Why a Solar Battery is an Important Part of a Home Solar Power System
A solar battery is an important part of a home solar power system. It stores energy for use at night and in lowlight conditions.
The process of converting electricity into energy storage is similar to the photosynthesis process in plants. This is called the photovoltaic effect.
There are different types of solar batteries based on their chemistry. These include lead-acid, lithium-ion and nickel cadmium batteries.
Energy Storage
A solar battery allows you to capture energy that would otherwise be sent back to the electric grid. This electricity can be used at night or during times of high demand, when prices are highest. In areas where utility rates like time-of-use increase pricing during peak demand periods, this adds up to significant savings.
Solar batteries can also enable your home to be more resilient in the face of power outages. Unlike generators, which can create noise pollution that can annoy your neighbors, solar-plus-storage systems provide silent, clean energy during outages.
While the technology is rapidly evolving, most solar battery systems use similar principles: they store energy from rooftop solar panels as chemical energy in batteries. They then release this energy at night and during power outages to keep homes running. The most common types of solar batteries are lithium ion and lead-acid.
Solar-plus-storage is a complex solution, and many variables influence whether it’s right for your property. These include the size of your property, your preferences, the complexity of your electricity rate system, and your ability to take advantage of local rebates and incentives. The EnergySage marketplace SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM connects you with solar-plus-storage installers who can customize a quote that fits your needs. Sign up for a free account today to learn more about solar-plus-storage options for your home.
Backup Power
A solar battery backup can provide you with electricity when the grid goes down. This can keep your refrigerator, lights and outlets for charging devices running for a few hours so you can preserve food, prevent equipment failures and stay connected to your family members or colleagues.
A home solar energy system with battery backup can also save you money during peak demand hours if your utility company offers time-of-use rates. The battery is able to store the solar energy produced during midday when production is highest and use that power during evening hours when demand is the lowest. This can significantly reduce your energy costs if your utility charges peak rates.
The type of battery that is right for your home will depend on how long you want to be able to use it during a blackout and what kinds of devices you need to run at that time. Our experienced team can help you determine the best solution for your needs.
Adding a solar battery backup to your existing solar power system is an excellent option for homeowners who want to make the switch to clean energy, save on their energy bills and stay protected against grid outages. A battery can also give you the flexibility to utilize net metering and take advantage of state and federal incentives while staying off the grid.
Reduced Utility Bills
Unless you go entirely off-grid, most homeowners continue to consume electricity from the grid after installing solar panels. However, energy demands tend to be lowest in the morning and at night when appliances aren’t running, when your solar power system produces most of its electricity. By storing your excess energy with a home battery, you can decrease your demand charges during those times and save even more money on your utility bills.
The best way to determine whether a battery will reduce your utility bills is to check with your local electricity rates. Some utilities have peak hours during which they charge higher rates, while others offer time-of-use (ToU) pricing. In these cases, a solar battery could save you money by powering your home during those high-demand hours and then recharging its energy from the grid during cheaper off-peak hours.
Some installers also point to the fact that a solar battery can help you save money on your utility bills by practicing something called “peak shaving.” At those times of day when some utilities raise their rates, homeowners switch from grid-powered energy to battery power or send their excess solar energy back into the grid to earn rebates and credits. Since the batteries have a limited depth of discharge (DoD), using too much of its stored energy in one sitting may shorten their lifespans.
Increased Home Value
A solar battery can help a homeowner achieve true day-and-night self-sufficiency by storing the excess energy that their panels produce during the day and using it at night. This is especially helpful in areas with less reliable electricity grids, or for those who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
It can also help homeowners avoid high utility rates, especially those on time-of-use or other tier-based rates. When combined with a solar panel system, the battery can allow them to pull from their own storage instead of the utility grid at times when rates are higher.
Considering the added benefits that they provide, it’s no wonder that homes with solar panels sell for a premium over comparable houses without them. In fact, Zillow solar system manufacturer estimates that in 2018, homes with solar sold for 4.1% more than similar houses.
However, it’s important to note that a home’s increased value is only one component of its overall value. In addition, a solar system can offer a homeowner monthly savings on their electricity bill, which is money that they can use to invest in other home improvement projects, or even in themselves.