Setting up your first solar energy system can seem overwhelming. Not only do you need to figure out how many solar panels you need, but you also have to think about additional equipment, like mounting racks and inverters. However, there’s one question you might be faced with early on in the preparation process — do I need batteries for my solar energy system?
Although veteran solar users could quickly answer this question, newcomers will have to do some research beforehand. Fortunately, we’re here to help! So make sure to keep reading and learn everything you need to know about solar batteries and their necessity.
What is a Solar Battery?
Solar batteries are devices that can store excess electricity generated by your solar panels. Then, you’ll be able to use the stored energy to power your home whenever your solar system can’t generate enough electricity, such as during the night, power outages, and on cloudy days. In other words, the purpose of solar batteries is to help households that use more energy than they are creating through solar panels.
What Happens if I Don’t Get a Solar Battery?
If you don’t install battery storage, all excess electricity from your solar energy system will go to the grid. Therefore, you’ll be generating power and providing it to other people, which prevents you from taking advantage of all the power your panels create. However, you will be credited for the power you send to the grid through a net metering system. That means your next month’s electricity bill will get a reduction based on the excess energy you generate.
What Makes Solar Batteries So Appealing?
It’s true that solar batteries tend to be quite expensive, depending on their capacity and other technical characteristics. That’s why it’s vital to understand all the benefits solar batteries bring in order to make an informed decision.
Storing Excess Electricity
As noted earlier, solar systems tend to produce more power than you actually need, particularly on sunny days when people are at work. However, without a solar battery, all excess electricity will go to the local grid. If you do opt-in for net metering, you’ll earn extra credit for such energy generation. But that’s rarely a 1:1 ratio to the amount you produce, meaning that you are not always fairly compensated.
By using a battery, all extra electricity will be stored for later use. Then, you can tap into your excess energy during times of low power generation. That way, you reduce your home’s reliance on the grid while taking full advantage of your solar energy system’s capabilities.
Relief from Power Outages
Depending on where you live, power outages might be a common occurrence. Sure, you can be energy independent even without a battery. But that implies your solar system is able to function 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, which is not always possible. With the help of a solar battery, your home will have enough electricity even when the grid goes down.
Lower Carbon Footprint
It’s no secret that energy grids usually function with the help of fossil fuels. As a result, whenever you tap into the local grid, you’ll be running your home’s appliances on dirty energy. That will increase carbon emissions and add to the already polluted environment. In contrast, storing your energy using batteries will allow you to bypass the grid and use a renewable energy source even during the night.
Quiet Backup Solution
Traditional backup generators tend to be quite noisy, especially those that run on gas. But that’s not the case with solar batteries! These backup solutions are 100% quiet and are usually more efficient than generators. And, as mentioned above, they are more eco-friendly as batteries don’t rely on fossil fuels, unlike generators.
Should I Get a Solar Battery?
As a homeowner, you most likely want to make the most out of your solar energy system. By getting a solar battery, you are able to use 100% of the energy that your panels are generating. And while net metering can be a nice incentive for those that want to stay connected to the grid, it’s not always worth giving up on your hard-earned solar energy. So make sure to do some research and ask the experts before making a decision that will impact the way you use solar power!
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