Question 1

What is the SOLRITE VPA?

Accepted Answer

A Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA) is a 25-year residential agreement where SOLRITE installs and owns a solar + battery system on your home, you get the backup power and lower energy costs, and the battery participates in the Virtual Power Plant during peak demand. Grid-services revenue covers the equipment cost, that's why there's no upfront price tag or additional monthly cost for the batteries.

Question 2

What's the difference between a VPA and a lease or PPA?

Accepted Answer

A lease charges a monthly equipment fee. A PPA charges per kWh produced. A VPA is structured around grid-service participation: the battery earns revenue from dispatches and other grid services, and that revenue covers the equipment cost, so you get the system without paying for it directly.

Question 3

Who actually owns the battery?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE owns the equipment for the term of the agreement. That's how we can offer 25-year coverage without an upfront cost, we maintain it and replace it if it fails. At the end of the term, you can either renew the agreement or buy the system from SOLRITE for $0.

Question 4

How long is the agreement?

Accepted Answer

25 years. That covers the expected useful life of the system, including any battery replacements that happen along the way. You're not locked into a single piece of hardware, you're covered through the full life of the agreement.

Question 5

What happens at the end of the 25 years?

Accepted Answer

You have two choices: renew the agreement, or buy the system from SOLRITE for $0, it's yours, no purchase price. There is no balloon payment and no automatic renewal, the choice is yours.

Question 6

How does the Virtual Power Plant actually work?

Accepted Answer

Your battery participates in a range of grid services through sonnenConnect (or the equivalent platform for Duracell systems), short dispatches of 30 seconds to 5 minutes during peak demand are the most visible, but the platform also runs frequency regulation, voltage support, and other ancillary services in the background. The revenue from all of those is what covers the cost of the equipment.

Question 7

Will dispatches drain my battery before an outage?

Accepted Answer

No. Dispatches are short and a reserve is always preserved for backup. SOLRITE manages the settings, including storm mode, which automatically prioritizes a full charge when severe weather is in the forecast.

Question 8

What if SOLRITE goes out of business?

Accepted Answer

The agreement is structured to be assignable to another operator if needed, and the hardware on your home is built to industry-standard interconnection rules. Your battery would continue to function for backup and self-consumption regardless of who is operating the VPP layer.

Question 9

How much does the system cost upfront?

Accepted Answer

$0 down. The SOLRITE Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement covers the equipment, installation, permitting, and inspections. No loan, no balloon payment, no $30,000 invoice. You just pay for the electricity you use, at the rate that applies in your market. (In select markets, the Battery VPA program for homes that already have solar carries a small monthly program fee on top, the main VPA does not.)

Question 10

What does the monthly Battery VPA fee cover?

Accepted Answer

The Battery VPA program (for homes that already have solar, in select markets) carries a small monthly program fee, currently $20/mo, that covers operations, monitoring, software, dispatch management, and the hardware warranty, including any battery replacements during the term. It's the only direct charge from SOLRITE for that product. The main SOLRITE VPA (solar + battery installs) has no monthly fee from SOLRITE.

Question 11

How does the discounted electricity rate work?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, your home enrolls with a SOLRITE-approved retail electric provider. On the Solar + Battery VPA that is a flat 12.9¢/kWh all-in rate, TDU delivery fees included. On the Battery VPA, for homes that already have solar, it is a discounted energy rate through that provider. The REP earns revenue from your battery's grid participation and passes those savings back as a lower rate. In California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Connecticut the program structure is different, you stay with your existing utility, and the savings come from time-shifting your solar through the battery.

Question 12

Why is the SOLRITE REP rate the only option?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, your battery's grid participation is what funds the discounted rate, that revenue stream lives with the SOLRITE-approved REP. For nearly all customers it's a non-issue: the SOLRITE rate is more competitive than what you'd find shopping on your own. (California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Connecticut customers stay with their existing utility, no provider switch required.)

Question 13

Will my utility bill go to zero?

Accepted Answer

Not likely. Solar offset is calculated annually, not monthly, and individual months will fluctuate. Most customers still see a small monthly bill, but their overall energy costs are significantly lower than they were before.

Question 14

Are there hidden fees, deposits, or activation costs?

Accepted Answer

No. The published numbers in your market are the numbers: $0 upfront, and your normal energy bill at whatever rate applies in your market. No deposit and no activation fee at install. (Texas Battery VPA customers also pay a small monthly program fee, disclosed up front on the Battery VPA page.)

Question 15

Will my homeowners insurance change?

Accepted Answer

For most homeowners, no. Because SOLRITE owns the equipment, it's not your asset to insure, we carry coverage on the hardware. Some carriers ask to be notified that a battery has been installed; we provide documentation if your insurer requests it.

Question 16

What does "backup when the grid drops" really look like?

Accepted Answer

Your battery senses the outage and switches your home to backup power in a few seconds. Lights, refrigerator, outlets, internet stay on. During daytime outages, your solar continues charging the battery for extended runtime.

Question 17

Whole-home backup or just essentials?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the house. We back up as much as we can, whole-home backup is possible in some cases, but it's not the norm. Larger loads like central A/C, EV chargers, pool pumps, and electric ranges often draw too much for the battery to support sustainably. Our electrical engineers review your panel and loads after the site survey and design the backup configuration that gives you the longest, most reliable runtime.

Question 18

How long will the battery run my home in an outage?

Accepted Answer

Highly dependent on usage and the size of your battery. A typical SOLRITE battery system powers a normal home for 1–2 days running essentials only, longer if you conserve. With paired solar that's recharging during the day, runtime can be effectively indefinite for as long as the sun keeps coming up.

Question 19

Can I have a generator with this system?

Accepted Answer

Portable generators are compatible, use them for non-essential loads during outages. Whole-home generators are more complicated and will be reviewed by engineers before approval.

Question 20

What is "storm mode"?

Accepted Answer

Storm mode automatically prioritizes a full battery charge when severe weather is forecast in your area. SOLRITE monitors weather feeds and triggers storm mode on your behalf, so you don't have to remember to flip a switch before a hurricane or freeze.

Question 21

What is a "Solar Orphan"?

Accepted Answer

A homeowner whose solar buyback program expired or shrank to almost nothing, typically 12 to 36 months after install. The solar still generates, the grid still takes the energy, but the homeowner gets little or nothing back for it. Tens of thousands of Texans are in this position.

Question 22

Do I qualify if my buyback already expired?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's exactly who the Battery VPA is built for. Whether your buyback is active, expiring, or already gone, the Duracell battery captures your existing solar and stores it for evening use, restoring the financial value of your solar investment.

Question 23

I'm in a solar lease or PPA. Can I still add the Battery VPA?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. We expressly do not allow leased or PPA solar systems to be connected to the Battery VPA right now, the contractual and equipment-control complications are too significant. If you own your solar outright (cash or financed), you're a fit. If you're under a lease or PPA, contact us anyway, we'd like to keep your information for when our policy changes.

Question 24

Will the Duracell battery work with my existing solar inverter?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes, the Duracell Max Hybrid is AC-coupled and works alongside the majority of common string inverters and microinverter setups. There are a few exceptions where compatibility doesn't work cleanly. Contact us with your current inverter make and model and we'll confirm fit before you spend any time on the rest of the process.

Question 25

Will my existing solar warranty be affected?

Accepted Answer

No. Because the Duracell battery is AC-coupled, we don't touch your existing solar wiring or inverter. Your panel and inverter warranties remain intact exactly as they are, and we layer the battery system on top. To be clear about the other direction too: SOLRITE does not take over, assume, or replace the warranties on solar you already own. Those stay with your original manufacturer and installer.

Question 26

What happens if my existing panels or inverter stop working?

Accepted Answer

That repair goes to whoever warrantied your original system, not to SOLRITE. This is written into the Battery Lease Agreement: SOLRITE assumes no liability or duty of care for existing solar, is not responsible for the condition of equipment that is not part of the new battery installation, and has no obligation to monitor, maintain, or troubleshoot a pre-existing PV system. What SOLRITE owns and fully covers is the Duracell battery system we install. If your solar goes down, the battery keeps running on grid charging, but restoring your production is between you and your original provider. Worth knowing: if your solar stops producing, your utility bills can go up, and that shortfall isn't something SOLRITE covers either.

Question 27

Does SOLRITE maintain my whole system, including the solar I already owned?

Accepted Answer

No, and we want to be precise here because it's a common misunderstanding. When you see SOLRITE describe covering maintenance, monitoring, repairs, and replacement, that applies to the system SOLRITE owns. On a Solar VPA, we install the panels and battery, so we cover all of it. On a Battery VPA for a home that already has solar, the system we own is the battery, so that's what we cover. Your pre-existing panels and inverter remain yours, under their original warranties.

Question 28

How long does installation take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies by jurisdiction. The biggest wait is city, county, or utility approval, some areas take a few weeks and others take a few months. SOLRITE handles permits, install, inspections, and utility hookup, and your installer keeps you updated through the process. All you do is share your utility bill and grant access for the site survey and install day.

Question 29

How long is install day itself?

Accepted Answer

Battery-only installs are typically a single day, 6–10 hours. Solar plus battery installs usually run 2–3 days depending on roof size and electrical work. You'll have a brief power interruption while the battery is wired in, the crew schedules it for the shortest possible window.

Question 30

Who actually does the installation?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE-managed crews and licensed local install partners. Every job goes through SOLRITE's quality control before final commissioning, we don't hand off to whichever subcontractor is cheapest.

Question 31

Do I need to do anything for permits or inspections?

Accepted Answer

No, with one small exception. SOLRITE pulls every permit with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), schedules every inspection, and handles utility interconnection paperwork end to end. You'll just need to be home for the inspector visit, which we schedule around your availability. In Texas, you will also sign some interconnection documents during the process.

Question 32

Where does the battery actually go?

Accepted Answer

The garage, every time it's possible. Every battery will perform better and last longer when installed inside the garage, protected from temperature swings, weather, and direct sun. Our batteries are also rated for outdoor installation (NEMA 3R / IP65 enclosure) when the garage isn't an option, but indoors is always preferred. The site survey determines the final placement.

Question 33

Where in Texas is SOLRITE available?

Accepted Answer

The Battery VPA for existing solar is statewide. Solar + Battery installs are currently live in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and McAllen, with additional metros opening through the year. Drop your ZIP and we'll confirm what's available at your address.

Question 34

How does SOLRITE work with ERCOT?

Accepted Answer

Your battery is part of a Virtual Power Plant aggregated through sonnen and SOLRITE-approved retail electric providers. During ERCOT peak demand events, the aggregate fleet provides dispatches, frequency response, and other grid services, that's the revenue that funds your discounted rate.

Question 35

What happens during an ERCOT freeze or hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Ahead of a forecasted freeze or hurricane, we suspend VPP activity and charge your battery to full, so your full reserve is protected before the event hits. When grid power drops, your home transitions to backup automatically, lights, fridge, internet stay on. Once the grid stabilizes, the system returns to normal operation.

Question 36

Do I have to switch electricity providers?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, yes. Your home enrolls with a SOLRITE-approved retail electric provider at a discounted rate. On the Solar + Battery VPA that is a flat 12.9¢/kWh, all-in with delivery included. On the Battery VPA it is a discounted energy rate through that provider. That switch is what funds the discount: the REP earns revenue from your battery's grid participation and passes it back to you as a lower rate. In California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Connecticut, no switch is required and you stay with your existing utility.

Question 37

What if I'm still under contract with my current provider?

Accepted Answer

Tell us early. Many Texas retail plans carry an early termination fee, and both the amount and your contract end date are listed on your Electricity Facts Label (EFL). We'd rather look at your end date and plan the timing around it than have you get surprised by a cancellation charge, so bring it up in the first conversation.

Question 38

What if my area doesn't have retail electricity choice?

Accepted Answer

Then the Texas rate program doesn't apply to your home. Areas served by an electric cooperative or a municipal utility, such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative or a city-owned utility, don't have retail choice, so there's no approved provider to enroll with. Send us your address and we'll confirm your territory up front rather than take you through a process that can't work.

Question 39

Which utilities can I have SOLRITE with?

Accepted Answer

PG&E, Southern California Edison (SCE), and SDG&E territories. Drop your ZIP and we'll confirm the specific service area and your interconnection timeline.

Question 40

What's the difference between NEM 3.0 and NEM 2.0?

Accepted Answer

NEM 2.0 paid retail rates for exported solar, about 30¢/kWh. NEM 3.0 (the Net Billing Tariff) pays based on hourly avoided cost, closer to 5¢/kWh on average. That makes solar-only systems much slower to pay back. A battery-paired system uses the solar locally, where it's worth full retail.

Question 41

How does the Duracell battery handle Time-of-Use rates and PSPS events?

Accepted Answer

All California IOUs default solar customers to a TOU plan, with peak rates running 4–9 PM at 50–60¢/kWh. Your Duracell battery is programmed to discharge during those hours, offsetting your most expensive grid power. During a PSPS event, the inverter detects the outage and switches to backup mode in a few seconds, with solar continuing to recharge the battery during daylight.

Question 42

What cities is SOLRITE servicing in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE is live across Greater Boston, Worcester, and the surrounding metro areas, most of the Eversource and National Grid territories. The Massachusetts program is fully open and enrolling new homes now. Drop your ZIP and we'll confirm availability for your address within 24 hours.

Question 43

How does it work with Eversource or National Grid, and does the cold affect the battery?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE handles the interconnection paperwork with your utility, you stay with Eversource, National Grid, or your municipal utility, with the battery layered on top for backup and grid services. sonnen batteries are rated for the full range of New England weather; we install in the garage where possible (always preferred for performance and longevity), and outdoors in a NEMA 3R / IP65 enclosure where needed.

Question 44

Where in Illinois is SOLRITE available?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE is live across Illinois in both Ameren and ComEd territory, including the greater Chicago area, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Metro East, and Carbondale. We do not serve municipal utilities or co-ops. Drop your ZIP and we'll confirm availability within 24 hours.

Question 45

Illinois ended net metering, is solar still worth it?

Accepted Answer

Full retail net metering ended for new solar customers on January 1, 2025. That's why SOLRITE's Illinois program is storage-first: a Duracell battery captures excess solar instead of exporting it for reduced credits, and every kWh you self-consume avoids the full retail rate. We also offer a Battery VPA for homes that already have solar, see the Illinois Battery VPA page for details.

Question 46

Which Connecticut utilities can get SOLRITE?

Accepted Answer

Homes served by Eversource (most of the state) and United Illuminating, or UI (southern Connecticut, including Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford). Drop your ZIP and we'll confirm your address and utility within 24 hours.

Question 47

Does SOLRITE pay me for the power my panels send to the grid?

Accepted Answer

The goal isn't to sell power back to the grid, it's to use your own. Your daytime solar charges your Duracell battery so you can run your home on it in the evening, instead of exporting it for a lower credit under Connecticut's new rules. SOLRITE handles the grid program and any credits behind the scenes, and your benefit shows up as a lower energy rate on your bill.

Question 48

What if I sell my house?

Accepted Answer

The agreement transfers with the home. We work with the buyer's lender to make the transfer clean. Most buyers see the system as a positive, they get a brand-new battery, full backup capability, and a discounted rate without doing the install themselves.

Question 49

What if I want to switch retail providers later?

Accepted Answer

A penalty applies if you leave the SOLRITE-approved REP, that's how the economics of the Battery VPA work, since your battery's grid participation is what funds the discounted rate. For nearly all customers, staying with the approved REP is a non-issue: the rate is more competitive than what you'd find shopping on your own.

Question 50

Can I disconnect or remove the battery if I want to leave the program?

Accepted Answer

Early termination is possible but carries fees that reflect the value of the equipment SOLRITE has installed and the grid-services revenue we've forecasted. We'd rather work through whatever issue is driving the decision, reach out before terminating and we'll see what we can resolve.

Question 51

What's the difference between sonnen and Duracell?

Accepted Answer

sonnen is the German-engineered battery system that powers most SOLRITE Solar + Battery installs in Texas and Massachusetts, 11 generations deep, with the sonnenConnect VPP platform. Duracell Max Hybrid is the LFP system used for the Texas Battery-Only program (the Solar Orphan rescue), California installs, and the Solar + Battery programs in Illinois and Connecticut, integrated hybrid inverter, up to 60 kWh stackable, UL1741-SB listed. Both are excellent; the choice comes down to program and geography.

Question 52

Why is the Duracell Max Hybrid the right battery for the Texas VPA?

Accepted Answer

The Max Hybrid is built around an integrated hybrid inverter that handles solar input, battery charging, and grid backup in a single wall-mount unit, with up to 60 kWh of stackable LFP storage, UL1741-SB listed, NEMA 3R / IP65 enclosure, and 15 kW continuous AC output. It's purpose-built for the resilience-plus-grid-services use case the Battery VPA depends on.

Question 53

What happens if my battery wears out?

Accepted Answer

SOLRITE replaces it at no cost during the agreement. That's the whole point of not owning the hardware, the replacement risk sits with us, not you. Most batteries last about 10 years, so plan on at least one swap during the agreement, fully covered.

Question 54

What size battery does my home get?

Accepted Answer

Sizing varies by market and program. Texas Solar + Battery installs pair sonnen with rooftop solar, sized to your home's load. Texas Battery-Only uses up to 60 kWh of Duracell. California, Illinois, and Connecticut installs use Duracell sized 20–45 kWh based on your home's load. Massachusetts installs use sonnen and are sized similarly.

Question 55

Can I monitor my system from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both sonnen and Duracell come with mobile apps that show battery state of charge, solar production, home consumption, and grid status. You'll see in real time what's charging the battery, what's discharging, and how much you're saving.

Question 56

How loud is the battery?

Accepted Answer

Quiet enough that most homeowners forget it's running. There's a small fan inside that runs only when the unit is working hard, below the noise level of a refrigerator. Indoors or out, you won't hear it from the next room.

Question 57

Can I add an EV charger later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The system is designed to coexist with a Level 2 EV charger. If you don't have one yet but want to plan for it, mention it during your design call, we'll size the panel and battery configuration so you can add the charger without electrical rework later.

Answers to the questions we hear most.

The SOLRITE VPA.

Pricing and the rate.

Backup power and outages.

Existing solar & Solar Orphans.

Installation and timeline.

Texas-specific questions.

California-specific questions.

Massachusetts-specific questions.

Illinois-specific questions.

Connecticut-specific questions.

Selling, moving, and contract changes.

Equipment.

Ask us directly.