If you’ve started looking into home batteries, you’ve probably seen the terms “AC-coupled” and “DC-coupled” thrown around like everyone should already know what they mean. Totally fair if it sounds like electrical jargon, because it is.

The good news is the concept is simple once you picture how electricity flows through a home. In this guide, we’ll explain AC vs DC coupling in plain English, why it matters for performance and upgrades, and how to choose the right setup depending on whether you already have solar or you’re starting fresh.