There are several battery storage options on the market today, including Tesla Powerwall and many alternatives. Whether you’re looking for advanced battery features like generator integration or storm watch protection, we can help compare battery storage options to find the best system for your home. Request a free solar and battery assessment to get started.
Unlock peace of mind next time there’s a grid outage when you install a battery with your solar system.
Keep your surplus solar energy at home instead of sending it back to the utility’s grid so you can your power at home – where it matters most
With over 24 years of experience installing solar and battery solutions across North Carolina, our solar designers can help customize the right solar and battery solution to meet your energy goals. Reach out today for a free solar and battery assessment to start your journey toward energy independence and power security.
Founded and led in Raleigh, NC, Southern Energy Management has been designing and installing solar in North Carolina since 2001. With 24 years of experience installing 3,500+ solar systems and 1,000+ batteries across North Carolina, our team of 190 solar and building performance professionals have the experience and expertise to find the best solar solution for your energy goals.
We believe good energy creates more good energy. This is how we approach our customers. Our goal is to bring our best energy to every project, exceed every customer’s expectations, and bring happiness and passion to the entire process of going solar.
EXCELLENT rating
Based on 237 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul Safrit has been great to work with! Very knowledgeable, very helpful. Thanks Paul! Ramez TJune 24, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SEM installed our first set of solar panels back in 2018. The installation went smoothly, and we've never had any issues with the panels, inverters, etc. The installation was covering 80-90% of our electricity usage annually. We reached out to Graham in early 2025 as our electricity needs had changed. We had added two electric cars, and we were getting tired of frequent (5+ times a year) power outages. We talked to Graham about adding more panels and a batter backup system. SEM installed the new panels and Franklin aGate / aPower 2 battery. Installation was completed and we were able to turn the system on in April. We couldn't be happier. In May, our solar system produced 101% of our electricity needs, including two electric cars. There was a three-hour power outage in the middle of the night in early May -- we didn't know about it until we woke up and saw text alerts from Duke Energy that there was an outage. The aGate / aPower 2 took over while we slept, and kept things running smoothly. We'd highly recommend working with SEM. Graham and all the other folks we worked with are fantastic! Mike SJune 7, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic experience with Southern Energy Management installing a solar system on my house, as well as some electrical work to accommodate an EV. Their team was very helpful and patient with all of my dumb questions and incredibly efficient with the timing of installation! They also walked me through the rebate programs to make sure I got my money's worth. Highly recommend. Adrian DMay 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Response to feedback and experience: Katherine reached out diligently to go over the experience and made every effort to explain and course correct the processes that caused delays. Also, Katherine’s effective follow up with Duke ensured that the promised power rebate check was issued and credited. 9k promise fulfilled!! Truly appreciate the responsiveness and sensitivity to customer journey. As indicated before, the solar system is working great and powers the whole 4,200’sqft home for energy requirements. Well done Southern Energy team and Katherine, you’re a star! ——————— Installation is finally complete but two major issues to be aware of: 1) A 4 month delay in starting the project despite repeated follow-ups and 2) Current situation where the doubly promised Duke rebate is in limbo after a 39k installation. The commitment was for effective follow up with Duke but no news yet. While the team did a professional job during installation, the delays and radio silence pre and post is excruciatingly painful as a customer. Rajneesh PMay 14, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Southern Energy Management was fantastic. They walk you through the process and give you the right amount of guidance and detail. Austin Crumpler and team were very professional, accessible and prompt. The installation team was great and the whole project was seamless. I highly recommend SEM David KMay 7, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul and the Southern Energy team did a great job explaining the benefits of solar and walking me through the process. We couldn’t be more satisfied with the results! Thank you Jake HApril 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure working with Yanni at Southern Energy Management. His extensive knowledge, kindness, and professionalism were evident throughout our engagement. While initially we hadn't planned to invest in a solar system immediately after purchasing our new home, Yanni clearly and effectively communicated the available incentives and rebates, which ultimately made the decision to move forward an easy one. After exploring options with several other solar vendors, Southern Energy Management presented the most compelling overall offer. Yanni turned us over to Jordan, our project manager. Under Jordan, the installation process was executed efficiently, with the solar panels installed in February and the electrical work and battery backup completed in March. The entire Southern Energy Management team demonstrated promptness, strong communication skills, deep knowledge, and consistent professionalism. They also provided comprehensive information that clearly outlined each step of the process from beginning to end. We wrapped with Yanni and he answered all of our questions. Based on our positive experience, we wholeheartedly recommend Southern Energy Management to anyone considering the purchase of a solar system. Reginald HApril 24, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went smoothly from start to finish. We are now up and running and enjoying getting to know our system. Eira TMarch 26, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Southern Energy Management was top notch. My solar journey was quite lengthy due to HOA issues, but persistence paid off and with Southern Energy Management providing additional information that my HOA requested, my system is now up and running. Our advisor took the time to review our specific situation and design a system matched for my needs, and helped navigate all the available incentives. Once the project was officially underway I was assigned a project manager who kept me informed with regular updates on how things were progressing in the background (permitting, interconnection applications, etc.) construction schedule, inspection, and then finally on permission to operate from the utility. This was a very welcome concierge level of service. Actual installation only took one day for the panels, one day for the electrical work (minus the battery, which was on backorder), and then an additional half day to install the battery once it arrived. The installer got the equipment set up and commissioned the battery, and then after everything was complete and up and running, I was given an orientation to go over the app use and settings (the inclusion of a battery in the system provides a lot of additional control), Duke PowerPair program participation, and answering any questions I had. I feel that Southern Energy Management and I form a team -- they did not just install my system and then disappear. I couldn't be more pleased with the results so far. My first electric bill (with incentive payments) was only $13.22, and this was only for a partial month of solar. In my current month, the system is working extremely well and I have given back more to the grid than I have drawn from it. The system is well designed and not only am I now saving a lot of money, but I feel I am actively helping the environment by using and supplying clean solar energy back to the grid! Lance PMarch 17, 2025
Our average cost of a single solar battery ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 depending on the product and whether you are installing it with a new or existing solar system.
Adding a battery to your existing solar setup? Congrats! It’s an investment that brings more energy independence and resilience to your home. While there is a bit of a premium compared to installing a battery with solar at the same time – typically around $1,500 – it’s there to cover all the essentials. This includes the admin and mobilization to ensure your system is seamlessly integrated and ready to shine. It’s worth it to keep your lights on and your energy clean.
Currently, there is not a solar tax credit offered at the state level in North Carolina. The 30% Federal Tax credit for residential systems is also set to expire at the end of 2025 after it was discontinued in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
Check out the NCSEA’s Squeaky Clean Podcast to hear our very own, Graham Alexander, talk about the details of this new monumental program for NC.
Right now, the FranklinWH aPower 2 offers strong competitive technology to the Powerwall 3. Advanced features like generator integration and smart circuit technology allows you to have more customizable access to backing up your home’s energy needs during a grid outage.
The aPower 2 also offers very similar app features to the Powerwall such as ‘storm hedge’ mode to prepare for potential outages based on incoming weather alerts. A 15 year warranty and slightly larger energy capacity makes the aPower 2 even more competitive in the battery storage arena.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Tesla alternative and willing to spend a little more for the advanced features, ask your solar designer if the aPower 2 makes sense for your home and energy goals. Schedule a free consultation with one of our solar educators to learn more.
You can install a battery without solar in NC, but it is incredibly important to discuss your backup goals with a solar designer. Without the ability to have a solar system recharge the battery, your backup duration will be reduced.
That’s a bit like asking how long a piece of string is, it all depends! In the solar world, giving a one-size-fits-all answer can be tricky, so it is super important to sit down with a knowledgeable solar designer to set your expectations just right.
For most folks in North Carolina, if you have a single battery without a solar resource, you could be looking at 12-24 hours of backup. That’s without cranking the HVAC. To get more time, stack those batteries! More units mean more backup time, though it’s still wise to keep an eye on your energy usage.
Time of year plays a big part too. Spring or fall might bless you with a few days of backup, but if you hit a grid outage during the middle of summer and your AC is hooked up to the backup, you might only get a few hours of cool air before your battery waves the white flag. We can help you plan accordingly!
Southern Energy Management is North Carolina’s most established solar installer. For 24+ years, we’ve helped homes and businesses across North Carolina make the switch to solar & battery storage. Our Raleigh-based team of in-house solar experts is proud to serve the areas of:
Request a free virtual solar + energy storage evaluation today!
North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.