Written by Sarah Lozanova
Many households and businesses are interested in being more resilient during power outages. Solar energy systems with batteries have skyrocketed in popularity in the last decade. The cost of solar panels and batteries has plummeted in recent years, making them more desirable than ever. Meanwhile, technology has advanced, expanding the capabilities of Lithium-ion batteries.
Solar Plus installs state-of-the-art solar systems with energy storage that feature long warranties, minimal maintenance, and excellent reliability. Installing batteries on a system typically increases the total cost by at least $10,000, depending on the energy storage needs of the property.
Although the Tesla Powerwall has become widely known as a solar battery, there are numerous excellent products on the market. SolarPlus only uses the most reliable and reputable solar batteries, including the Generac PWRcell systems, Fortress Power & Simpli Phi.
Blackouts & Solar Power
Unfortunately, solar systems without batteries do not provide power during grid outages, even on sunny days. If solar panels do not have battery storage, the system shuts down during a power outage to protect power line worker safety. To keep vital equipment running during a power outage, it is essential to have an energy storage system or a generator.
When Solar Plus installs a solar system with batteries, it includes a critical load panel. We work with home or business owners to identify the essential power loads. Battery storage has a finite capacity, especially during cloudy weather or at night. Thus, it is critical to prioritize the essential loads with the critical load panel.
For example, homes that are prone to flooding might prioritize running a sump pump to prevent costly damage. Another household might need medical equipment. Many gas furnaces need just a bit of electricity to run during a power outage. Running the refrigerator can prevent food from spoiling. In an office, keeping the communication equipment, lights, and computers on is essential.
Properties of Solar Batteries
Solar Plus installs several different energy storage systems and customizes each project based on the power needs of the home or business.
Crucial battery features include:
- Capacity: How much energy a battery can hold, measured in kilowatt hours
- Power ratings: The amount of power that your battery can provide at one time
- Warranty: This varies by manufacturer but is typically around 10 years for a Lithium-ion battery
- Required maintenance: Unlike lead acid batteries, advanced solar batteries do not require an extensive maintenance regimen
- Depth of discharge: The percentage of the battery that can be discharged relative to the total capacity, as specified by the manufacturer
Unlike the solar batteries of yesteryear, advanced solar batteries do not require a maintenance regimen or close monitoring. The solar systems we install are completely automatic, providing an uninterrupted power supply to crucial loads. Batteries on grid-tied solar systems tend to last far longer than the warranty if they are only used during relatively infrequent power outages.
Should I install a solar system with batteries?
Ultimately, deciding whether to install batteries on your solar system requires examining a few key factors. Is it crucial to have power during grid outages? Is your power grid unstable in your area and prone to extended outages? Is a backup generator an appealing option? Many people do not like the noise, required maintenance, and use of fossil fuels.
Solar systems with batteries are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. The value of the tax credit is calculated based on the total cost of the installation. Therefore, adding a solar battery will increase the value of the tax credit. 2021 is an excellent year to take advantage of this valuable incentive before it ends or tapes down (for businesses).