install solar. Some restrictions on installing solar panels include:

• Apartments and townhouses: Many multi-unit buildings don’t allow individual solar installations. 

• Strata and HOA rules: Some communities have strict regulations that limit rooftop solar. 

• Rental properties: Tenants don’t have control over major home modifications like solar panel installations. 

Legal and zoning barriers

While the majority of homeowners can install solar, there’s a small minority that face local regulations that make it difficult. In certain areas, large solar arrays may require additional permits or compliance with aesthetic restrictions. In these situations, a home battery offers a more practical energy solution. 

Benefits of installing a home battery without solar

Although home batteries are most effective when paired with solar panels, they still offer plenty of advantages on their own. Let’s take a look at the benefits of installing a battery storage system without having solar power. 

Backup power during outages

One of the biggest reasons homeowners install a battery without solar is for emergency backup power. When the grid goes down due to storms, natural disasters, or infrastructure failures, a battery can keep your home powered. Unlike generators, storage batteries can instantly transfer power, operate quietly in the background, and don’t rely on dirty fossil fuels to generate electricity. Keep in mind, however, that if the grid outage is lasting, you will not be able to charge the battery once the stored energy is depleted. This is where solar panels will significantly bolster your homes energy resilience when paired with a battery. 

Read More: What Happens if You Have Solar and the Power Goes Out?

Lower energy bills through time shifting

Home batteries let you take advantage of time-of-use electricity rates. You can charge your battery when electricity prices are low and discharge when rates are high. This strategy, called time shifting, will help to further reduce electricity costs. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Charge your home batteries during off-peak hours, usually at midnight or late morning when electricity demand is low. 
2. Use your stored power during on-peak hours, usually late afternoon and early evening, to avoid expensive charges. 
3. Recharge your battery overnight to get through morning peak pricing. 

Avoid peak demand charges (peak shaving)

Some utilities charge demand tariffs, which are extra fees based on the highest amount of power you use during a single 30-minute (SRP) or 60-minute (APS) window during the monthly billing cycle. Rate plans with demand fees generally include cheaper kWh pricing, both on-peak and off-peak. Batteries are exceptionally good at avoiding demand fees, allowing the homeowner to tap into even cheaper kWh rates while avoiding demand fees altogether. This strategy is known as peak shaving. 

Think of it like this: your home’s energy use spikes at certain times, like when you get home from work and cycle up the AC, stove (for dinner) and maybe the washing machine - all within the first hour upon arriving home. This activity creates a short-term demand spike that would be costly on a typical demand plan. Home batteries can help reduce demand charges by supplying power during these spikes so you don’t pull as much from the grid. Like we stated above, these demand-based rate plans generally have much cheaper kWh pricing, so the potential for even greater savings is real once you know the game. 

Supporting the energy grid

Even without solar, installing a battery can help stabilize the grid by reducing stress during peak demand periods. This can benefit your local community by lowering the risk of brownouts and blackouts and reducing reliance on gas-powered peaker plants, which are costly and polluting. 

This means home batteries can still be a way to help out the environment, although not to the same extent as if you were generating your own renewable energy with solar panels. 

Future-proofing for rising electricity costs

Energy prices have been rising steadily and they’re unlikely to stop. Batteries can provide some protection against future rate hikes by allowing you to store cheaper electricity and reduce your dependence on the grid. 

Added resale value

Homes with energy storage can appeal to buyers looking for lower energy costs, energy-efficient home upgrades, and energy independence. This could increase the resale value of your home. 

Keep Reading: Selling Your Home With Solar Panels: Expert Guide 2025

Can you add solar panels later?

Yes! If you install a home battery now, you can still add solar panels to your home later. Most battery storage systems are designed to be ‘solar ready’, which means they can easily be integrated with a rooftop solar system when you’re ready. 

That said, you should let your installer know about your future solar plans beforehand to make the installation process smoother and more cost-effective. 

See: Should I Get Battery Storage for My Solar Energy System?

Things to consider when installing a battery before solar panels

If you’re starting with a battery and plan to install solar panels at some point in the future, here are some things to keep in mind:

Determine your energy needs

Choosing the right battery starts with understanding your daily energy use (kWh) and power demand (kW). If you’re not technically inclined, this is where an energy professional can help out. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we provide free consultations for anyone interested in home battery storage solutions. Our energy experts can help you analyze your electricity usage and recommend a system with the right capacity. 

Remember, if you plan to install solar panels in the future, then you’ll need to choose the right battery capacity to cover your future consumption habits and not just your current needs. 

See: Understanding Battery Amp Hours. A Comprehensive Look at Battery Capacity Measurement

Know your local regulations

Before investing in a home battery, it helps to check your local policies and utility regulations. Some areas have restrictions on how a battery can be connected to the grid, which will have an impact on needed equipment and price. It’s important to understand these rules in order to calculate investment and return. Don’t worry, we can help you wrap your head around these things during the consultation. 

Understand battery inverters

The battery inverter is a crucial component of your storage system. It controls how energy flows between your battery and home, converting grid power (AC) into stored power (DC) and back again when needed. Some batteries come with built-in inverters while others require a separate unit. 

If you plan to add solar panels later, it’s important to make sure your inverter is compatible with both battery storage and solar energy. 

Choose the right battery

Not all batteries are compatible with a battery-first approach (i.e. installing a battery before a solar system). If you want a battery that works without solar panels, look for one that supports AC coupling. This means it will be somewhat easier to integrate with your home’s electrical panel independently of solar panels. 

Continue Reading: How Long Do Solar Panel Batteries Last?

Should you get solar panels first?

If your home’s roof is suitable for solar, installing solar panels first is the easier and better choice. Solar panels generate clean, free electricity from the sun, which can significantly improve your home battery’s return on investment (while also helping reduce your carbon footprint!)

That said, if installing solar isn’t an option right now, starting with a battery can still provide a number of benefits, including backup power and lower electricity bills. Just know that your savings and payback period improve dramatically once solar panels are added. 

If you’d like further advice on installing home battery storage – with or without solar – contact our team for a free consultation.