System Size: 4 kW Solar, 11 kW Energy StorageAvg. Monthly bill before solar: $174Est. Monthly bill after solar: $11Total est. savings over life of system: $50,833Est. Annual Electricity Offset: 99%

Making the Switch to Solar + Storage

As power companies struggle to maintain an aging electrical grid in the face of increasing fires and other climate events, dealing with rotating power outages has become a way of life for many Californians. Like many homeowners, Thomas S. decided it was time to make the switch to solar + energy storage—giving his suburban Sacramento home on-demand backup power for any grid outages, planned or otherwise.

Working with Solar Hut, an award-winning SunPower dealer based in Diamond Springs, California, Thomas chose the SunPower Equinox® solution—an all-in-one solar system + a SunVault® energy storage system. The team designed a compact, 11-panel system for his home. With the integrated SunVault energy storage system, the Equinox solution is expected to provide 99% of the home's power.

Going solar for backup power has become increasingly common across the U.S. In fact, 70% of those considering solar plan to include a battery in their system, according to a recent SunPower study.

But backup power was only one of Thomas's reasons for switching to solar. Saving money was also key.

On this point, SunPower Equinox also delivers. The system produces up to 55% more energy over 25 years compared with conventional solar.¹ That means Thomas could install fewer panels on his roof, and still expect to save around $2,000 per year, or about $50,000 over the life of the system.

Powering through Peak Demand

Depending on the homeowner's preferences, the SunVault storage system can kick in with stored energy during peak demand times or at night when solar is not available. It also can send excess energy back to the grid for additional savings through net metering.

Thomas keeps tabs on his solar output with the mySunPower® app.

"The app is easy to use, and I love tracking the system every day." Thomas notes. "I'm very happy with the all-in-one system."

Going solar was a rewarding experience on many levels. Thomas's project was recently recognized with the 2021 SunPower Intelegant Award for the quality of the design and installation as well as homeowner satisfaction.

With on-demand backup power and award-winning aesthetics, solar + storage is a winning combination.

1 SunPower 400 W, 22.6% efficient, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (280 W multi, 17% efficient, approx. 1.64 m²), 8% more energy per watt (based on PVSim runs for avg US climate), 0.5%/yr slower degradation rate (Jordan, et. al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application. PVSC 2018).