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Home battery storage · Backup power
Home Battery Backup for Canadian Homes
Keep your essentials, or your whole home, running through outages, and store your solar energy to use when power costs the most. Prepare for the unexpected with reliable and scalable energy storage solutions.
Updated
5–40 kWh
scalable storage capacity
12–24 hr
typical backup runtime
up to $5K
HRSP storage rebate
< 1 sec
automatic switchover
Tesla · Franklin · Enphase
10-yr warranty
Serving all of Canada
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Is there a battery rebate in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program pays $300 per kWh of battery storage, up to 50% of the cost and up to $5,000, when the battery is installed with new solar panels. Solar earns its own rebate of $1,000 per kW, up to $5,000, so a solar-plus-battery system can get up to $10,000 back.
| Battery rebate | $300/kWh, up to $5,000 (max 50% of cost) |
|---|---|
| Example: one 13.5 kWh battery | $4,050 back |
| Solar rebate (same program) | $1,000/kW, up to $5,000 |
| Combined maximum | $10,000 |
Two conditions decide it: the battery has to come with new solar (a battery added to existing panels doesn't qualify), and a system that takes the rebate can't also use net metering. It has to be sized for your own use. All rebates by province.
What a home battery does for you
Backup power, bill savings and energy independence from one wall-mounted unit.
Seamless Backup Power
Automatic transition to battery power during outages. Keep your lights, appliances, and critical systems running.
Solar Energy Storage
Store excess solar energy during the day and use it at night or during peak rate periods.
Energy Independence
Reduce reliance on the grid and protect yourself from power outages and rising electricity costs.
Time-of-Use Savings
Automatically charge when electricity rates are low and discharge when rates are high for maximum savings.
Smart Monitoring
Track your energy production, consumption, and battery status in real-time via mobile app.
Scalable Capacity
Start with one battery and add more as your needs grow. Modular systems grow with your home.
Battery installations
Home backup battery systems installed by Xolar crews.
How it works
Store energy when it's cheap, use it when it counts
01
Energy Audit
Solar or cheap overnight grid power fills the battery during the day or off-peak hours.
00
Design
Lithium cells store it safely until your home needs it most.
00
Installation
The home runs on stored energy when grid rates spike — no extra cost.
Pricing & Packages
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Choose the package that fits your needs.
Essential Backup
Protect critical loads during power outages
$19,500
before rebates + tax
2x Growatt APX Battery
10 kWh energy storage capacity
5 kW continuous power in backup
Solar-ready
Professional installation
10 year warranty
Whole-Home Backup
Whole-home backup for complete power security
$27,250
before rebates + tax
1x Tesla Powerwall
13.5 kWh energy storage capacity
11.5 kW continuous power in backup
Solar-ready
Professional installation
10 year warranty
Powerwall software features
Most popular
Home Energy Bunker
Multi-day backup for extended outage protection
$42,500
before rebates + tax
2x Tesla Powerwall
27 kWh energy storage capacity
23 kW continuous power in backup
Solar-ready
Professional installation
10 year warranty
Powerwall software features
Prices before incentives. Every install includes design, permits, installation and warranty.
Stack the savings
Rebates and peak-rate savings shorten the payback
up to $5,000
HRSP storage rebate
Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program covers up to $5,000 on a battery installed with new solar panels, on top of up to $5,000 for the solar. A system that takes these rebates can't also use net metering. Other provinces vary, so check the rebate finder.
peak → off-peak
Arbitrage your rates
Charge the battery from solar or cheap overnight power and discharge it during expensive peak hours. In time-of-use provinces that shift trims hundreds off your yearly bill.
Backup battery questions
Cost, runtime, brands, solar pairing and rebates.
What are the features of SolarEdge Home Battery?
The SolarEdge Home Battery offers 9.7 kWh usable capacity per battery with 5 kW continuous power output (7.5 kW peak). It features DC-coupled design for 94.5% round-trip efficiency, advanced monitoring via the mySolarEdge app, and flexible installation options (indoor/outdoor, wall/floor mount). The system is UL9540A compliant and backed by a 10-year warranty with 70% capacity retention guaranteed.
How long can backup batteries last during power outages?
Backup batteries can provide up to 45 hours of runtime when powering only essential loads like refrigerators, lights, and medical devices. For whole-home backup, runtime typically ranges from 8-24 hours depending on usage patterns. When paired with solar panels, your backup time can be extended indefinitely during daylight hours as the panels recharge the batteries.
What are the financial benefits of backup batteries?
Financial benefits include: offsetting peak electricity rates by using stored energy during expensive time-of-use periods, reducing demand charges, maximizing solar self-consumption (avoiding selling excess solar at low rates), and protection from grid price volatility. Most homeowners see 5-7% annual ROI through energy cost savings, with systems paying for themselves within 10-15 years while providing invaluable backup power security.
How do backup batteries boost energy independence?
Backup batteries provide true energy independence by storing solar energy for use anytime – day or night. Advanced features include automatic severe weather event detection that prepares your system before storms hit, intelligent energy management that optimizes charge/discharge cycles, and seamless grid integration that allows you to reduce reliance on utility power. You control your energy destiny rather than being at the mercy of grid outages and rate increases.
Why are backup batteries a solid investment
Backup batteries are a solid investment backed by robust 10-year warranties with 70% capacity retention guaranteed. They provide dual value: daily energy cost savings through time-of-use optimization and peak shaving, plus critical backup power during emergencies. Unlike generators, batteries require no maintenance, no fuel costs, operate silently, produce zero emissions, and can be used every day – not just during outages. With 6,000+ cycle lifespans (15+ years), increasing grid instability, and rising electricity costs, batteries deliver long-term value and peace of mind.
How long will backup batteries power my home?
Depends on battery size and usage. A typical whole-home system provides 1-3 days of backup for essential loads, longer when paired with solar. A single 9.7 kWh battery can power essential circuits for up to 45 hours.
Can I use batteries without solar panels?
Yes! Batteries can charge from the grid during off-peak hours and provide backup power during outages or peak rate periods. However, pairing with solar maximizes your savings and energy independence.
What's the difference from a generator?
Batteries are silent, emissions-free, require no fuel, activate instantly (within milliseconds), and can be used daily for energy cost savings – not just during outages. Generators are noisy, require regular maintenance, consume fuel, and are typically only used during emergencies.
How long do backup batteries last?
Most home battery systems last 10-15 years with minimal degradation. SolarEdge batteries come with 10-year warranties guaranteeing at least 70% capacity retention and are rated for 6,000+ charge cycles.
Can I expand my battery system later?
Absolutely! Battery systems are modular and scalable. Start with one 9.7 kWh battery and add more as your energy needs grow. This future-ready design protects your investment and adapts to changing household requirements.
How long do solar batteries last?
Modern LFP (lithium iron phosphate) solar batteries last 15+ years and are rated for 6,000+ charge cycles. Most carry 10-year warranties guaranteeing 70% capacity retention. NMC batteries have shorter lifespans (10-12 years, 3,000-5,000 cycles). Lead-acid batteries only last 3-5 years and are not recommended for grid-tied homes.
How many solar batteries do I need?
For essential backup (fridge, lights, internet, sump pump), one battery with 10-13.5 kWh capacity is enough for most homes. For whole-home backup including air conditioning, heat pumps, and EV chargers, plan for 20-27 kWh (two batteries). The key factor is power output (kW), not just capacity.
Are solar batteries worth it in Canada?
Yes, for most Canadian homeowners. In provinces with time-of-use pricing (Ontario, parts of BC), batteries save money daily by shifting consumption from peak to off-peak rates. Add backup power protection and rebates up to $5,000, and batteries deliver both daily savings and insurance against outages. Best ROI in Ontario, BC, NWT, and Nova Scotia.
Buyer's guide
What Solar Batteries Do and Why Canadian Homeowners Need Them
Solar batteries store the excess energy your
solar panels generate during the day so you
can use it when the sun isn’t shining. Without a battery, surplus solar energy goes to
the grid through net metering. With a battery, you keep
that energy for yourself, using it at night, during peak rate hours, or when the power
goes out.
For Canadian homeowners, three factors make batteries especially valuable. First,
grid reliability: ice storms, wildfire smoke events, and aging
infrastructure cause outages across every province. A battery keeps your home running
when the grid fails. Second, time-of-use optimization: in Ontario and
parts of BC, electricity costs 2x more during peak hours. Batteries charge at off-peak
rates and discharge during expensive periods, saving money every day. Third,
net metering gaps: provinces like Manitoba (7.17¢/kWh export) and Saskatchewan (7.5¢/kWh) pay less for exported energy than what you pay to
buy it back, making self-consumption via battery storage more profitable than
exporting.
Solar Battery Cost in Canada and Available Rebates
Xolar’s installed home battery systems start at $19,500 for essential backup (2× Growatt APX, 10 kWh), $27,250 for whole-home backup with one Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh), and $42,500 for two Powerwalls (27 kWh). Prices are battery-only and installed; see our
pricing page for solar + battery systems.
Provincial rebates can offset a significant portion. Ontario’s HRSP offers
$5,000 for battery storage installed with a new solar system (on top of up to $5,000 for the solar, $10,000 combined). BC Hydro offers up to $1,500 for a battery installed with solar, or $5,000 if the battery is enrolled in Peak Saver (Tesla batteries are excluded). NWT’s AEA program offers up to
$20,000 for diesel communities.
Check all available rebates in your province →
Types of Home Batteries: LFP, NMC and Lead-Acid
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is used in the Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ and most modern home batteries. It is the safest lithium chemistry for homes, rated for 6,000+ cycles (15+ years), with lower energy density but longer life than NMC. This is what we recommend for Canadian homes.
Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) is used in some SolarEdge batteries and older designs. Higher energy density means a smaller unit for the same capacity, with a 3,000–5,000 cycle lifespan. It is safe with proper thermal management, but it doesn’t last as long as LFP.
Lead-acid is older technology still used at off-grid cabins. It is much cheaper upfront, but only 50% of its capacity is usable, it lasts 500–1,000 cycles (3–5 years) and it needs ventilation. It is not recommended for grid-tied homes.
Key Specs When Choosing a Home Battery Backup
- Capacity (kWh): total energy stored. About 10 kWh covers essentials for 8–12 hours; 13.5 kWh and up suits whole-home backup.
- Power output (kW): how many appliances can run at once. About 5 kW covers the basics; 11.5 kW handles a whole home including air conditioning.
- Round-trip efficiency: the energy you get back after charging and discharging. LFP batteries reach 90–94.5%.
- Warranty: 10 years is standard. Look for a guarantee of at least 70% capacity retention; LFP batteries typically last 15+ years.
Home Batteries Available in Canada
| Battery | Capacity | Power | Efficiency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | 11.5 kW | 90% | Whole-home backup, highest power output |
| Enphase IQ Battery 5P | 5 kWh (stackable) | 3.84 kW | 90% | Microinverter systems, modular scaling |
| SolarEdge Energy Bank | 9.7 kWh | 5 kW | 94.5% | DC-coupled efficiency, SolarEdge systems |
The right choice depends on your inverter platform, how much of the house you want backed up, and your budget. See detailed Tesla Powerwall specs →
Google Reviews
What homeowners say
Real reviews from real customers who made the switch to solar.
"Great presentation, well explained and covered every aspect of the process.Thank you"
Nick Beje
"Very knowledgeable- professional- great information provided"
peter wiles
"Pitch was made at my level with strong patience for questions"
R Arnold
"Great presentation, well explained and covered every aspect of the process.Thank you"
Nick Beje
"Very knowledgeable- professional- great information provided"
peter wiles
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Complete your home energy system
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Solar Panels
Cut your power bill with a custom rooftop solar system.
Learn more →Tesla Powerwall
Store your solar energy and keep the lights on in an outage.
Learn more →Heat Pumps
Efficient heating and cooling that runs on your solar.
Learn more →EV Charging
Charge your EV at home from your own clean solar power.
Learn more →