Add a whole home battery backup system to existing solar electric ( PV ) system

Here is what the homeowners had to say about their experience with Simply Efficient LLC.  We installed a new battery backup system that worked with their existing solar panels.

"In the fall of 2023 we became interested in the possibilities for battery backup and storage to supplement our existing grid and solar electricity at our home in Evergreen, Colorado. We wanted to avoid extended power outages that could lead to food spoilage, dark and cold conditions within our home, inability to operate medical equipment, and potential freezing of water lines. We checked with several well-advertised providers of battery systems, but felt that the solutions they offered were “cookie-cutter” approaches that would involve discarding and replacing much of our existing solar equipment along with installing the battery system.

We found a nearby company, Simply Efficient Solar and Wind, headed by Daimon Vilppu (www.SimplyEff.com) . Daimon came to our home and inspected our existing electrical and solar equipment. He then designed a battery system to integrate with our existing electrical, solar, and heating equipment. Daimon personally installed the system, working with an experienced electrician, secured necessary permits and inspections, and helped us to understand how to use and monitor the system.

We’ve had our new battery backup and storage system for several months now. There have been several power outages during that time and the system has performed flawlessly. It is designed to come on automatically when power is interrupted and operate as long as needed. The battery can be recharged daily when there is sunlight, and then provide power at night. All of our electrical equipment can be used during outages, including recharging our electric car. We are able to manage the times electricity is used to save money.

Daimon has been available and very helpful as we have learned to operate the battery storage system. We recommend him highly for design, installation, and followup.

Doug and Fran J."

 We were the only Solar Company that did not require they replace their existing solar system.  As always, we first asked the homeowners if they had considered installing a generator.  They had,  they did not want the noise and exhaust of a generator and preferred a battery system.  

We designed a system that replaced their existing 15+ year old inverter and would fit nicely in their garage, near their main electrical panel.  We also added a home main disconnect on the outside of their home and placed it adjacent to the Emergency shut off for the battery and solar systems.   The battery is a EG4 14.3kWhr LFP ( Lithium Iron Phosphate ) PowerPro.  The manufacturer includes a 10 year warranty with the battery.  The battery is expected to have a 15-20 year lifespan.

The batteries have pre-made conduit  and an inverter that can pass through the entire 200A service of a home.  This simplifies installation on most homes.  We always include a manual bypass switch with all of our battery backup systems so that if there are any service needs in the future, a quick switch pull allows for easy servicing and replacement of the equipment without disturbing the house electric.

The existing solar panels were originally on a single inverter with a single MPPT channel.  The new inverter has three MPPT channels.  This allowed us to split the system in half, which will increase their output when the system gets shaded in the afternoons by trees.

We also serviced their existing solar panels by replacing old wiring to the panels as well as moving rooftop junction boxes so they no longer filled with water during storms.

The new system also included online monitoring from an app, laptop or tablet.  With the new Time of Use meter that Xcel energy recently installed at their home.  They can now automatically set their system to use the batteries to offset their power when their are charged the highest rates by the utility.