URGENT UPDATE: Colorado homeowners are increasingly investing in battery backup systems as the state faces a surge in electrical outages, driven by severe weather and wildfire risks. Recent reports confirm that outages have become more frequent, prompting residents to seek reliable energy solutions to power their homes during grid failures.
In January 2025, Xcel Energy enacted a Public Safety Power Shutoff affecting around 9,000 customers in northern Colorado due to “extreme wildfire danger,” with wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour. Many residents experienced prolonged outages, leading to food spoilage and loss of heating and security systems. This situation is forcing homeowners to rethink their energy independence.
As extreme weather events continue to plague the region, battery backup systems paired with rooftop solar panels are emerging as critical lifelines. Namaste Solar, a Colorado-based solar energy company, highlights that these systems enable residents to store solar energy for use during outages, ensuring they remain powered when the grid is down.
Home battery backup allows homeowners to draw on stored energy for essential needs, transforming how they cope with outages. Unlike traditional solar systems that shut down during a grid failure, battery systems provide a dependable energy source even when utility power is interrupted.
The increasing frequency of outages—marked by a doubling of outage minutes in the past decade—has raised concerns about the reliability of aging infrastructure in the state. Residents in Boulder, Larimer, and metro Denver counties have witnessed firsthand the impact of this unreliable grid.
Allison and Steve, Namaste Solar customers, shared their experience: “We’ve had two power outages here since the beginning of the year, and our neighbors have been quick to note that we’re the only ones on the block who had power.” Their story underscores the growing importance of battery backup as a strategy for resilience in an uncertain climate.
Battery systems not only provide electricity during outages, but they also offer financial benefits. Homeowners can store energy generated during the day and use it during peak-rate periods, effectively saving money. “We’re able to do energy arbitrage with it and sell energy back when it’s [credited at the highest rate],” Steve noted.
In addition to ensuring energy independence, battery backup systems contribute to cleaner living. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and maximizing solar generation, homeowners can significantly lower their carbon footprint. Namaste Solar emphasizes that battery storage is a pathway toward a zero-emissions home.
To incentivize adoption, Colorado offers several rebate programs for battery backup systems. The Renewable Battery Connect program provides upfront rebates for homeowners, while the Residential Energy Storage Credit offers up to 10% of the purchase cost for eligible equipment.
As the energy landscape in Colorado evolves, homeowners are increasingly taking control of their energy future. Namaste Solar is dedicated to helping residents navigate their options, whether by adding a battery to an existing system or installing a new solar-plus-storage solution.
For more information on how battery backup can protect your home and reduce energy costs, visit Namaste Solar at namastesolar.com/transparent or call 720.386.2174. As Colorado faces ongoing energy challenges, investing in battery backup is becoming not just a convenience, but a vital strategy for resilience and sustainability.
