
Solar Plus Storage Systems in Central Wisconsin
Solar plus storage helps homes and businesses stay more resilient when the grid goes down, and purchase less electricity from their utility. By pairing solar panels with battery backup, you can keep essential power on during outages, use more of the energy you generate, and gain more control over how your property uses electricity.
Northwind Solar designs solar and battery storage systems for customers across Central Wisconsin. Whether you are planning a new solar installation or looking to add storage to an existing system, we can help you choose a setup that fits your property, energy use, and backup goals.


How Solar + Storage Works
Most standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during a power outage. That safety feature protects utility crews, but it also means solar panels alone usually will not keep your home or business powered when the grid goes down.
Battery storage changes that. When you pair solar with a battery, your system can store energy for later use and automatically switch to backup power during an outage. That means you can keep critical loads running, use more of the solar power you generate, and build a more resilient energy system.
One of the biggest advantages of solar plus storage is that your solar panels can continue helping recharge the battery during daylight hours. Depending on your system design, that can extend backup power well beyond what a battery alone could provide.

Why People Choose Battery Backup
Solar plus storage is a popular choice for customers who want more than just lower electric bills. It can help you:
- Keep essential systems running during outages
- Use more of your solar energy at night or when the grid is unavailable
- Gain more control over your electricity use
- Reduce stress during storms and power disruptions
- Build a quieter, lower-maintenance alternative to a generator
We work with you to to design a system that meets your needs. Depending on the system design, your battery backup can help power items such as refrigeration, lighting, internet equipment, sump pumps, well pumps, medical devices, and heating system controls.
For homes and businesses in Central Wisconsin, where storms and winter weather can disrupt utility service, that added resilience can make a real difference.
Battery Storage Options from Northwind Solar
We offer multiple battery storage systems so you can choose the level of backup power, flexibility, and energy control that fits your property and long-term goals.


Tesla Powerwall 3
Best for: Larger backup ambitions, smart home energy management, and an all-in-one battery platform.

Franklin Wholehome aPower S
Best for: Flexible backup strategy, energy management, and priority-load planning.

Franklin Wholehome aPower 2
Best for: Whole-home energy strategy, resilient backup design, and long-term energy flexibility.
Our Solar Plus Storage Process
Step 1 – Consultation
We start by learning about your property, your goals, and how you want backup power to work.
Step 2 – Energy Use Review
We review your electricity usage and talk through which loads or systems matter most during an outage.
Step 3 – Site and System Design
We evaluate your site, solar potential, and electrical setup to recommend the right solar and storage configuration.
Step 4 – Installation and Integration
Our team handles installation, integration, and the details needed to make sure the system works safely and correctly.
Step 5 – Commissioning and Support
Once your system is running, we walk you through how it works and remain available for support.
Frequently Asked questions
What is a solar plus storage system?
A solar plus storage system combines solar panels with battery backup so you can store energy for later use and keep essential power on during outages.
Why doesn’t my solar system work during a power outage?
Most standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during outages as a safety feature to protect utility crews from dangerous backfeed.
Will battery storage work when the grid goes down?
Yes. When properly designed and installed, battery storage can provide backup power during grid outages and automatically switch your property to stored energy to power either whole home or critical load backup.
Can battery storage power my whole home or business?
That depends on the size of the battery system and how much electricity you want backed up. Some systems cover essentials only, while others can support much more.
Is battery backup better than a generator?
Battery storage offers a quiet, low-maintenance, no-exhaust alternative with smart controls and strong integration with solar. It can recharge with the sun, and switch on instantaneously when a power outage occurs. It's similar to how your laptop works when you unplug it from the battery charger.



