by Synergy Solar | Aug 18, 2026 | Battery Storage Systems
You’re thinking about an electric vehicle, maybe a heat pump for the winter, and your old pool pump already runs most of the day. So a fair question comes up: can a solar and battery storage system really run all of that at once?
The short answer is yes, when the system is sized to how your home actually uses electricity. A well-designed setup can power your daily life and your biggest appliances, and that includes electric vehicle charger installation in Sonoma County paired with the right solar panels and storage.
Here are 5 big home loads solar can power, and what makes each one work.
Key takeaways
- Solar and storage can run big loads like EV chargers, heat pumps, pools, and major appliances when the system is sized to your real usage.
- It’s best to run larger loads during solar hours whenever possible to use as much solar power directly from your roof before exporting it back to the grid.
- A battery is what lets stored solar run those loads at night and during peak-rate hours.
- Some homes need a panel upgrade before adding an EV charger or new electric appliances.
- Synergy Solar sizes systems from your actual PG&E usage data and the loads you plan to add.
How Solar and Storage Can Power Even the Biggest Appliances
How much of your home runs on solar comes down to the system’s design. The size of your array, the battery you pair with it, and your electrical panel together decide how much your home can run on its own power.
Synergy Solar sizes each system from your actual PG&E usage data, plus any loads you plan to add, like an EV or a heat pump. That way the system fits the home you’ll have in 5 years, not just today.
1. Electric Vehicle Chargers
An EV is one of the biggest loads you can add to a home, and charging from solar means many of those miles come from your roof instead of the grid. Synergy installs Level 2 home chargers, and because they hold a C10 electrical license, they handle electric vehicle charger installation in Sonoma County from start to finish, wiring and panel work included.
- A Level 2 charger refills your car far faster than a standard wall outlet.
- Pairing the charger with solar and a battery lets you do some charging overnight on stored daytime power.
- Synergy advises on charger placement and the circuit your home needs.
Why it matters: Adding an EV can raise a home’s electricity use by a lot, so it’s worth sizing your solar with that charger in mind from day one.
2. Modern Heating and Cooling Systems
Heat pumps handle both heating and cooling with electricity, and they’re a common upgrade as people move off gas furnaces. They draw the most power during a heat wave or a cold snap, and a solar system can cover that load.
- A heat pump replaces a gas furnace and a separate AC unit with one electric system.
- Solar offsets the daytime cooling that spikes your summer bills.
- A battery keeps the system running during a PG&E outage.
Heads up: Cooling tends to peak in the late afternoon, when utility rates are highest, so storing solar for those hours saves the most.
3. Pools and Spas
Pool pumps and spa heaters run for hours, which makes them one of the steadier loads in a home. Because they mostly run during daylight, they pair well with solar production.
- A pool pump often runs several hours a day, every day.
- Running it on solar during peak sun hours trims a big recurring cost.
- A spa heater is a heavy electric load that solar and storage can support.
Pro tip: Set your pool pump to run during midday sun so it draws straight from your panels.
4. Major Electric Appliances
As homes move off gas, more big appliances run on electricity: induction cooktops, electric dryers, ovens, and heat pump water heaters. Each one adds to your daily load, and a solar system sized for them keeps up.
- Induction cooktops and electric ranges replace gas in the kitchen.
- A heat pump water heater uses much less energy than an old electric tank, and solar covers it well.
- Electric dryers and ovens add to the daily load your system should account for.
Why it matters: Every appliance you electrify is a load to plan for, which is why Synergy designs around the home you’re growing into.
5. Battery Storage for 24HR Use
Solar produces during the day, and most homes use the majority of power in the evening.
A battery stores your daytime production so your EV, your HVAC, and your appliances can run on it after the sun goes down. Synergy installs storage with most systems for this reason.
- A backup battery powers your home through PG&E outages and PSPS shutoffs, automatically.
- It stores cheaper daytime solar for use during expensive evening rate hours.
- Synergy commonly uses LFP batteries for their strong safety profile.
Why it matters: Without storage, extra solar goes back to the grid at today’s low buyback rates, so a battery is what lets you actually use what you make.
Call Synergy Solar today for solar and EV charger installation
If you’re weighing an EV, a heat pump, or a fuller switch to electric, a system sized for those loads keeps your home running on its own power. Synergy can walk your roof, check your panel, and size it all in one free visit.
Reach out to our professional team today!
📞 Call Synergy Solar: (707) 244-7300
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FAQs About Solar
Can my solar system really power an EV charger and my AC at the same time?
Yes, when the system is sized for both and depending on the time of day and year. Synergy looks at your real usage and the loads you plan to add, then designs the system and battery to cover them.
Do I need an electrical panel upgrade to add an EV charger?
Sometimes. Older panels can’t always support an EV charger plus new electric appliances. Synergy checks your panel during the site visit and handles electrical panel upgrades in-house, since they hold a C10 electrical license.
How does a battery help power big loads?
A battery stores your daytime solar so your home can run big loads at night and during outages. It also shifts cheaper daytime energy into expensive evening hours.
Will adding solar for an EV affect my current net metering?
In many cases you can expand an array and add a battery without losing your existing NEM (Net Energy Metering) status. Synergy stays current on the rules and will tell you what applies to your system.
How do I find out what size system my home needs?
Start with a free in-person visit. Synergy reviews your roof, your panel, and your PG&E usage data, then sizes a system for the home you’ll have in a few years.
by Justin Hiner | Nov 8, 2024 | Battery Storage Systems, Uncategorized
Testing Your FranklinWH Battery Backup System
Testing your FranklinWH Home Power system periodically ensures you’re prepared for unexpected outages and changes in energy needs throughout the year. This step-by-step guide will help you evaluate your system’s reliability across various conditions, from extreme temperatures to seasonal shifts in power demands.
Regular testing is beneficial for several reasons:
- Step 1: Start With a Safety Check
Before testing, review the user manual to get familiar with the system’s components and functions. Ensure that you know the location of your emergency shut-off switch. If you’re new to the system, it’s a good idea to have a second person nearby during the testing process.
Step 2: Check Battery Levels in the App
Make sure your FranklinWH battery has a sufficient charge level, ideally around 50% or higher, to simulate realistic conditions. Use the FranklinWH app to view the current charge level and system status. The app provides detailed, real-time data on energy storage and usage, which will be valuable throughout the test.
Step 3: Going Off-Grid – Simulating a Power Outage
To see how your system responds during a power outage, you can disconnect from the grid in two ways:
- Use the FranklinWH App’s Off-Grid Option: Within the app, go to Tools and select Go Off-Grid. This setting automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid and switches to battery backup. After a brief delay, the system should seamlessly begin powering your essential loads.
- Main Breaker Alternative: For those who prefer a manual approach, you can turn off the main breaker at your home’s circuit panel. This simulates a utility grid outage, causing the FranklinWH system to activate backup power mode.
The preferred method to test the system, is to locate your main circuit breaker panel and turn off the main breaker which will mimic an actual outage and give you a more realistic experience. Both methods will allow you to evaluate your battery’s response and efficiency in delivering backup power.
Step 4: Observe How the System Powers Essential Loads
With your system now in backup mode, monitor how it handles powering essential devices. The FranklinWH app provides real-time information on power consumption and battery levels, helping you track energy use and see how long your battery might sustain your critical loads.
- Experiment with Various Devices: Power up essential devices like TV’s or lighting circuits. By testing different combinations, you’ll get a better sense of how long the battery will last in these conditions.
- Monitor Discharge Rates: Watching the app’s real-time data, note the discharge rate and see how long the battery can sustain higher loads versus minimal power requirements.
Step 5: Extend Testing Periods for Deeper Insights
Running your home on battery power for different lengths of time—such as 30 minutes, an hour, or longer—can help you understand the system’s endurance. This insight is particularly helpful in understanding backup limits for longer outages or periods of heightened power demand.
Step 6: Restore Your System to Grid Mode
When the test is complete, simply reconnect to the utility grid. If using the app’s Grid Control setting, switch back to normal operation. For manual users, restore power by turning the main breaker back on. Your system will return to regular operation and begin recharging the battery for future needs.
Step 7: Review and Record Your Test Results
Once the test is complete, use the data captured in the app to evaluate system performance. Look for any areas where the battery may have discharged faster than expected or instances where specific appliances impacted runtime significantly.
Step 8: Re-Test Across Different Seasons and Conditions
For best results, plan to test your FranklinWH system periodically throughout the year. Seasonal changes in sunlight, temperature, and energy demands can impact system performance, so testing in various conditions is valuable.
- Hot Weather: Test during high-demand summer months to see how the battery handles cooling loads.
- Cold Weather: Winter testing reveals how shorter days and lower temperatures impact battery duration and performance.
- Rain and Humidity: Observe performance during wet or humid weather. FranklinWH systems are designed for durability, but periodic testing under these conditions can verify system resilience.
Conclusion
Regularly evaluating your FranklinWH system gives you valuable insights into its functionality and capacity to meet your backup needs. By following these steps, you’ll gain peace of mind, knowing your battery is ready to provide reliable power when it matters most.
by Justin Hiner | Nov 8, 2024 | Battery Storage Systems, Uncategorized
Testing Your Enphase Battery Backup System: A Step-by-Step Guide
In an age where energy independence and sustainability are increasingly important, having a reliable battery backup system is crucial for powering your home during outages and in emergencies. Enphase, a leader in renewable energy solutions, offers battery backup systems that provide seamless power continuity. To ensure your system’s functionality, periodic testing is essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of testing your Enphase battery backup system.
Why Test Your Enphase Battery Backup System?
Testing your Enphase battery backup system is crucial for several reasons:
- Performance Verification: Regular testing ensures that your battery system is operating as intended, storing, and releasing energy efficiently.
- Early Issue Detection: Testing can help identify any potential issues before they escalate, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing system downtime.
- Optimal Utilization: By understanding how to monitor and manage your battery system, you can make the most of the energy it stores, leading to potential cost savings.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start, make sure to follow safety precautions. Familiarize yourself with your system’s user manual and locate the battery emergency shut-off switch in case you need to stop the test.
Step 2: Verify Battery Charge
Ensure that your Enphase battery backup system has enough charge to perform the test. It’s recommended to have at least 50% battery charge before testing. You can check the battery charge level through your Enphase Enlighten monitoring platform or the Enlighten app.
Step 3: Simulate a Power Outage
To test the functionality of your Enphase battery backup system, you’ll need to simulate a power outage. This can be done through the Enphase monitoring app or by switching off the main electrical supply to your home. In the app under the menu/settings/grid control there is a toggle button that says “go off grid” once that button is pressed the system should go off grid within about a minute. The preferred method to test the system, is to locate your main circuit breaker panel and turn off the main breaker which will mimic an actual outage and activate your battery backup system. Both are suitable for the test but the circuit breaker is more real world.
Step 4: Monitor Battery Performance
As you simulate the power outage, keep a close eye on your battery backup system’s performance. Your Enphase monitoring app should display real-time data, showcasing how much energy is being drawn from the battery and how long the system can sustain your essential loads.
Step 5: Time the Test
During the simulation, experiment with running your household on battery power for different time intervals, such as 30 minutes, an hour, or more. This exercise will enable you to assess the battery’s ability to support your energy requirements and identify any necessary adjustments during power outages. It will provide insights into the system’s durability and its suitability for serving as a backup power source, helping you gain a better understanding of its capabilities.
Step 6: Restore Power
When the test is complete, simply reconnect to the utility grid. If using the app’s Grid Control setting, switch back to normal operation. For manual users, restore power by turning the main breaker back on. Your system will return to regular operation and begin recharging the battery for future needs.
Step 7: Review the Results
Take a moment to review the data collected during the test. Did your Enphase battery backup system perform as expected? Did it provide power for the estimated duration? If you encounter any issues or notice discrepancies, consult your user manual, reach out to your installer, or Enphase customer support for guidance.
Step 8: Regular Testing
It’s important to conduct battery backup system tests regularly. Test your system’s performance during different seasons. Solar energy production and energy consumption can vary, so understanding these patterns ensures year-round reliability. Enphase recommends testing your system at least once every six months to ensure its continued reliability. Regular testing helps you identify any potential issues early and provides peace of mind knowing your backup system is ready when you need it most.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can confidently test your Enphase battery backup system and ensure that it’s prepared to provide uninterrupted power during outages. Remember, a well-maintained battery backup system is an investment in your home’s energy resilience and sustainability.
![Be Like Ben; Capture the Power]()
by Synergy Solar | Mar 18, 2024 | Battery Storage Systems, Solar Installation
Did you know that Ben Franklin stood in the protection of his barn and collected the static electricity in a bottle? We’ve come a long way and it is mind boggling where science has taken us. I am grateful and embrace all that I have gained from science, including solar power and storage that lets us power our lives. Solar batteries work a bit better than the jug Ben used, but he was on the right track! Now is the time for you to experiment with getting solar. Here’s why:
The truth is that our electric utility has raised rates over 50% between 2021 and 2024 and has no intention of stopping. We know it’s not going to stop because of the proposals PG&E has submitted and are waiting for the CA Public Utilities Commission to review. We have very little control of our for-profit utility company, but investing in solar and storage does help protect you from these rising, no-end-in-sight rates that we are subject to. Here’s how it works…
The Reality
I’ve heard a lot of frustrated folks suggest they want to go completely off grid and disconnect from PG&E. This tends to be, unfortunately, very impractical. What you can do is install solar and a battery system which allows you to store your excess solar instead of exporting it to the grid for mere pennies. You use that power past sunset, delaying and reducing the power you import from the utility and bringing your utility bill down, down, down.
This is an investment. We get that. For many, including myself, it may mean taking out a loan to finance the solar. (Ask us about resources.) By investing in a solar & battery system now, you are reducing your reliance on the utility for electricity, reducing the load on the grid making it more resilient, reducing the moving target of PG&E rate hikes and instead, if you are like me, pay a fixed fee on the loan. Many of the systems we install today will pay for themselves in 5-7 years. Going solar puts you in control of costs and protects you from the unpredictability of rising utility rates.
Also, in case you hadn’t heard, you can get a federal tax credit of 30% of your solar and storage contract. Now of course we recommend you check with your tax preparer, but it seems you can even spread this credit out over multiple years. Another reason that it’s a great time to install solar and get a great return on your investment and increase your property value.
The Numbers
Here’s what it boils down to.
In February of 2024 the average amount spent on a kWh of power in Sonoma County is 45 cents. Over the last four years the average rate increase has been about 12%. If we are conservative and say the utility will increase rates about 4% a year then in ten years, that same kWh is going to cost you .67 cents.
Not much in itself, but keep in mind that the average homeowner in Sonoma County uses about 9,720 kWh a year, that adds up to an increase of more than $2000 a year.
At Synergy, we aim for a system design that will greatly reduce your bill over the course of the year. Even if you are like me and need to take out a loan to pay for the system, it can be an excellent financial investment. Every household scenario is different and we would want to review the details with you to make sure it is a sound investment for YOU, but the graph below shows how much you would pay per kWh if you do nothing and continue to pay the utility’s increasing rates versus if you take out a loan or go with SCEIP. It’s a picture of what it might look like based on a solar and a savings battery system with SCEIP financing at the current rate of 7.49% and assumes you take the federal tax credit. By dividing the cost of an average solar & savings battery system by the average kWh of solar produced, the graph indicates that you will very quickly be paying less per kilowatt than if you don’t invest in solar.
This chart is very generalized and each homeowner’s situation is unique (which is why you need an experienced, committed installer to show you the numbers). However, generally speaking, even with a loan, you’re going to be paying less per kWh because the loan amount is set and there’s nothing set about PG&E rates.
More Info
If you are able to participate in what we call “fuel switching” all the better. Fuel switching is about changing your gas appliances (typically heater, water heater, dryer and range) for electric ones. Synergy can design a system for you taking these future changes into consideration, then you can reduce your gas bill, which also has been going up, up, up like a kite. Evidence has begun to show that gas appliances in the home is not so good for you. (There goes science again.) If you haven’t heard of it, Sonoma Clean Power’s Advanced Energy Center in downtown Santa Rosa can show you about fuel switching options.
Along those same lines of fuel switching, if you are expecting to get an electric vehicle (more science happening) in the next five years, this too can run on the sunshine you collect, further reducing your costs. Check with Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) about the low cost Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers they have. Here at Synergy, we are particularly interested in the new EV charger coming out from Enphase Energy which we anticipate to be part of SCP’s program soon. We like this product because of its ability to integrate with your Enphase system and charge directly from your excess solar. Synergy holds an Electrical Contractor License and can install your charger and install electric panel upgrades.
Oh, and let’s not forget the convenience and safety factor that comes with having a back-up battery system in a time of unpredictable weather patterns. Not long after my family installed a solar and storage system, there was a rainstorm while I was out and my husband was home. This is an actual text exchange that happened:
ME: I just got an alert from PG&E that the power is out.
HUSBAND: Yeah, just for a second there was a blip.
ME: (Checks solar app) Looks like we’re running off battery. The grid is out!
Five minutes later….
HUSBAND: Ok Gramma is all set under her electric blanket and the slow cooker is still humming along. Dinner will be ready when you get home.
In a nutshell: Solar is still a great investment.
Before I could even finish this article and get it published, PG&E raised their rates two more times. There is much to know about solar and we at Synergy are committed to answering your questions. Even if you’re not a math-head, we can help you learn about the return on your investment in solar and storage. PG&E has made it more complicated recently to calculate the numbers which will drive a lot of solar installers out of California, but we have been doing this a long time and are willing to figure it out. Solar IS still a great investment and we have the expertise to help you with that investment. Be like Ben; capture the power.
by Mike Pane | Feb 27, 2024 | Battery Storage Systems, Uncategorized
The Importance of Energy Storage
Synergy Solar has over 20 years of experience installing solar and want to continue to install solar in a responsible way that supports the grid. Long ago, we anticipated the utility changes and started installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS), aka. batteries, with all our solar installations with few exceptions. Here are some of the reasons ESS are so important.
Grid Strengthening
As PG&E “strengthens” the grid we are finding there are more power outages in places that had been having less. To reduce wildfires and other safety issues due to downed power lines PG&E has been installing safety switches on the lines that quickly detect an issue such as a tree branch falling on a line. These switches will disconnect power much like the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles in your kitchen or bathroom. This makes things safer but increases power outages. With many folks working remotely, having medical needs that require power or just like to keep the refrigerator on, ESS have become the best clean, quiet backup power source.
How Batteries Support the Power Grid
We are lucky to live where many households have adopted solar. This is good but many folks are out of the house midday when their solar is producing the most energy and a lot of solar gets exported to the grid. This causes issues for the grid, especially during high solar production times of the year. When you use an ESS to store and then self-consume your solar energy it reduces expensive, peak-priced electricity consumption and peak strain on the grid. The following day your ESS will recharge from your solar, which reduces the strain on the grid that spinning the meter backwards with excess solar causes. We all know too well that the grid needs help, and having energy storage as part of your system is a great way to contribute. Helping the grid be more stable and reliable benefits everyone as we move into the energy future.
Net Billing Tariff (NBT) vs. Net Energy Metering (NEM)
NBT and NEM define how you’re compensated for solar energy exported to the grid. Under today’s NBT rules, solar without storage rarely makes financial sense. The big change is how utilities credit the energy you “spin” backwards. Under NEM 1 and NEM 2, credits were worth the same as the energy you bought, so systems were designed to overproduce in summer, bank credits, and use them in winter, often resulting in a minimal annual true-up.
Now, exported energy is credited at much lower values for most of the year, so good system design focuses on minimizing exports. Adding energy storage lets you store excess solar during the day and use it during peak times and after sunset. The system manages this automatically. Batteries aren’t sized to carry all your summer surplus into winter, so some exporting will still occur, but far less than with solar alone.
by Synergy Solar | Feb 1, 2024 | Battery Storage Systems, Community Support, Solar Installation, Uncategorized
In keeping with Synergy’s goals of sustainability and community support, we want to remind you about our School Program. We started the program in 2011 and want to get it jump started again. Synergy is committed to contributing to the local community and making a positive impact on education and the environment. We hope to be able to contribute to ten schools this year under our School Program.
The program is pretty simple. We will make donation to a Sonoma County school, either public or private, for every system installation purchased by a Sonoma County school community member. Our goal is to encourage the use of clean energy and support local education. Please let us know by contract signing.
Here’s how the Synergy Solar School Program works:
- $500 for Solar with Savings Battery: School community members opting for a solar system with a savings battery will not only enjoy the benefits of sustainable energy but will also contribute $500 towards their designated school.
- $500 for Battery Only Addition to an Existing Solar System: School community members who already have a solar system in place and wish to enhance their system by adding energy storage capabilities, Synergy Solar will donate $500 to the chosen school for every battery added.
- $1000 for New Solar System with Backup Battery: School community members opting for a new solar system with a backup battery not only ensure energy independence but also secure a $1000 donation for their local school.
We aim to create synergy not just between solar energy and your home, but also between environmental consciousness and educational empowerment. The School Program not only benefits the schools financially but also serves as an educational opportunity for students to witness firsthand the positive impact of renewable energy. We hope this program will encourage the adoption of solar energy solutions and strengthen the ties between the company and our community where we live, work, play and learn.
“As Sonoma County community members, business owners and parents who have children that have attended school in Sonoma County, I feel it is important to support the next generation. By supporting Sonoma County schools we are investing in the future for our community.” –Mike Pane, CEO of Synergy Solar.
As Synergy Solar continues its dedication to the community, the School Program stands as a testament to the company’s belief that sustainable practices and community support go hand in hand. The program is already in motion, with Synergy Solar excited to continue to contribute positive changes to local communities and the environment alike. Contact us today if you would like to help us reach our goal of contributing to ten schools this year. 707-823-8003
