Imagine you are at home, on a stormy evening, with your washing machine on, when the power suddenly goes off. Imagine the same scenario except that you have a solar energy system on your roof with battery storage. You would be blissfully unaware if the power went out in your area.
Solar power is not reliable when the sun doesn’t shine. Solar power does require sunshine, but what happens when it doesn’t? The majority of people use electricity from the grid to supplement solar-generated energy. Residential solar energy systems with battery storage, also known as solar-plus-storage systems, provide power regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Solar-plus-storage systems have many benefits.
Power around the clock. If your utility uses the time-of-use billing system and you don’t own a solar system, the cost of electricity at night is higher because the system is under more demand. Battery storage allows you to use the electricity produced during the day and store it for later. This is a better option than depending on the utility. It is also helpful if your area has frequent power outages.
Protect your pocketbook. Avoid an increase in electricity rates by using a battery. Battery storage allows you to use low-cost electricity already produced and stored. This will ensure your rates remain low and won’t impact your monthly budget. You can sell energy back to the grid at higher speeds and keep the profits.
Better Monitoring A system with solar and storage can provide you with a higher level of precision and transparency by allowing for better tracking. These systems let you track how much energy your home produces and uses in real time.
You increased energy independence. Most jurisdictions require homes to be connected to the local utility, even if the house does not use electricity. A solar-plus-storage system brings you closer to the “off-grid” status. You can store electricity in batteries so that you do not have to depend on your utility for most of the year to provide power to your home. You can also keep some batteries in reserve so your home will have the lights on if your neighbors’ power goes out.
Costs may not be a concern, but you are curious. Solar-plus-storage systems cost between $25,000 and $35,000 depending on factors such as the size of the batteries. The panels and battery can be installed simultaneously, making it easier and more cost-effective. If you already have solar panels installed and want to add a storm, you can do so: The battery costs range from $12,000 to $22,000. Ask your solar installer whether they can add a storage battery to your system. You can get a federal tax credit if you buy a battery alone or with a solar plus storage system. Some states offer solar battery incentives.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Installations is an excellent resource for consumers to learn about the resources they have available, as well as guidance to help demystify the process.