As extreme weather becomes increasingly common, power outages and blackouts are on the rise. Solar energy systems with battery storage can provide backup power when the electrical grid is down, keeping the lights on and the fridge running. However, solar systems are designed to shut down during power outages due to safety hazards.
As a result, some homeowners are installing rooftop solar systems with energy storage capacity. Adding a solar battery allows you to use stored energy during outages but can considerably increase the total solar system cost.
Interested in solar batteries?
SaveOnEnergy partners with Haven Energy to bring you options for solar batteries. Adding storage to your solar system can protect you from power outages or periods of lower production. We’ll work with you to determine how many batteries are best for your home.
The basics of a solar PV system
Most residential solar energy systems are fairly simple and consist of several key components:
- Solar panels, also known as solar modules
- An inverter to convert the power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC)
- Racking hardware
- A monitoring system to track the solar energy production
Solar panels use sunlight to generate an electrical current. Your panels will produce less power on cloudy days and no power once the sun sets. Solar batteries allow you to store energy produced during peak hours to use when your system cannot generate electricity. Battery storage is becoming an increasingly common component of a solar array.
Should you tie your solar system to the grid?
Most solar energy systems are tied to the power grid, allowing the system to feed surplus electricity to the grid and draw power when needed. Homes with grid-tied solar systems always have enough electricity, even at night or in bad weather.
Many states have net metering programs allowing customers to receive solar credits on their electricity bills for selling excess solar power to their utility. Adding a solar battery can help you store more electricity to sell back to the grid for compensation.
Store energy with solar batteries
Solar batteries are an excellent option for getting the most value from your solar system, especially if power outages are common in your area. Solar batteries give your home greater energy independence from the electricity grid.
It’s critical to consider the estimated lifespan of the battery, warranty, storage capacity, and price when making a purchase. Solar battery prices vary widely and usually correlate with their capacity. Some energy storage systems can only power a few small loads for a short time, while other battery banks could power your entire home for days.
Avoid the need for a backup generator
A standby or whole-house generator is another way to have electricity during an outage. These engine-powered units require a fuel source, such as propane or natural gas. Unfortunately, they are loud, release carbon emissions, and require regular maintenance. A solar battery is a great alternative option for a generator.
Take advantage of time-of-use rates
Some utility companies offer time-of-use rates that vary depending on the time of day and season. Electricity prices increase during times of high demand and decrease when power demand is lower. A solar battery allows you to power your home from the battery when prices are high, further reducing your utility bills.
How solar panels and batteries help keep lights on during wildfires
During a wildfire, the main power grid may be disrupted or shut down for safety reasons. Solar panels with battery storage can serve as emergency backup power systems in areas prone to wildfires, helping supply electricity as long as enough daylight reaches the panels.
You can store excess electricity from your panels in a solar battery storage system. You can use this power for lights and other essential appliances during the night or when sunlight is limited. When the power grid goes down, these systems can automatically switch to battery power, providing electricity to critical loads such as lighting, communication devices, medical equipment, and refrigeration. This is especially important for emergency response centers, shelters, and hospitals during wildfires.
How solar batteries help with wildfires
While solar panels and batteries are valuable energy sources during wildfires, their effectiveness depends on several factors, like the intensity of the fire, the availability of sunlight, and the capacity of the installed system.
The importance of solar plus storage goes beyond serving as backup power. It also reduces the risk of electric sparks from overhead lines, which can potentially ignite wildfires. The U.S. heavily relies on the traditional power grid. Intentionally shutting off electricity transmission is usually a last resort due to service disruptions.
In contrast, solar power generation minimizes the need for long-distance transmission lines because your panels are on or near your home. As long as the solar system and battery storage comply with safety standards, the risk of electrical faults and sparks from them is much lower than that of the traditional grid.