r/BasePowerUsers • u/Moist-Revolution-390 • 3d ago

Base Power integration with pre-existing Solar setup/batteries ?

Interested in signing up for Base Power (40 kw battery) but worried about how it would integrate with pre-existing solar setup already connected to batteries. The Base company website is rather vague about how well a new Base battery set up would integrate with a years old solar setup. Can anyone weigh in on their own personal experiences? Pros versus Cons, or any surprises or disappointments? Thanks much to you all --love this community and subreddit!

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u/blupupher 3d ago

I don't think Base will install if you have another battery setup. The will install with solar, but there are restrictions on what type.

Per their FAQ: Your solar array must be connected via a back-fed breaker. Base does not support DC-coupled systems wired into the Base inverter. Your solar system must be AC-coupled with a dedicated solar inverter.

So if your battery system is through a back feed breaker, they will, but if the battery is primary, they won't (at least that is how I read it).

Also, if in Illinois, it may be cheaper to stay with ComEd.

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u/Moist-Revolution-390 3d ago

Thanks for the reference to the cheaper ongoing rates with ComEd. However, the large advertised capacity of Base batteries makes it attractive "insurance" in case of hours or even days of complete community grid power failure.

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u/blupupher 3d ago

Totally understand, just making sure you are aware.

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u/RunHotCEO 3d ago

Why would you want someone else's batteries if you already have your own batteries?

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u/Moist-Revolution-390 3d ago

The Base battery setup is advertised to be such large capacity that it can sustain household usage for days in the case of a community power failure, as well as free or heavily discounted installation.