Home battery

The next big step after installing solar panels on your roof is to install big batteries in your garage. That way you can manage your power better and have plenty on hand during power outages. The slickest off-the-shelf solution is a Tesla Powerwall. The non-Tesla alternative we went with is about the same price ($12,000 per 13 kwh) and capacity, but with a slightly longer warranty. We installed two Franklin lithium iron phosphate batteries, the standard composition for homes. Instead of feeding our electrons back into the grid at a low price, we get to use all the energy we produce during evenings and nights, and for charging our electric car. And during storms, we keep the lights and refrigerators on. Franklin is a complicated system installed by pros. For the true do-it-yourselfer who wants the cheapest possible home battery system, go to BigBattery.com to get your gear. — KK