Should I Purchase Batteries?
Battery-enabled solar energy systems offer an appealing level of independence for the end user, but come with additional costs.
When are Batteries a Good Fit?
Solar batteries are a great complement to existing residential solar energy systems that remain connected to the grid. Generally speaking, solar batteries are a good fit if:
You are in a natural disaster-prone area: Solar batteries are a big asset when major weather events cause significant disruptions to the electrical grid.
You pay variable utility rates: By strategically tapping into stored up power, you can insulate yourself from the higher rates that utility companies sometimes charge during peak times.
Your utility doesn’t offer net metering: Solar batteries can be a wise choice if you live in a part of the country with no net metering options (or poor rates).
Source: EnergySage
Pitfalls of Battery-Equipped Systems
There are some potential downsides to consider when weighing whether or not to incorporate a solar battery into your home’s solar energy system.
– If a solar battery is installed at the same time as your home PV system, the battery can easily add $10,000+ to the total cost of the install.
– A 12v solar battery can cost hundreds of dollars, and a typical residence will need multiple solar batteries at that capacity level.
– Solar batteries require regular upkeep, and certain external factors – like temperature – can significantly impact their useful life.
– The typical lifespan of a solar battery is between 5 to 15 years.
Thanks in part to ambitious investments by Tesla, the price of solar batteries for home storage – especially the lithium-ion variety – are falling rapidly. As the price for solar batteries continues to fall, more and more residential solar users will consider having a solar plus storage system.
For now, the costly nature of this add-on feature restricts its usefulness primarily to those living in remote areas with limited utility access, or those who live in places where power outages are frequent and long-lasting. As solar battery technologies improve,however, you can expect more and more residential solar users to give serious thought to using a solar plus storage system.
Choosing the Right Solar Company
Our list of the Top 10 Solar Companies in the U.S. is a great place to start. When you’re ready, compare offers from at least two companies.
