Frequently Asked Questions

Green Mountain Power is offering its customers a Tesla or Enphase battery backup system (~$22,000 equipment value) to protect their homes from power outages.

In exchange, Green Mountain Power will occasionally utilize the energy in the battery so they can avoid paying large premiums for peak power from out of state generators. A win-win.

The standard installation is free and there is no upfront cost for homes with normal conditions. There is a $55/month lease payment for 10 years (or one $5,500 up front payment). This is far less expensive than owning a battery or generator. (Approximately 50% savings)

No. The only energy you pay for is the energy you use. If GMP uses any battery energy, they will recharge it for free. The $55/month is the only charge GMP adds to your monthly bill.

No. Batteries and solar panels complement each other but do not require each other.

That depends on your home electricity usage. The average house can sustain 24-48 of power with moderate home appliance use during an outage, with a full battery charge. People who conserve energy well have gone much longer than 48 hours. But even a day and half is sufficient for approximately 99% of outages in Vermont.

If you have solar panels attached to the batteries, you can conceivably stay powered on-goingly.

You can connect almost any existing or future solar enegy systems to this battery. Doing so will help provide more power for your home during extended outages.

You stop owing a $55 payment to GMP at 10 years. However, if you’d like, you can keep the equipment in your house. The same terms will apply, except you won’t have to make any payments

Green Mountain Power is responsible for the equipment maintenance. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining internet connection.

Green Mountain Power does track incoming weather and makes efforts to avoid using participant’s batteries prior to storms. However, they are able to use battery at their discretion except when there is a power outage.

You give the buyer and GMP 30 days notice. The buyer will have the opportunity to take over your lease, otherwise GMP will take the equipment away at the cost of $450. (which you can make part of the buyer’s closing fees).

See the link below.