Why 2025 Is the Year for Battery Storage in Washington
In November 2024, Washington State was hit by a devastating “bomb cyclone” that knocked out power to over 650,000 residents—many for several days—highlighting the growing vulnerability of our aging electrical grid and the rising frequency of severe weather events. As we look toward a more resilient energy future, home battery storage systems stand out as a critical solution—not just for backup power during outages, but also for their financial advantages in light of upcoming net metering policy changes.
The Role of Battery Storage in Net Metering Changes
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced that its current Net Metering Rate Schedule 150 will remain available to new applicants until December 31, 2025, or until a new rate schedule is implemented . While existing customers will be grandfathered into their current agreements, future changes may alter the compensation rates for excess solar energy fed back into the grid.
In this evolving landscape, battery storage systems become increasingly valuable. By storing excess solar energy, homeowners can maximize self-consumption, reducing reliance on the grid and mitigating the impact of potential changes in net metering compensation.
Resilience You Can Count On: Backup Power for Critical Loads
When the grid goes down—whether from storms, wildfires, or planned outages—battery storage steps in instantly. Systems like Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH, and Enphase are designed to keep your most important circuits running, like refrigerators, medical devices, Wi-Fi routers, lighting, and even heating systems. Unlike gas generators, batteries are silent, require no fuel, and recharge with solar each day.
Whether you’re working from home, caring for a family, or just want peace of mind, battery storage offers a clean, automatic backup solution. You decide which circuits matter most—and your system will prioritize them when the grid can’t.
In a state like Washington, where storms are intensifying and outages are lasting longer, battery resilience isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart safeguard for your safety, comfort, and continuity.
Top Battery Storage Options for Washington Homeowners
Here’s an expanded and more informative version of the section, highlighting the unique strengths of each manufacturer and their battery solutions:
Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla’s latest generation Powerwall delivers 13.5 kWh of usable energy capacity with a built-in solar inverter, streamlining installation and reducing equipment costs. It offers seamless whole-home backup, rapid response during outages, and an industry-leading mobile app that lets homeowners monitor energy production, usage, and grid interactions in real time. With Washington’s grid increasingly prone to outages, the Powerwall 3 offers a sleek, high-performance solution backed by Tesla’s established ecosystem.
FranklinWH aPower
FranklinWH’s aPower is engineered for whole-home energy backup, boasting powerful surge capacity (10 kW) and a maximum continuous output of 5 kW, making it ideal for homes with high starting-load appliances like heat pumps or well pumps. It integrates easily with solar PV, EV chargers, and generators, creating a versatile and resilient energy hub. FranklinWH’s system also includes the aGate smart controller, which prioritizes circuits and extends backup capabilities—perfect for families who want full control over their home’s energy.
Enphase IQ Battery 5P/10T
Enphase offers highly modular, stackable battery systems built for flexibility and optimized self-consumption. The IQ Battery 5P (5 kWh) and 10T (10.5 kWh) can be paired with Enphase microinverters for ultra-reliable solar integration, and each unit is fully AC-coupled, simplifying retrofits for existing solar users. Enphase batteries are known for scalability, rapid shutdown compliance, and granular system monitoring—ideal for homeowners who want precision, expandability, and real-time control over their solar and storage system.
Time-of-Use Rate Scenario
With Washington utilities preparing to roll out Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, when you use electricity could soon matter as much as how much you use. Under these plans, power during peak hours—typically late afternoon to evening—costs significantly more. A home battery can charge with solar energy or low-cost off-peak power during the day, then discharge in the evening when rates spike.
Imagine this: Instead of paying 30–40¢/kWh during peak times, your battery covers your home’s needs using energy you stored earlier at a fraction of the cost. Add that to backup protection during outages and incentives like PSE’s Flex Battery Program and the federal tax credit, and battery storage becomes not just a resilience tool—but a smart financial move.
Battery Storage Costs & Tax Incentives
As of May 2025, the average cost for a 13 kWh battery storage system in Washington is $18,162. After applying the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost drops to around $12,713.
If you’re installing solar alongside your battery system, you’re also eligible for Washington’s clean energy sales tax exemption. That means no state sales tax on the entire system—saving you hundreds, even thousands of dollars more depending on your system size.
Get Paid to Share Power with Utility Programs
Washington utilities are beginning to embrace Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs, which allow homeowners to share stored battery power during peak demand in exchange for cash incentives.
Puget Sound Energy’s Flex Battery Program offers:
- $1,000 upfront per enrolled battery
- Up to $500/year in ongoing participation credits
Take Action: Find Out What Battery Backup Can Do for You
Washington’s energy landscape is shifting fast—with more storms, rising rates, and changing net metering rules. Battery storage is no longer just about peace of mind during outages—it’s a strategic way to protect your wallet and power your future.
Want to know what it really costs to build energy resilience for your home?
Contact us for a personalized estimate, we’ll show you exactly how much you can save with battery backup, which incentives you qualify for, and how to make the most of your solar investment.
Now’s the time to plan smart. Don’t wait until the next storm hits or policy changes go into effect. Reach out today and take control of your energy.
