Integrating a battery with newly installed solar panels, can significantly enhance the performance of your solar energy system, and give you the most clean energy, day and night.
By allowing you to store surplus energy that was generated during the day, a solar battery enables you to power your home at night time, and reduce your dependence on the traditional utility grid.
There are many benefits of adopting solar energy storage, but nonetheless, it’s a big investment that you may well have questions related to. Below, are some of the most commonly asked questions about battery storage:
Q: Are solar batteries cost-effective?
A: Depending on the type of energy storage system you purchase, you can expect to spend up to $18,000 including installation fees, but you may be eligible for tax credits, which can significantly lower this cost.
To determine whether investing in battery storage is cost-effective for you, you’ll need to consider such factors as how often you experience power outages, what you stand to lose when outages are prolonged, and how much you want to reduce your dependence on the grid.
It’s also worth considering the economical benefits of solar storage if your utility is structured with a TOU, or time-of-use rate. This structure means that energy prices can rise significantly during periods of high demand at night. If net metering isn’t available in your area, this could also strengthen the case for investing in solar battery storage.
Q: How long do solar batteries last?
A: There are a number of factors that can impact the lifespan of a solar battery, such as its type and chemical makeup. Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, have an extended cycle life, and are much more user-friendly than other alternatives, such as lead-acid batteries.
In terms of cycle life, which refers to the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery is capable of undergoing before the significant diminishing of its capacity, lithium-ion batteries are capable of withstanding up to 3,000 cycles, which will see them last as long as 15 years, if not more. A lead-acid battery on the other hand, will only last for up to 5 years, with a capacity of up to 1,000 cycles.
Q: Can a battery give my whole home energy backup?
A: In general, backing up your entire home will need a set of batteries, depending on your specific energy requirements. The inverter of a battery backup system may also struggle to sustain larger appliances that consume a lot of power, such as A/C units or deeper well pumps.
Most homeowners opt for one or two batteries, which provides them with ample support to run essential functions such as refrigeration, lighting, routers, and the charging of electronic devices.
Q: Where should solar batteries be installed?
A: Ideally, solar batteries should be kept inside, in a non-living space, but one which you can easily access, such as the basement, utility room or garage. If you can put it close to your main service panel, this would be ideal, and if you need more guidance on this, you’ll easily find it through local regulatory agencies, or through your solar installer.
Q: What are the warranty options for batteries?
A: Warranties may vary, but Tesla Powerwall batteries come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty, and some experienced solar installers offer workmanship warranties up to 25 years.
If you have more questions about whether you should invest in solar batteries for round-the-clock energy, you can chat to a local solar installer, or talk to friends and neighbors who may already be benefitting from one (or several).
