FAQs

General

  • The Smart Battery Storage System is an all-in-one energy storage solution designed to optimize energy usage and lower electricity bills. It consists of the Smart Battery, which stores energy, and the Smart Hub, an advanced inverter that manages the flow of power to your home.

    This system is perfect for Canadian and some American homeowners looking to take advantage of Time-of-Use (TOU) plans, including the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rates, by storing energy during off-peak hours and using it when electricity rates are higher. The Smart Battery Storage System comes with a 10-year warranty, ensuring reliable performance and peace of mind.

  • The Smart Battery Storage System is available exclusively through our network of authorized dealers and partners. These dealers are trained to provide professional advice and installation services to ensure the system is tailored to your home’s energy needs.

    To find an authorized dealer near you or to learn more about purchasing options, please visit the Authorized Dealers page or contact us at info@smarterpower.ca. Our team will be happy to connect you with a trusted dealer in your area.

  • The SBSS is available for sale with the required certifications and regulatory approvals for Residential Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in both Canada and the U.S.

  • Smart Batteries are sold within a SBSS, equipped with a built-in inverter and functional batteries, allowing each SBSS to range from 10kWh to 20kWh storage capacity. In Ontario, for instance, regulations dictate that the capacity limitations for an energy storage system (SBSS) at a dwelling unit or building of residential occupancy cannot exceed 20kWh. This means a maximum of 2 SBSSs (40kWh total) can be installed in a dedicated utility room, and a maximum of 4 SBSSs (80kWh) in an attached/detached garage.

    In the United States, 30kWh SBSSs are also available, depending on local rules and regulations. Our team will work closely with you to determine the maximum number of SBSSs allowed for your home, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and optimizing your energy storage solution.

  • The cost of SBSS range from $14,000 to $30,000, inclusive of supporting hardware and components required for system operation. However, please note that this price does not cover additional expenses such as shipping & handling, installation, electrical upgrades, permit fees, utility application/connection charges, taxes, or optional solar power system.

    Final pricing will be determined based on various factors including your electrical panel specifications, home energy usage patterns, the number of Smart Batteries required, and the desired installation location. Our team will work closely with you to design a customized solution tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

  • The amount you can save on your electricity bill with the SBSS depends on several factors, including your current electricity rates, whether your utility offers time-of-use pricing, if you can sell excess energy back to the grid, and whether you have solar power integrated into your system.

    At Smarter Power, we prioritize understanding your unique circumstances to tailor a system that maximizes your savings and minimizes your electricity costs. We'll collaborate with you to design a setup that suits your needs, optimizes energy usage, and aims to reduce your electricity bill wherever possible.

  • Currently, home battery solutions like the SBSS are eligible for rebates or tax incentives in Canada. Please contact your Authorized Dealer to learn more about which rebates and incentives can be applied for your home.

    In the United States, homeowners who purchase a SBSS may be eligible for a federal income tax credit. This credit amounts to 30% of the purchase cost. This incentive encourages the adoption of renewable energy and energy storage solutions, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy grid.

    Please note that incentive programs and eligibility criteria may change over time. We recommend checking back regularly for updates on potential rebates and incentives for SBSS purchases.

  • Net Metering allows customers to feed excess energy back into the grid. Any surplus energy supplied to the grid is credited to your account, effectively reducing your electricity bill. We recommend checking with your utility provider to determine if net metering is available in your area. Embracing net metering can not only help offset your energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

    In the SBSS User Manual & Installation Guide, many working modes are explained to best maximize your energy needs.

  • The SBSS is designed to provide reliable performance over its lifespan. With a 10-year warranty period and the capability to undergo over 6000 life cycles, you can trust that your investment will last for years to come. This longevity ensures that you can continue to benefit from energy savings and backup power support well into the future.

  • The SBSS is certified with UL9540, UL9540A, UL 1973, and UL1741, CSA 22.2 as well as UN38.3.

  • Lithium-ion batteries, like those utilized in the Smart Battery, contain valuable materials that can be recycled for further use in both battery and other applications. At Smarter Power, we prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. We strongly encourage recycling and make every effort to retrieve all batteries that have reached their end of life (EOL) for the purpose of recycling. By participating in our recycling program, you can contribute to minimizing waste and conserving valuable resources for future generations. Please reach out to your Authorized Dealer for more information and details for a safe and environmentally friendly recycling method.

  • Absolutely! Solar panels harness the sun’s energy and convert it into usable power for your home. When connected with a SBSS, you can store the surplus energy generated by your solar panels and utilize it as needed. Your Certified Electrician will seamlessly integrate solar panels with your SBSS.

  • The SBSS provides clean, quiet, maintenance-free energy with automatic backup power, offering ample energy security for most common outages.

    Gas generators, on the other hand, are noisy and emit noxious fumes, necessitating outdoor placement. They typically take between 20 seconds to 3 minutes to start up. In contrast, the SBSS provides nearly instant power (within 1/8 second), emits no emissions, and operates quietly with a cooling fan.

    Gas generators require periodic testing and cleaning for proper maintenance. Conversely, the SBSS requires no maintenance and comes with a 10-year unlimited cycle warranty, providing peace of mind and hassle-free operation.

  • Yes, the SBSS can supply stored energy to your electric vehicle (EV) through your home electrical panel. However, it's important to note that there is no direct connection between the Smart Battery and the EV wall connector.

    It's worth considering that a single SBSS provides 10 kW of continuous power output and up to 20 kWh capacity, ensuring reliable support for your EV charging needs.

  • Many electric utilities offer usage reports on monthly bills or provide internet access to detailed usage reports. Additionally, there are several third-party power monitors available for sale that can assist homeowners in measuring electricity usage at the appliance and fixture level. These tools empower homeowners to gain insights into their energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.

  • The Smart Battery is comprised of Grade A Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Cells. LiFePO4 is known for its safety and stability as a rechargeable battery, thanks to the high thermal and structural stability of lithium iron phosphate. These batteries boast a longer lifespan, making them cost-effective in the long run. Moreover, they do not contain any hazardous materials, enhancing their eco-friendliness.

  • The duration of backup power provided by a SBSS depends on the specific power consumption of the backup circuits during a power outage. For a typical family of four, powering critical lights, phones, laptops, internet modem/Wi-Fi, a refrigerator/freezer, and a gas furnace fan, backup support can last for 2-4 days.

    However, if electric space heaters are added to the load, a single Smart Battery may be fully discharged in approximately 10-12 hours. Your Certified Electrician will collaborate with you to identify the most appropriate loads for SBSS backup in your home, ensuring optimal utilization and effective backup support tailored to your specific needs.

Installation

  • Smarter Power highly recommends to install the SBSS in both Canada and the U.S by using one of our Authorized Dealers.

    Authorized Dealers are licensed electricians who have been trained and recognized by the electrical authority. They have extensive experience in residential electrical systems, including solar installations, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to high-quality workmanship.

  • We recommend that the SBSS be installed indoors, preferably in your utility room or garage, based on the number of SBSS units you need. The closer the installation is to your main electrical panel, the better. Your Authorized Dealer will work with you to determine the ideal location for the SBSS installation on your property.

    It is important to note that the SBSS should not be installed in habitable areas such as kitchens and bedrooms or in high-traffic areas.

  • Field requirements vary based on the electric utility and regional safety authorities. Your Authorized Dealer will advise you of local requirements and facilitate the application and approval of any necessary permits.

  • It may be possible to have a Authorized Dealer remove and relocate the SBSS to another property; however, this would be an expensive procedure and may void the product warranty. Therefore, it is not recommended.

  • The SBSS must be ground mounted vertically and cannot be tilted backward or forward by more than 2 degrees. It is mandatory to keep it completely straight. The SBSS should also be secured to the wall with the provided wall mounting brackets.

  • The SBSS itself measures between 130 cm to 240 cm tall (approximately 51 to 94 inches), 65 cm wide (approximately 26 inches), and 32 cm deep (approximately 13 inches). Your Authorized Dealer will work with you to identify a suitable installation area in your home, which will most likely be your utility room or garage.

  • Upon acceptance of the quotation, your Authorized Installer will initiate the utility connection application process and arrange for all the necessary permits. This process can take 1-2 weeks. The installation of the equipment is usually completed within a day. After installation, the final inspection by local safety authorities and commissioning can take another 1-2 weeks. In total, the permitting, installation, and final commissioning process may take 1-3 weeks.

Environmental Impact

  • The SBSS emits no pollution while operating and benefits the environment by storing excess electricity generated from Smart Panels during the day, allowing you to power your home with clean energy during the evening and night. This capability to store electricity generated from intermittent renewable resources and during off-peak hours reduces dependence on dirty power sources and supports sustainable energy development.

    Even without solar, installing the SBSS helps reduce your household demand for peak electricity, which is often generated by burning gas or coal. Additionally, it provides a clean, quiet alternative to loud, fossil fuel-burning generators during a power outage.

  • Emissions savings attributed to SBSS use can be achieved through various use cases. If the SBSS is charged during the day from your solar system, the use of this stored energy at a later time is emissions-free. Additionally, if the SBSS is charged from zero or low carbon sources (such as the grid during off-peak hours) and is then used during a grid outage for backup instead of a gas or diesel generator, this energy is lower in emissions or emissions-free.

    Charging the SBSS at off-peak times often utilizes grid electricity generated from low or zero carbon sources. By using this stored energy during peak periods, you are typically using lower emission energy, thus reducing your overall carbon footprint.