Why More Homeowners Are Turning to Solar Batteries

Written by
Stephen Vernon
Published on
July 11, 2025

Cenvar Solar is seeing an increasing number of homeowners exploring batteries. These systems provide electricity when you need it most for:

  • Whole home backup
  • Essential loads
  • Peak load shifting

In regions where power outages are common, battery storage provide an alternative backup solution to generators.

The Growing Need for Backup Power

Power Outages

Power outages are a significant concern in these states within Cenvar’s service area:

  • Virginia: Ranked seventh nationally for power outages, with 94% linked to severe weather events like snow, ice, and freezing rain (Comelec Cooperative).
  • Tennessee: In 2021, the average electricity customer experienced about five hours of power outages, up from approximately 2.9 hours in 2013 (Axios).
  • West Virginia: Residents had 2.8 times more power outages than those in states with more reliable grids (GeneratorDecision.com).

These statistics highlight the vulnerability of the grid in these areas, making backup solutions like solar batteries increasingly appealing.

[Customer Experience]:
"From beginning the process to today, working with Cenvar Solar has been one of the best customer experiences we’ve had. The quote process held zero pressure and we felt free to ask as many questions as we needed. Installation was done in a single day and the team cleaned up so well, you wouldn’t know they’d been here unless you look at the roof.

The entire team is polite, professional and responds to our questions quickly. If I could give them 6 stars, I would!" Beth C.

Limitations of Traditional Generators

Battery storage is emerging as a preferred alternative to traditional generators, which have long been the go-to for backup power. But there are some notable drawbacks to generators:

  • Rising Costs: The U.S. generator market was valued at $6.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $10.26 billion by 2032, indicating increasing demand and potentially higher prices (Fortune Business Insights)
  • Maintenance and Fuel Storage: Generators require regular maintenance and fuel storage, which can be cumbersome and pose safety risks.

Expert Insight:
Kyle Lessard, COO of Cenvar Solar, notes:
"Generator costs have increased, while battery storage costs have decreased. Battery systems are cleaner, quieter, and require far less maintenance. That’s why more homeowners are making the switch."

Pros of Solar Batteries

  • Whole Home Backup
    Keep your entire home running during power outages. From HVAC systems to appliances, maintain your comfort and peace of mind regardless of grid status.
  • Essential Load Backup
    Focus on what matters most. Power critical systems like refrigeration, medical equipment, home office, and security systems during extended outages.
  • Peak Load Shifting
    Reduce your electricity bills by storing power when rates are low and using it during expensive peak hours. Our systems automatically optimize for time-of-use rate plans.

[Third-Party Reference]: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential battery storage systems can reduce reliance on the grid and lower electricity costs when integrated with smart time-of-use programs (Energy.gov).

Solar Battery Adoption on the Rise

The adoption of solar batteries is increasing in Cenvar’s service area, driven by technological advancements and decreasing costs:

  • Technological Advancements: Innovations in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries have improved efficiency, safety, and storage capacity, making solar batteries more viable for residential use.
  • Decreasing Costs: The cost of battery storage has declined significantly. For instance, the U.S. power sector's battery storage capacity surged from under 2,000 MW in 2020 to nearly 30,000 MW by April 2025 (Reuters).

How Does Net-Meter Play into This?

Batteries are also becoming more of a necessity with the potential drop of net-metering in Virginia. Homeowners with solar panels have been able to treat their local grid as their souce of battery backup. However, if Virginia net metering changes, batteries would become more important in the storage of excess electricity for use during peak electricity usage (Edge Energy).

[Learn more about grid-tied solar systems]

Image of 6 Enphase Batteries Installed by Cenvar Solar
Image of 6 Enphase Batteries Installed by Cenvar Solar

Is a Solar Battery (or multiple) Right for You?

Maybe not. Maybe so. It should be a conversation with a company you trust. A company that will give you honest information. We hope that we’re that company.

[Transparency Note]:
Cenvar Solar is a licensed solar installer in Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. While we offer battery solutions, we encourage all homeowners to compare battery systems, to read reviews, ask tons of questions, and ensure proper sizing and permitting before installation.

Ready to Take the Next Step With Solar?

Contact us today for a honest assessment of your solar potential. Let us show you how our approach to solar is different, and why hundreds of homeowners have trusted us to power their future.