Backup battery service
Backup and outage expectations, system specs, installation protocol, solar and generator integrations
Backup and power outages
How much power can the battery support? Do you really back up my whole home?
Your home must be using 11 kW or less for the battery to turn on. If high-draw devices like electric heaters push usage higher, you'll need to reduce ...
What types of electrical devices will the battery back up? Will it back up my A/C during an outage?
Our Base batteries provide whole-home backup to most homes, ensuring all appliances on your main panel — including your A/C — stay powered during an o...
How long does your Base battery last during an outage?
How long your Base battery lasts depends on four main factors: How much power you use : This is the most important factor. A battery stores a fixed am...
What happens in the event of an outage? How can I prepare for an outage?
When a grid outage occurs, Base will send you a push notification via the Base Power App to inform you that your battery is backing up your home. To e...
How long does the battery take to kick-in during an outage? Do I have to do anything?
Your battery should turn on automatically within a second of a power outage. Most Base members won’t even notice the transition! If your battery does ...
What is grid support?
Grid support is when Base uses your battery to help balance the electricity grid during periods of high demand. This is one of the key ways Base earns...
How is the estimated backup duration on my Base App calculated? How can I extend it?
Your Base dashboard shows your battery’s estimated backup duration — giving you an idea of how long your battery can power your home during an outage....
How do I know if I'm using battery power or grid power? How should I interpret the Base App “status” bar with “power source”, “battery charge”, and “estimated backup time”? Can I run off of the battery when the grid is available?
You’ll receive push notifications during outages—but you can confirm you're in a grid outage if your mobile app displays "Grid Down" and a red bar goi...
How can I enable push notifications on the Base Power app?
Base sends all power outage notifications exclusively via app push notifications. This includes real time notifications when the outage begins, if yo...
How can I extend the duration of my battery backup?
To maximize backup duration: Most important: Temper or turn off usage of power-hungry appliances like A/C units, electric heaters, or large washers/d...
Does Base have an app to monitor my battery and usage? What information can I see on my app and dashboard?
Once your battery system is installed, we recommend downloading the Base Power mobile application to view the following: Grid Status & Estimated Backu...
Installation and hardware
What do I need to know on the day of installation?
The Base team handles everything on installation day. You just need to be reachable by text in case we need to contact you. We recommend that you be h...
When does Base deliver the installation equipment? Is there anything I should know about the pallet delivery?
Pallet Delivery Timing Base delivers your pallet of installation materials the day before your scheduled installation. Because our logistics routes ...
What are the electrical and spacing requirements for Base equipment?
Submitting home photos allows Base to evaluate whether a home meets the electrical and spacing requirements for our equipment. The Base system is alwa...
What is the temperature range of the battery?
Base batteries operate within ambient temperatures ranging from -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F). Each battery module is equipped with four temperature s...
How do I test my Base battery?
Use this walkthrough to run a quick, safe test of your Base backup system so you know what to expect during a real outage. We highly recommend watchin...
How do I connect my battery to my home WiFi network?
Connecting the Base battery to your home Wi-Fi ensures continuous connectivity for battery monitoring and telemetry data. While the Base battery syste...
What hardware does Base use? Do you have spec sheets for the system?
Base offers a 20-50 kWh capacity battery system with an 11 kW inverter, making it one of the largest home backup systems available. It is built to bac...
What’s the lifespan of the Base battery?
Your Base Battery Agreement is for 10 years. Base retains ownership of the battery for the entire 10 years, which means we warranty and handle any nec...
What does a typical Base system installation look like?
Base offers two battery system configurations ( spec sheets ). Here's an example of a single ground-mounted battery installation: Here's an example o...
Can I add an additional battery later on?
Wondering if you can add a second battery after your initial installation? You can — but it costs more. Adding a battery later requires an additional ...
Will I need HOA approval? Does Base have information I can share with my HOA?
You don't need HOA approval. There is state-level code allowing for those in HOAs to install “Solar Energy Devices/Systems” which includes batteries l...
How does the Base system interact with the generator interlock on the main panel?
You cannot power your home with the Base battery and a generator through the main panel at the same time. The interlock ensures only one power source ...
What safety precautions does Base take?
At Base, safety is at the core of everything we do. Our battery system is certified to UL standards - the gold standard for electrical system safety i...
Should I have one battery or two?
Base offers two different battery system configurations. The right configuration depends on your home’s layout, energy needs, and compliance with the ...
What are Base batteries made of?
Base batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) — a proven, reliable, and safe battery chemistry that's ideal for home energy storage. Why does ...
Why does Base request home photos? What does photo review entail?
To help Base ensure your home meets the electrical and spacing requirements for a backup system installation, after you sign up we will send you a l...
Will I need a soft-start on my A/C? What does that entail?
A soft start is a device that reduces the electrical surge when your A/C compressor turns on. It applies only to air conditioning systems, not heating...
Does Base back up life-critical medical devices?
Backup energy should not be used for life-critical devices and cannot be guaranteed. Base's algorithms are designed to maintain a critical amount of c...
Who owns and operates the battery?
Base owns and operates the battery and is responsible for all regular maintenance, repairs, and service — there is no cost to you for any of this. At ...
Solar and generator integrations
How do I use the Generator Recharge Port?
Use your generator as directed. Every generator is different—follow the instructions in your generator’s manual for safe operation and maintenance. Ne...
Can I control when the Base battery charges and discharges? How do I use the Generator Recharge Port?
No, Base owns the battery and manages the battery's charging and discharging schedule based on grid demand and energy prices. Rest assured, you do not...
Can I use Base as an overnight solar battery?
Base is not a solar storage battery — but for most solar homeowners, it's actually the smarter financial choice. A Base battery is a grid-balancing ba...
Can I join Base if I have solar?
Yes! Base works for you with or without solar. Base batteries integrate seamlessly with most solar panels without affecting your warranty or requiring...
What steps do I need to take if I am adding solar panels after my Base system installation?
For the Base member: Notify Base as soon as you decide to get solar. This allows us to ensure your solar is installed in a way that's compatible with...
If I have solar panels, can I see my solar data in the Base app?
Yes! Base members with solar panels installed alongside their Base battery can view solar data directly in the Base app. The "Home Energy" page displa...
Do I need to do anything if I'm installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger or making other electrical upgrades after my battery is installed?
For any electrical work involving your main panel after your Base battery installation, the electrician can simply turn off the main panel as they nor...
How can I see my solar production, usage, and overproduction? Does Base offer solar buybacks to credit my overproduction?
You can see your solar data on your monthly bill in the “Solar Credits” section. Base credits you for all of your solar overproduction each month. O...
Can Base integrate with generators? Which generators are compatible?
Yes! Base members have two ways to use a portable generator alongside their battery system: Members can connect a portable generator to their home by ...
Does Base require Solar?
Watch Video Explanation No, you don’t need solar to use our batteries. You don’t need solar to use Base because the batteries are designed to store...
Billing and payments
How much does the battery cost and when do I pay for it?
To get started with Base, you pay a $50 refundable deposit upfront. This deposit applies to your one-time installation cost once your battery is ins...
Why do you ask for a $50 refundable deposit?
The deposit helps ensure we're focusing our time and resources on homeowners who are serious about moving forward, and reserves our team's time to rev...
Will I pay for battery charging and discharging? What are battery credits?
No, you only pay for what you use. Base excludes battery charging costs from your bill via the "Battery Credit", which measures the amount of energy u...
I received an email from Tremendous - is this legitimate?
Yes. Base uses a platform called Tremendous when we need to send funds to our members. If you receive an email from Base via Tremendous , it's legiti...
Why is Base significantly less expensive than alternatives?
Watch Video Explanation Base offers a significantly less expensive backup battery solution compared to alternatives due to the unique shared business ...
Policies and paperwork
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my battery installation?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your battery installation, contact Base support as soon as possible. Depending on the stage of your project and yo...
Why does Base own and operate the battery?
By owning the batteries, Base can operate the battery software to stabilize energy distribution and earn income off energy price fluctuations—setting ...
Do I enter into any contracts or agreements with Base? What happens if I move or cancel?
Battery Services Agreement The Base Battery Services Agreement is for 10 years. After 10 years, you will have low or no cost options for renewal or ca...
What are my responsibilities as a landlord with Base Power?
As a landlord with a Base battery system on your property, you are responsible for ensuring the renter has proper access to the system and understands...
I'm a Base battery member and I have a renter. How do I transfer energy service to them?
You can transfer energy service to your renter by contacting Base support. Your renter will need to agree to the Base service agreement and terms. Bas...
I'm a renter moving into a home with a Base Battery. What do I need to do?
You must use Base Power as your electricity provider to keep the Base battery at your home. Please contact your landlord to get started. Base Power ma...
How do I transfer my Base battery and energy service to a new homeowner if I am selling my home?
When selling your home, you can transfer your Base battery and energy service to the new homeowner. Contact Base support to initiate the transfer proc...
What are the minimum hours of backup reserved?
You should always have at least 5 hours (if you have a single battery) or 10 hours (if you have two batteries) of backup at low energy usage during no...
What is an Interconnection Agreement (IA)? Why does Base need my previous IA? How can I locate it?
An Interconnection Agreement (IA) is a contract between a utility company and a customer that defines how a distributed energy resource (DER)—such as ...
What are the Interconnection Agreement (IA) and Tariff Agreement (TA), and why do utilities require members to sign them?
As part of getting your battery system connected to the grid, certain utilities require up to two signed agreements . They do not affect your Base P...
What happens if the battery gets damaged or breaks? Do I have to pay?
Base covers 100% of the maintenance for the battery in cases of manufacturing or installation defects, as well as damages outside of your control (e.g...
Do cities require permits for Base battery installations?
Some cities require one or two inspections after the battery installation to close out the project and permits. These typically include a temporary/ro...
Partnerships
CoServ
Who is my energy provider? If you receive your monthly energy bill and service from CoServ, you will continue to do so with the installation of a Base...
GVEC
Who is my energy provider? If you receive your monthly energy service from GVEC, you will continue to do so with the installation of a Base battery. ...
Farmers
Who is my energy provider? If you receive your monthly energy bill and service from Farmers, you will continue to do so with the installation of a Bas...
Bandera Electric Cooperative
Who owns and operates the battery? Base owns and operates the battery. Base handles all maintenance and service, so you never have to worry about it. ...
El Paso Electric
Who is my energy provider? If you currently receive electric service from El Paso Electric, this will not change when you enroll in this program. Does...