Here in the Midwest, extreme weather can strike any season. It can be dangerous and disruptive. For residents and businesses looking to deal with the risk of future power outages, it's a good time to take a look at energy storage, also known as battery backup. It offers protection from power failures and gives you peace-of-mind during the stressful times when a storm is moving in.

Even in a grid outage, if you have energy storage backing you up then you can keep your electric essentials running like:

• Fans and sump pump
• Gas furnace blower
• Phones and laptops
• Refrigerator and coffee maker
• Lighting in essential spaces
• Wifi router

But how is it different from a generator? Well, for starters, a battery backup is completely silent and does not have any exhaust. It also has smart features like power monitoring, weather tracking, and priority programming to help you use the stored power more efficiently and can keep the lights on longer  When paired with a solar PV system, solar energy can provide a self-generated resource with a fixed cost that goes to zero after the payback date.

A home battery system is like a big rechargeable battery that you hang on your wall, similar to the one you use to power your phone when you’re on the go. When the power from the utility is interrupted, the battery system can provide power for an extended period of time. However, it is important to ensure that the battery system is properly installed and integrated into your home’s electrical wiring by a certified and skilled electrician, as mistakes can be dangerous.

Solar and battery backups are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, as they provide safety, peace of mind and resilience. Investing in such a system is a great way to make sure your home is prepared for any extreme weather that may come our way.