Yes! You can claim a 30% Federal Tax Credit on your battery purchase, whether or not you have solar installed.   

Batteries with solar have been eligible for a 30% tax credit since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This was expanded in 2023 to include “standalone energy storage” solutions without solar. This means even if you already have solar and claimed the tax credit on your solar system, you can claim it again with your battery purchase.  

Batteries offer peace of mind during power outages by serving as a reliable backup source of electricity. Since Minnesota is a net metering state (excess energy produced goes to the grid and is compensated at the average retail rate), utilizing a battery for financial electrical savings is unrealistic. However, if regulations and time-of-day metering policies change, batteries could potentially provide a stronger return on investment. 

The number of batteries depends on what you want to power and for how long. 

• Basic Coverage: Most homes can be supported by one Tesla Powerwall 3.  
• Add-Ons: While sump, well, and heat pumps, air conditioning, and geothermal systems can be accommodated, adding an additional battery may be advisable. 
• Plan for Seasonal Performance: In MN, we’ll see considerably longer battery coverage in the summer due to the longer daylight hours.  The additional light allows the battery to recharge as it’s being deployed. In the winter months, a battery may take several days to fully charge from solar because of snow coverage and fewer light hours. 

Yes! You can add a battery to your current solar array, but it’s important to work with your solar professional to size the battery system appropriately.  

Your array’s AC size determines the minimum number of batteries required to work properly as a complete system. Batteries and solar must work together in ratio to prevent the solar array from overloading the battery system during peak production. 

You’ll want to look for an interior space close to your main service panel. An insulated garage is also an option. Batteries make a little noise, so it’s best not to have them in a bedroom.  Space requirements depend on the battery selected.  

Utilities in MN currently only allow charging your battery from the grid when the National Weather Service issues a “storm watch.”  If your batteries have a feature that detects this, they will automatically charge up. This can be adjusted in the settings. There is no current peak/off peak program that will allow the use of a battery. 

Time installing and commissioning batteries depends on the location of the batteries in relation to the meter and the main service panel. Typical installations that are located near the main electrical service panel usually take one day, and another day to commission the system.  

Adding a battery requires a utility interconnection application, just like when you install solar. Cedar Creek Energy will handle the process, including creating a plan set. The utility will process the application through their standard review. For Xcel, this can take 3 months.  

Energy storage systems generally require minimal maintenance, involving periodic checks on battery health, connections, and software updates.

The lifespan of an energy storage system depends on factors like technology, usage patterns, and maintenance. Typically, well-maintained systems can last around 5-15 years or more.