Survey Sunday: How much home battery backup do YOU need?

Key Points:

• A recent Electrek survey of over 2,700 readers found that 35% prefer a full “whole home” battery backup system, with over 60% favoring either full backup or a "glamping mode" that powers essential devices during outages.
• Many respondents see full home battery setups as aspirational due to cost, with some prioritizing critical loads like lighting, refrigeration, and well pumps rather than running all household appliances uninterrupted.
• European readers highlighted a different perspective, using home batteries primarily to store excess solar energy for later use, as their grids are highly reliable and feed-in tariffs for solar energy are low.
• In the US, home batteries are increasingly viewed as financial investments and lifestyle enhancements beyond just emergency backup, supported by growing utility incentives such as PG&E and Tesla’s Vehicle-to-Everything pilot offering up to $4,500 in credits.
• Prospective solar and battery system buyers are encouraged to seek competitive quotes from vetted installers through services like EnergySage to ensure cost-effective, high-quality installations.