Deciding which type of battery you should get can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide to help with your decision.

Take the number of panels x watts to get the total watts of the solar array.

You then divide it by the voltage of your battery bank to get amps

Add 25% to allow for cold temperatures and as always, round up.

Example: 2 x 300 watt solar panels in series = 600 watts / 24 VDC battery bank + 25% = 31.25 amps.

When the sun hits the solar panels, it converts the photons (light particles) into electrons of the direct current ("DC"). Once the electrons are converted, they flow out of the solar panel and into an inverter and then be used in your home. The inverter converts that power "DC" (commonly used in batteries and in general 12 volts) into current or power "AC" or 110 volts alternating.

The new Gateway is much more intuitive, faster and easier to use!  Easier to use compared to the older Conext Combox.  

Gateway has onboard storage, no SD card needed.

Events log, config screen, diagnostics, firmware settings are all neatly organized.  

XW+ Pro inverter should go with the Gateway, not the Combox.  UL1741 California compliant with Rule 21.  

Unlike lead acid batteries, it is considered practical to regularly use 90% of the nominal capacity of a lithium battery bank, and occasionally more. Consider a 100 A hour battery - if it were lead acid it could only be used 30 to 50 A hour capacity, but with the LFP lithium you could take 90 A hour or even 100 A hour (100% DoD or depth of discharge) .

30% Tax Credit for Solar and Battery

Get 30% Back on a new Solar + Battery system!  This is a lot of money, and certainly worth exploring to determine if this program is right for you (it probably is).  Here are the terms:

A taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States that is owned and used as a residence by the taxpayer.   (This does not have to be a primary residence)

Expenditures include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home.  (covers almost everything)

If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year.  (carry unused credit forward, the government won't send you a check for any credit above what you owe)

For Solar-electric equipment;

• 30% Tax Credit for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% Tax Credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
• 22% Tax Credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022

Learn more about the 30% Solar Tax Credit here:

https://www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit

Download the Instructions for getting your solar tax credit here:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5695.pdf

And send your account this official IRS form to get your solar tax credit:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf

Is Energy Storage included in the 30% Tax Credit?  Yes, batteries - and replacement batteries for your solar system - are covered in the 30% Tax Credit for Battery!

 From the IRS:

The federal tax code does not explicitly reference energy storage, so stand-alone energy storage systems do not qualify for the tax credit. However, the IRS issued Private Letter Rulings in 2013 and 2018, which address energy storage paired with PV systems. In both cases, the IRS ruled that the energy storage equipment when paired with PV met the statutory definition of a "qualified solar electric property expenditure," as was eligible for the tax credit. It is important to note that Private Letter Rulings only apply to the taxpayer who requested it, and do not establish precedent. Any taxpayer considering the purchase of an energy storage system should consult their accountant or other tax professional before claiming a tax credit.  

Check out some of the best photos of Iron Edison's lithium batteries from our customers!

Iron Edison is proud to introduce its NEWEST lithium battery for solar, the 4LiFe Lithium Ion Battery. The 4LiFe Lithium Battery can be used as a direct replacement for lead acid batteries. The 4LiFe Battery is designed to simplify battery installation with it's plug-and-play design. The 4LiFe battery can add battery to an existing solar installation, and can be used for a new off-grid or grid-tied solar system coupled with energy storage.

When the grid goes down, don't sit in the dark even though you have solar panels on your roof.  Add a battery with an AC Coupled system.

What is Peak Load Shaving and how do I program my battery and inverter to save money on demand charges?