Solar Self-Consumption (Zero Grid Export)
Use More of the Power You Produce
When the sun is shining, your solar panels often generate more electricity than your home can use. Without a battery, that extra energy goes back to the grid — and your utility decides what it’s worth. With a Fortress Power system, you can store that excess energy and use it later, when the sun goes down or rates go up.
How It Works
A Fortress Power battery system connects directly to your home’s solar array. During the day, excess solar energy charges the battery. At night or during cloudy weather, the system discharges that stored energy to keep your home running — reducing or even eliminating your reliance on the grid.
This approach is known as solar self-consumption, and it helps you get more value from your solar investment while increasing your energy independence.
Why It Matters
Most utility companies buy back solar energy at a reduced rate (or not at all). In areas where net metering is limited or being phased out, storing your own energy ensures you’re getting full value for every kilowatt-hour your system produces.
Instead of “selling low and buying high,” Fortress Power lets you keep what you generate and use it when it matters most.
Benefits of Solar Self-Consumption with Fortress Power
Maximize the return on your solar investment
Reduce or eliminate grid usage during peak times
Lower monthly utility bills
Avoid changes in net metering and utility policy
Stay powered even when the grid goes down
Use solar energy at night or in bad weather
Solar self-consumption is the first step toward full energy independence — and it pairs seamlessly with other Fortress Power use cases like backup power, time-of-use optimization, and Virtual Power Plant participation. It’s flexible, scalable, and designed to evolve with your home’s energy needs.
How Fortress Power Compares to Other Backup Solutions
Not all backup power is created equal. While traditional generators and older battery technologies offer some protection during outages, they come with limitations — from noise and maintenance to short lifespans and safety concerns. Fortress Power’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) systems deliver clean, reliable, and long-lasting energy you can count on — with fewer compromises and more control.
Features | Fortress Power Solution | Other Lithium-ion Solutions
| Lead Acid | Generator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | Backup Power, time of use, self-consumption, and off-grid | Backup Power, time of use, self-consumption, and off-grid | Backup Power | Backup Power |
| Depth of Discharge | 100% | 100% | 50% | N/A |
| Battery Chemistry | Safe Technology | Potential thermal runway or firing | Risk of harmful gasses | Environmental Pollution |
| Life Cycles | 8,000+ (15+ years) | 3,000 | 500-1,000 | N/A |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 6 months | 2 years |
| Fuel cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | $70-$130 per day |
| Maintenance | No | No | Every 6 months | Yes |
| Energy Cost ($/kWh) | 0.14 | 0.30 | 0.65 | 0.50 |
Ready to Take Full Control of Your Solar Power?
Let us help you design a Fortress Power system that stores your extra solar and gives you more control over how — and when — you use your energy.
