Installing solar panels with battery storage can help you stay safer during extended power outages while reducing reliance on the grid. A battery can store excess solar energy to use overnight, during cloudy periods, during peak demand times, or when the power goes out.
The goal is not to keep your entire home running as usual during outages. Instead, a properly designed system can provide power for essential services that help you stay safe, connected, and comfortable until regular power is restored.
The right system depends on your household needs, but a typical residential setup might include:
Rebates of up to 50% (max of $10,000) may be available for Ontario homeowners. See details below.
✅ Refrigerator and freezer
Helps prevent food loss during extended outages and is especially important for households storing temperature-sensitive medications.
✅ Lighting
LED lighting uses very little energy, allowing battery power to last longer.
✅ Internet, Wi-Fi, and device charging
Helps you stay connected to emergency information, family, and services.
✅ Medical equipment
May support essential equipment such as CPAP machines or other devices. Always confirm requirements with your installer.
✅ Well pump and water systems
Especially important for rural homes. Pumps require careful system sizing because they use a high amount of power when starting.
✅ Sump pump
Can be important during storms or flooding events.
✅ Small appliances
Items such as a microwave, coffee maker, or toaster may be used selectively.
⚠️ Electric heating
Heat pumps and electric furnaces can use a large amount of energy. A battery that powers lights and refrigeration for days may only run electric heating for a much shorter period.
⚠️ Electric water heaters
These are high-energy appliances and are usually not a priority during backup operation.
⚠️ Electric stove or oven
May be possible briefly but is not usually practical for a multi-day outage.
⚠️ Air conditioning
Typically requires more energy than a standard home battery system can provide.
⚠️ Running the whole home as normal
Most residential battery systems are designed for essential needs, not full household operation.
A typical 13.5 kWh battery might support essential needs such as:
With careful energy management, a system may provide 1–3 days of backup without solar input.
With good sunlight, solar panels can recharge the battery during the day, potentially extending backup power for many days.
Performance will vary depending on:
Household energy use
The Home Renovation Savings Program is an Ontario energy efficiency program delivered through provincial energy agencies and utilities, with support from the Government of Ontario.
Ontario homeowners connected to the provincial electricity grid may be eligible for rebates:
Solar panels: Up to $5,000 back
Battery energy storage: Up to $5,000 back
Learn more: Home Renovation Savings – Go solar
Important note: Program eligibility, requirements, and rebate amounts can change. Always confirm current details with the program provider and a qualified installer before making investment decisions.
The information in this article is provided for general information purposes only and is not legal, financial, or commercial advice.
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