Do I Need a Battery With Solar on Long Island?
Batteries are the most oversold part of solar. Here's when one is worth it on Long Island, and when it isn't.
By Steve Maroney, founder of Power House Home Energy · Updated October 2026
Most Long Island homes don't need a battery to save money with solar. When your panels make more power than you're using, the extra is credited on your PSEG Long Island bill, so the grid already works like a free battery. A battery is worth it when you want backup power during outages, when you're on a Time-of-Day rate and want to avoid the 3–7pm weekday peak, or when you want to earn payments through PSEG Long Island's Battery Storage Rewards program. We install Tesla Powerwall and Enphase batteries, and you can add one now or later.
What a battery does, and doesn't do
Without a battery, a grid-tied solar system shuts off during a power outage. That's a safety rule, so line workers aren't hurt by power flowing back into the grid. So solar alone keeps saving you money every day, but it won't keep your lights on when the grid goes down. A battery changes that: it stores solar power and keeps your home running, automatically, when the grid fails.
When a battery is worth it
Backup during outages
Nor'easters, hurricanes and summer storms knock out power across Long Island. A battery keeps the essentials running, like the refrigerator, sump pump, lights, Wi-Fi and medical equipment, and switches on automatically within moments.
You're on a Time-of-Day rate
PSEG Long Island's Time-of-Day plans charge the most from 3–7pm on weekdays. A battery can power your home through that window and recharge from solar or cheaper off-peak power. More on Time-of-Day →
Battery Storage Rewards
PSEG Long Island's program pays battery owners, through an approved aggregator, to share stored power during peak summer events. Events can happen May 1 to September 30, last up to four hours, and number fewer than ten a summer. The aggregator sets the payment terms, and you can opt out of individual events.
Peace of mind
For a lot of homeowners, the biggest reason is simply never having to think about an outage again, without the noise, fuel or maintenance of a generator.
When solar alone is the better choice
Battery or generator?
| Battery | Standby generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Recharges from your solar panels | Natural gas or propane |
| Noise and upkeep | Silent, no oil changes | Engine noise, regular maintenance |
| Saves money every day | Yes, with Time-of-Day rates or Battery Storage Rewards | No, it only runs during outages |
| Long outages | Best for essentials; recharges each sunny day | Runs as long as it has fuel |
A Long Island battery project
Solar plus Enphase battery backup
A 43-panel, 16 kW system paired with an Enphase battery, so the home keeps essential power running during outages and stores extra solar for the evening.
★★★★★“Steve is a genuine professional. If you want the best call Steve, treats you like family. I will say he goes beyond selling a system he envisions life long relationships and is always available and working to earn trust and your business. Steve taught us quite a bit during our project - it’s why he is the guy we recommend without hesitation!!! We all want our projects to go perfectly - Steve is the person to exceed all expectations!!!”
GreggSayville, NY · Google review
Savings figures are projections from the customer's proposal, based on their usage and utility rate assumptions. Actual savings vary.
Already have solar? You can add a battery later
If your electricity use has grown or you've lived through one outage too many, we can often add battery storage to an existing system, including systems we didn't install. A solar install with battery backup typically takes two to three days. Ask about it during your free energy review.
The 30% federal credit that once covered batteries expired for homeowners at the end of 2025. Battery Storage Rewards terms are set by PSEG Long Island and the participating aggregators and can change. Ask your tax preparer whether any part of a battery qualifies for New York's solar tax credit.
Common questions
Do I need a battery with solar on Long Island?
Not to save money. PSEG Long Island credits your extra solar power on your bill, so most homes save just as much without one. A battery is worth it for backup during outages, for Time-of-Day rates, or to earn payments through PSEG Long Island's Battery Storage Rewards program.
Will my solar panels work during a power outage?
Not without a battery. Grid-tied solar systems shut off during outages for line-worker safety. With a battery, your home keeps running on stored solar power, and the battery recharges from your panels during the day.
Does PSEG Long Island pay you to have a battery?
Yes, through the Battery Storage Rewards program. An approved aggregator pays you to share stored power during peak summer events, which run from May 1 to September 30, last up to four hours, and number fewer than ten a summer. Payment terms are set by the aggregator.
Which batteries do you install?
We install Tesla Powerwall and Enphase batteries, and we size them to the loads you want to keep running during an outage.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
In many cases, yes, including systems we didn't install. We look at your current equipment and usage and recommend the right fit.