Think about it: You’re home on a dark, stormy night. The wind is howling outside, and the rain lashes against the windows. You’re snuggled up on the couch with a blanket, watching your favourite show on TV, when suddenly the power goes out. Now imagine the same thing happening, but you have set up a rooftop solar energy system with backup battery power in this scenario. If the power went out in your neighbourhood, you’d still have electricity to keep you going, giving you light, heat, and the ability to stay connected.
That’s the power of battery storage. With a solar energy system and backup batteries, you can store your excess solar energy during the day and use it at night or when there isn’t enough sunlight available to generate electricity. This means that even if the grid is out, you still have access to electricity. And on top of all that, you can use that electricity to power your home and reduce your energy bills.
So, do you really need battery storage for your solar energy system? The answer is yes. Battery storage is a great way to ensure that you have access to electricity no matter what’s happening in the world around you. Let us look at seven of the benefits of a solar-plus-storage system:
Uninterrupted power.
If you have a time-of-use electricity plan and don’t have solar panels, your evening electricity is likely more expensive because of the higher demand on the grid. With battery storage, however, you can use daytime-generated electricity later in the day instead of relying on the utility company. This is also useful if you live in an area with frequent power outages. In other words, having a battery storage system can help you save money by allowing you to store the energy generated during the day and use it at night. It can also provide extra protection from power outages or fluctuations in electricity prices. By taking advantage of this technology, homeowners are able to significantly reduce their power bills while also increasing their resilience to power outages.
Financial security.
By investing in a battery, you can avoid those rate hikes from your utility company. With battery storage, you essentially use low-cost energy that has already been generated and stored. This way, your rates won’t be as affected, and it’ll help with monthly budgeting. And in some cases, you can sell the energy back to the grid when rates are higher, providing another source of income.
Improved monitoring.
A solar-plus-storage system provides you with more transparency and better monitoring of the energy your home is generating. These systems allow you to track energy production and consumption in real-time to make more informed decisions about your power usage.
Achieve energy self-sufficiency.
A solar-plus-storage system lets you live “off the grid” by relying on your home’s battery storage instead of your local utility. This means you can avoid paying for electricity from the grid most days of the year, and if there is an outage in your neighbourhood, your house will still have power. Although most jurisdictions require homes to be connected to the local utility, your solar-plus-storage system will greatly reduce or even eliminate your need for spending on electricity. With a battery system in place, you can keep some capacity in reserve and always have the lights on when everyone else is in the dark.
Increased home value.
When you install a solar-plus-storage system in your home, it increases its market value significantly. This is because potential buyers usually prefer energy efficient and sustainable homes. The investment you make in installing a battery storage system also has a higher ROI than traditional investments.
Conclusion
You may be convinced of the benefits but wonder about the price tag. A solar-plus-storage system usually costs between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on battery size and other factors. It’s cheaper and easier to install panels and batteries simultaneously. But if you’ve already installed solar panels and want to add storage capacity, you can.
The battery will cost between £9,000 and £17,000. If you’re interested in solar power for your home, a solar-plus-storage system is a great choice. It will give you more control over your energy costs, ensure reliable access to electricity even in the event of an outage, and provide peace of mind knowing that you’re taking steps towards becoming energy independent.
Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about solar-plus-storage systems.