Phenom Home SolutionsHome backup batteries and energy storage
Store energy, manage your electricity costs and keep essential power on when the grid goes down. Battery systems designed and installed for Northern Ontario homes.
How a home backup battery works
A battery system stores electrical energy so it can be used later. Depending on the system and how it's configured, the battery may:
- Store energy when electricity is available
- Store energy during lower-cost periods
- Supply that stored energy to your home later
- Reduce your home's reliance on grid electricity during certain periods
- Provide backup electricity when grid power is interrupted
The battery works together with an inverter and your home's electrical system to safely deliver stored energy to selected circuits or to the whole home, depending on the installation.
In short
Think of it as a reservoir for electricity. It fills up when power is available or cheaper, and your home draws from it when power is more expensive or when the grid is down.
Where your power comes from
Normal operation
The grid powers your home as usual and keeps the battery charged.
Energy management
The battery stores energy, often when electricity costs less, and supplies your home later.
Power outage
When grid power is interrupted, the battery supplies the circuits it's set up to back up.
With solar panels
For systems that include solar, the panels charge the battery and the stored energy powers your home.
Managing your electricity costs
Instead of relying entirely on grid electricity at every moment, a properly configured battery system can store energy and make that stored energy available when your home needs it.
A battery can store energy and strategically supply your home during periods when grid electricity may be more expensive, reducing the amount of electricity you buy directly from the grid during those periods.
Depending on your home's energy use, battery capacity, electricity rates and system configuration, a properly designed battery system may significantly reduce electricity costs, in some cases by 70–80%.
Savings vary from home to home and aren't guaranteed. They depend on:
- Your utility rate structure
- Electricity prices
- Household consumption
- Battery capacity
- Battery operating settings
- System configuration
“Between the heat pumps and the battery system, our Hydro bill has dropped to almost $0, which has been amazing.”
Power when you need it most
A properly configured battery system can provide backup power during a grid outage. Depending on system size and electrical configuration, a battery may be able to support important household loads such as:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Lights
- Internet
- Phones and electronic devices
- Sump pump
- Furnace
- Air handler
- Selected HVAC equipment
- Other essential circuits
What can your battery power?
What your battery can power, and for how long, depends on battery capacity, inverter capacity, the home's electrical demand, which circuits are backed up, and how the system is configured.
We'll help you choose which circuits matter most to you.
How long will a battery last?
Battery runtime isn't a fixed number of hours. A battery lasts longer when your home is using less electricity, and drains faster when large loads like electric heat, an oven or a dryer are running.
For example, keeping the fridge, lights, internet and furnace fan running uses far less energy than trying to run the whole house as normal.
Runtime depends on
- Battery capacity
- Inverter capacity
- Your home's electrical demand
- Heating and cooling use
- Appliances running
- Weather
- Backup configuration
- Number of circuits powered
Cost, rebates and financing
Depending on eligibility, available incentives and project configuration, rebates or incentives may significantly reduce the upfront cost of an energy-storage system.
Up to $10,000 in rebates
Eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $10,000 through Ontario's Home Renovation Savings program for solar panels with battery storage. The battery must be part of a solar project to qualify.
Check rebate eligibilityFinancing available
Make your home upgrade more manageable with flexible financing options for qualified homeowners. Financing options starting from as little as $20/month may be available.
Explore financing optionsBattery questions
How does a home backup battery work?
A battery stores electricity so your home can use it later. An inverter converts that stored energy into power your home can use, and the system can switch to battery power when grid power is interrupted.
Can a battery power my entire home during an outage?
Not always. Some systems back up the whole home, and many back up selected essential circuits. What your battery can power, and for how long, depends on battery capacity, inverter capacity, the home's electrical demand, which circuits are backed up and how the system is configured.
How long will a battery last during a power outage?
There's no single number. Runtime depends on how much energy the battery stores and how much your home is using. A fridge, lights and internet use far less than electric heat or a dryer. We'll estimate runtime for your home based on what you want backed up.
Can a battery reduce my electricity bill?
It can. A battery can charge when electricity costs less and supply your home when it costs more, so you buy less electricity at higher prices. Results depend on your electricity price plan, how much you use, the battery size and its settings.
How much can I save with a battery?
Depending on your home's energy use, battery capacity, electricity rates and system configuration, a properly designed battery system may significantly reduce electricity costs, in some cases by 70–80%. Savings vary from home to home and aren't guaranteed.
What determines battery runtime?
Battery capacity, inverter capacity, your home's electrical demand, heating and cooling use, which appliances are running, the weather, how backup is configured and how many circuits are powered.