Douglas Sacha/Moment via Getty
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
Home batteries can cut bills by avoiding peak-rate electricity.
Pairing batteries with solar boosts self-use and savings.
Battery value depends on outages, pricing swings, and solar credits.
The recent bout of snow and ice storms that left millions without electricity reminded us how fragile the utility grid can be, and how valuable backup power has become. Even when the power is on, though, so many of us face a different onslaught from rising energy costs that somehow feel even less predictable than before.
While solar panels have always been a formidable hedge against price volatility, states with time-of-use pricing or reduced crediting for exported solar energy are making the addition of a home battery system more economically attractive.
Also: The best home battery and backup systems of 2026: Expert tested for emergencies and more
Not to be confused with a portable battery, home battery storage systems are hard-wired into the home's electrical system and can run anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or higher after installation. These batteries offer features like instant switchover in an outage, partial or whole-home backup, and automated scheduling.
... continue reading