Should I buy battery storage for solar energy?
Should I buy battery storage for solar energy?
Imagine you're at home watching TV on a stormy day, the washing machine still running when suddenly the power goes off. Imagine this scenario again but with a rooftop solar energy system and battery storage. You would be blissfully ignorant of any power outages in your neighborhood.
Common myths about solar energy claim that you can only count on it when the sun's shining. Solar power can only be generated by sunlight. But what happens when the sun does not shine? To supplement their solar-generated power, most people rely upon electricity from the electric grid. Solar-plus-storage systems are residential solar energy systems with battery storage. They provide power regardless of the weather and at any hour of the day. Here are the advantages of a system with solar-plus-storage:
- 24-hour power. Your electricity in the afternoon will likely be more costly due to higher demand. However, you can store batteries so that electricity generated during daylight hours can be used in the evenings, as opposed to relying upon the utility for power. This is especially important if you live somewhere with frequent power cuts.
- Protect your pocketbook from rising electricity rates. Battery storage allows you to leverage low-cost electricity that has already been generated. It ensures your monthly budget doesn't get affected by rising rates. Sometimes you can even return the energy you store to the grid to make more profit.
- More precise monitoring. Solar-plus storage can allow you to monitor how your system generates energy. These systems make it possible to see the energy you are using and how much you're producing.
- Energy independence. Solar-plus-storage systems can bring you closer "off the grid". Because you can store your battery, your utility will not be able to supply electricity to your home all year. There are always backups of battery capacity so that even if the power goes out, your house can still have lights on.
You may be sold on their merits but are curious about the price. A solar-plus-storage system costs between $25,000 and $35,000, depending upon the size of the battery. It is cheaper and easier to install the batteries and panels simultaneously. But, if your panels are already in place and you want to add storage you can. A battery costs anywhere from $12,000 - $22,000. Ask your solar installer whether they can add batteries to your system. You may be eligible for federal credit if a battery is purchased either alone or in a combination with a storage system. Some states offer additional incentives for solar batteries.
Solar Sacramento
5605 Harold way 95822
(916) 775 5590