Home Solar Batteries Offer More Than Just Backup Power
Home solar batteries offer more than just backup power. They can help homeowners save money on electricity bills by limiting their interaction with the grid during peak hours — especially if their utility charges time-of-use rates.
If you’re considering a home solar battery, it’s important to understand the factors that go into making a good choice. Here are a few to consider:
Affordability
Home solar batteries are becoming more affordable with steady advancements in technology and a growing market. They can be paired with solar panels or installed on their own to power homes during peak demand and to help avoid high electricity rates during the night. Solar battery prices vary based on their storage capacity and power output. The best way to determine which battery is right for you is to speak with an Energy Advisor for a site-specific, personalized consultation.
Solar batteries work by storing excess energy made by solar panels in the day and using that stored energy during times of heavy usage or when the sun is home solar battery not shining. A battery’s kilowatt-hour (kWh) rating indicates how much it can store and power appliances for a period of time.
When shopping for a solar battery, keep in mind that its price will be partially offset by the federal investment tax credit, which can reduce costs by up to 30%. Additionally, batteries connected to a solar panel system can be eligible for additional state and local incentives.
Longevity
A solar battery can last up to 17 years when properly cared for. This makes them a great investment for any homeowner. However, as they age, their performance may start to decline. This can be noticeable when they don’t hold a full charge and take longer to recharge.
Typically, lead acid batteries will experience degradation faster than lithium ones. The type of home solar system you choose will also impact your battery’s lifespan. If you’re a fan of a low maintenance solar backup system, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery like those found in EcoFlow Power Kits might be the best option for you.
Temperature impacts a battery’s lifespan as well. The hotter it is, the faster internal chemical reactions occur, resulting in shorter cycles and reduced performance. It’s important to store your batteries in a climate-controlled area, such as a garage or shed, to extend their life span. This can save on replacement costs and reduce carbon emissions. Regular cleaning and inspections are also recommended. This will prevent dust build-up and ensure safety precautions are met.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
A solar battery stores energy harnessed from the sun, a clean and renewable resource that significantly reduces fossil fuel use. This makes the system a natural energy generator in the event of an electricity outage, saving homeowners money and helping them live a greener lifestyle.
Additionally, home solar batteries help optimize energy efficiency by storing excess solar power for consumption during peak hours, decreasing demand on the grid and thus solar powered pump reducing electricity bills. With climate change a significant concern, this is an excellent way to reduce household carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Whether a solar battery is a good fit for your home depends on several factors, including your location and current energy costs, electricity usage patterns, and available government and local incentives. Talk to a professional solar installer about your options and the benefits of each. When choosing a solar battery, you may also want to consider the capacity and power rating of your chosen model. A higher-capacity battery will be able to power your household for longer, while a lower-powered model may be sufficient for smaller homes.
Reliability
Solar batteries are a great way to help homeowners become less dependent on the utility. They work by storing excess energy produced by solar panels and can then be used at night or during power outages. A reputable installer can recommend the best home battery size and capacity for your location. This is based on the amount of energy you typically use at different times throughout the day, such as during peak hours.
Batteries can also be useful for people on time-of-use rates because they allow you to pull from the battery during those times when rates are highest. This can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of your system.
Like many types of electronics, solar batteries lose efficiency over time. As a result, you may notice that your home battery backup isn’t holding a charge as long as it did when it was new. This is normal and is why solar batteries come with warranties that express their expected lifespans. A warranty is important because it helps you feel confident that your investment will last for a long time.
Flexibility
The ability to store energy from your solar panels can reduce the amount of power you draw from the grid at night. This can help reduce your electricity bills significantly if you’re on time of use rate plans. A reputable installer will be able to provide recommendations for battery size based on your household’s energy usage and the power-hungry appliances you want to back up. It’s also important to understand how much power a battery has in terms of its kWh rating. High-powered batteries can power more circuits for longer periods of time, but they may cost more upfront.
The number of times a battery is charged and discharged (cycled) determines its lifespan. Similar to the lifespan of a cell phone, it will begin degrading after a certain number of cycles. However, it’s possible to extend the life of your solar battery by choosing a mode called “self-consumption,” which prioritizes your home’s use of stored energy over back up. This is an ideal mode for homeowners who are on time of use rates or have unfavorable compensation from their utility for excess solar generation.
