Solar Battery Storage Myths

Written by Faith Foushee/

Edited by Jamie Cesanek/

Last updated 01/19/2024

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• Solar batteries store excess energy from the power grid or generated by solar panels.
• You can save money using stored energy during power outages, peak demand hours, and when the sun is less available.
• Solar battery myths and misinformation may mislead consumers considering a solar investment. We’ll help clear up some common fallacies you may encounter when shopping for solar battery storage.

Myths about battery energy storage

Transitioning to clean energy is a growing topic of importance as more Americans recognize the benefits and money savings of renewable sources, like solar energy. A survey by FranklinWH Energy Storage shows that 73% of Americans are unaware of energy price increases and are interested in solar energy but need to learn about the benefits. While installing solar and battery storage on your home may be a wise investment, misconceptions about the cost and benefits prevent widespread adoption.

SaveOnEnergy interviewed Vincent Ambrose, the chief commercial officer for FranklinWH, who asked, “Solar adoption will be key for the industry, but how do we educate 330 million customers?”

Education starts with clearing a few misconceptions about battery storage. Learn about what solar batteries are and how you can benefit from installing a home solar battery storage system.

Myth 1: Batteries are not worth the cost.

Solar batteries are a valuable addition to a solar panel system. They can help you increase energy independence and save money over time but require an additional cost. The cost of the best solar batteries ranges from about $7,400 to $20,000. Local and federal incentives are available to offset the cost. For example, applying the Residential Clean Energy Credit reduces the range to $5,180–$14,000.

“If you live somewhere with cheap electricity, adding a battery may not create as much value. If you live in a state like California, where electricity rates are high, solar home batteries create value from day one,” Ambrose explained.

According to FranklinWH, adding battery storage creates $5,200 to $13,800 in net present value (NPV) in California, depending on the utility. The NPV indicates that your battery storage investment offers long-term financial benefits. As other states modify regulatory policies, battery storage may create more value for your home and savings on energy bills.

Myth 2: Battery storage is not long-lasting.

Advancements in battery technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, have significantly improved the durability and longevity of battery storage. The industry standard warranty for solar home batteries is 10 years, and some companies, like FranklinWH and sonnen, extend the warranty to 12 or 15 years. A solar battery’s lifespan depends on many factors, such as usage patterns, depth of discharge, and maintenance practices. If your battery’s warranty includes unlimited charge and discharge cycles, you can use it daily to maximize efficiency without compromising warranty coverage.

Ambrose explained one example of how usage can impact a battery’s lifespan. “If two people buy a battery at the same time and one person uses it daily while the other uses it only for home backup during an outage — in 12 years, the one using it every day may be at 70% of its original capacity while the other is at 95%. The value a battery provides is different for each individual.”

Myth 3: I don’t qualify for the federal solar tax credit.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit is part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and offers a 30% credit to offset the cost of solar equipment, including battery energy storage systems. The credit can reduce or offset the amount you owe in income taxes. All income brackets are eligible to apply for the solar tax credit. If your tax liability is less than the credit, you can roll over the remaining credit for up to five years.

For example, if you purchase the Franklin Home Power solar battery for $18,000, you are eligible to receive a $5,400 tax credit. If you owe $3,000 in taxes, you can only receive $3,000 worth of the credit. The remaining balance would apply toward the following year’s income tax payment.

Installing solar panels and battery storage systems on your home can provide significant benefits, like saving money on your energy bills. Learn more about the best solar companies and available incentives in your area to maximize your investment.

Learn more about solar battery storage

BYD Battery-Box Delta BX6.3 Battery Franklin Home Power Battery Sonnen Eco Solar Battery