Evolution of Residential Solar: A Move to Self-Consumption
For the past decade or so, grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have surged in popularity. These systems are often seen as the most straightforward option for homeowners looking to harness the sun’s energy. A grid-connected solar system allows homeowners to generate their own electricity, which is used within the home. Any excess energy produced during the day is sent back to the electric grid, where it is metered, and homeowners receive credits or compensation based on their solar interconnection agreements with the utility. This setup works well in areas with favorable net metering policies, where homeowners are reimbursed at the same rate as they are charged for the electricity they consume from the grid.
There has been a growing shift in certain parts of the country where utilities are limiting or altering net metering programs. In these regions, utilities may reduce the compensation rate for energy sent back to the grid, often paying customers less for excess solar power than they would pay for energy consumed from the grid. As a result, homeowners can find themselves receiving lower financial incentives for their solar energy production — making grid-tied-only systems less compelling than they once were.
For homeowners who want to protect themselves from these changing utility policies and maximize their energy independence, the solution is solar self-consumption. In this model, instead of selling excess energy back to the grid, homeowners store the surplus energy in batteries for use at night or during periods when solar generation is not occurring. This approach allows for better energy use within the home and can further protect against rising electricity rates and changes in utility policies.
By integrating a battery storage solution, homeowners are no longer at the mercy of utility companies’ compensation rates for excess energy. This gives them more control over how and when they use their solar energy, especially during peak hours when electricity rates are typically higher. A self-consumption model also provides a backup energy source during grid outages, improving energy security.
The graph below illustrates how a traditional home typically uses energy throughout the day, showing how solar energy can be produced during the day and used to offset consumption. With solar storage, any excess energy that would typically be sent back to the grid can now be saved for later use, offering homeowners both cost savings and energy autonomy.
How Do Solar Battery Backup Systems Work?
A whole-house battery backup is an energy storage device installed to capture the extra power produced by your solar panels during the day and store it for use either at night or during an outage. Today’s leading residential batteries — like the Tesla Powerwall 3 — offer 13.5 kWh of usable storage per unit. Depending on your home’s energy load and how much sunlight is available for recharging, a single battery can power essential circuits for a day or more. Multiple units can be added for extended backup capability.
There are great battery companies out there who provide customer-friendly apps and portals to monitor your home’s usage and production — a complete 360 view of your energy management. Options like Tesla Powerwall, aPower2, Enphase Energy, and others offer great features to incorporate self-consumption into your solar PV system.
How Much Can You Save with Self-Consumption?
The financial benefit of solar self-consumption depends on your utility’s rate structure, how much solar your panels produce, and when your household uses energy. In North Carolina, Duke Energy’s time-of-use rates mean electricity is most expensive during afternoon and evening peak hours — exactly when your solar panels are slowing down and your battery can be dispatching stored energy instead.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: if you’re paying $0.12–$0.17 per kWh from the grid but only receiving $0.03–$0.06 per kWh for energy exported under a reduced net metering rate, every kWh you consume from your battery instead of exporting saves you the difference. Over a year, with a typical North Carolina household consuming 1,100–1,300 kWh per month, those savings add up significantly.
When combined with North Carolina’s Duke Energy PowerPair rebate program — which offers up to $5,400 for eligible solar + battery installations — and the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, the economics of adding battery storage to a solar system have never been stronger.
Best Battery Options for Self-Consumption in 2025
Not all batteries are optimized the same way for self-consumption. Here are the two options 8MSolar recommends most for NC and VA homeowners:
Tesla Powerwall 3
The Powerwall 3 is Tesla’s current flagship home battery. With 13.5 kWh of storage and 11.5 kW of continuous power output, it’s capable of running your whole home — HVAC, refrigerator, EV charger, and more — during a grid outage. Its built-in solar inverter makes it the cleanest option for new solar installs, replacing the need for a separate inverter entirely. The Powerwall 3 uses LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry for superior safety and longevity. Up to 4 units can be stacked for additional storage.
Best for: New solar installations, high-demand homes, and homeowners who want maximum power output during outages.
Generac PWRcell
The Generac PWRcell is the most modular battery system available for residential use. Starting at 9 kWh per cabinet, it can be expanded in 3 kWh increments up to 18 kWh — and a second cabinet can bring total storage to 36 kWh. Its DC-coupled design delivers 96.5% round-trip efficiency, making it one of the most efficient batteries on the market. For homeowners adding storage to an existing solar system, the PWRcell’s separate inverter design makes retrofit installations more straightforward.
Best for: Homeowners adding battery to an existing solar system, those who want to start with smaller capacity and expand over time, and installations requiring maximum total storage.
Is Solar Self-Consumption Right for You?
Self-consumption with battery storage is the right move if any of the following apply to your situation:
- Your utility has reduced or limited net metering compensation — storing and using your own energy is more valuable than exporting it at a low rate
- You’re on a time-of-use rate plan — batteries let you avoid peak-rate electricity by discharging stored solar during expensive evening hours
- You want backup power during outages — a battery paired with solar can keep your home running independently from the grid
- You’re eligible for Duke Energy’s PowerPair rebate — NC homeowners can capture up to $5,400 in additional incentives on top of the 30% Federal ITC
- You want to maximize your solar investment long-term — self-consumption insulates you from future utility rate changes
A grid-tied system without storage may still be the right choice if your utility offers strong net metering and your primary goal is minimizing upfront cost. Your 8MSolar advisor can help you run the numbers for your specific situation.
Get Started with 8MSolar
This shift towards solar self-consumption gives homeowners greater control over their energy needs and aligns with the growing trend of energy independence and sustainability. Battery storage systems, while representing an additional upfront investment, are becoming more affordable and are a critical component for those looking to achieve the most value from their solar installations.
Check out our solar panel projects to see what we’ve installed across NC and VA. Ready to add battery storage to your solar system? Contact us today and we’ll help you find the best option for your home.