Are solar batteries safe for your home?

One of the best ways to take full advantage of solar energy is to install an energy storage system along with your solar panels. Solar batteries allow you to store the excess energy your solar system produces for later use when the sun isn't shining. Batteries are complex products, and it is important to understand the safety implications of installing a home solar battery.

In general, solar batteries are very safe. Lithium-ion, salt water, and lead acid batteries are the main types of solar battery systems available and are all safe to pair with a home solar system. These three battery categories have their own advantages and disadvantages, but all share the distinction of being a safe home storage option.

While all three battery types are safe, lithium-ion batteries, the most popular type of solar battery, pose a slightly higher safety risk than alternate technologies. Problems can arise if they are installed incorrectly, or the battery quality is low. This is because of the chemical makeup of lithium-ion batteries, which makes them more prone to overheating and combustion. However, with a proper installation by a certified installer and a reputable product, even lithium-ion batteries rarely pose any health or safety risk to homeowners.

Solar batteries are safe, and the concerns that may arise due to lithium-ion battery chemistry will only ever be an issue in the case of poor installation work or faulty battery construction. These two problems can be avoided easily by working with a reputable battery manufacturer and a high-quality, trusted installation company trained and certified to install specifically the battery you purchased.

The best way to ensure you are hiring a safe and reputable solar installation company is to talk with solar installers to find one you trust. EnergySage's network of over 500 installers is pre-screened and certified, ensuring you will get the best service and installation quality for your solar + storage project when you compare your options through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

Fortunately, most (if not all) established battery manufacturers produce batteries that meet standardized industry safety regulations. Batteries from reputable companies often comply with industry-standard certifications. The following batteries are quality products following important industry guidelines to ensure safety:

• Tesla Powerwall

• Sonnen eco

• LG Chem RESU

• Pika Energy (now Generac) Harbor Smart Battery

• ElectrIQ Power IQ system

All of these batteries are UL Listed, meaning they comply with safety guidelines created by UL, a well-respected global safety science company. Additionally, some batteries are certified by the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC), an international standards organization for all things electrotechnology. Specifically, solar batteries should follow IEC 61427-1 and IEC 61427-2, both of which outline general requirements and testing methods for safe solar batteries.

If you want to install a home battery pack, you should work with a certified battery installer. Adding energy storage technology to your home is a complicated process that requires electrical expertise, certifications, and knowledge of the best practices required to install a solar-plus-storage system correctly and safely.

A qualified EnergySage-approved company can give you the best recommendations about the energy storage options available to homeowners today. If you are interested in receiving competing installation quotes for solar and energy storage options from installers near you, join the EnergySage Solar Marketplace today and indicate what products you're interested in when filling out your profile's preferences section.