Solar is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources. And it’s no wonder homeowners are turning to it now more than ever before. Solar gives homeowners control over their energy costs and decreases reliance on the grid. But it doesn’t stop there. Newer technology from solar batteries brings an added bonus – access to saved energy when you need it the most. With more time spent at home, homeowners are realizing the benefits of adding storage to their solar systems.
Recently, EnergySage produced a special report focused on how interest in residential solar has increased during the current global pandemic. They found that, due to the impact of COVID-19, people are looking to become more self-sufficient and resilient during uncertain times. To that aim, many homeowners are turning towards solar and energy storage solutions. Elevation can help you learn how these solutions provide energy independence and why acting now will help you benefit from local solar incentives, rebates, and significant tax credit (currently 26%) that is scheduled to disappear soon.
How does a Solar Battery work?
Residential solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for use in the home. Most homes still connect to their local electricity grid. When the sun sets, and solar energy is not producing, your home is forced to pull electricity directly from the grid. This is where solar batteries shine. They store extra energy produced from solar panels to be used later so that you don’t have to purchase energy from the grid. The higher your battery capacity is, the more power you will be able to store. When the sun isn’t shining or during high peak times when you need more energy than your panels can produce, a battery can offset expensive grid power. Concerned about power outages? Batteries will keep the lights on and provide short-term clean energy compared to noisy generators when the power goes out.
Can I go “off-grid” if I install a battery?
For most homes, disconnecting from your utility energy grid would require an extremely costly and unique setup. The high cost would outweigh most of the benefits and may not make economic sense. With the right design for your specific energy needs, however, your solar system and the battery can work together with the grid to create more savings and independence. In some areas where net metering is allowed, you’ll receive energy credits when extra energy is sent back to the grid once your battery is fully charged. As your energy production and consumption needs vary throughout the year based on climate and daylight hours, you’ll reap savings from the flexibility that battery storage and grid credits provide. Be sure to check to see if net metering is available for your area. But don’t worry if you don’t have that option. Some states with a higher percentage of solar homes are seeing their net metering credits decrease each year, making battery storage a safe investment that will save more money and put the power back in your hands.
Can a battery help me decrease my energy usage?
Solar batteries won’t decrease the overall amount of energy you need or choose to use at any given time, but they will help to offset any upcharges should you need to use more than your solar system is producing. Depending on the slope and location of solar panels on your roof, energy production will fluctuate. When the system is at optimal production, extra energy will be stored in your battery for use when the sun goes down. Additionally, if you live in an area that utilizes time-of-use rate plans, you can use energy from your battery before pulling from the grid when energy costs are higher. A solar battery is a smart and safe investment with rate plans on the rise and continually changing. When you create and store your own power, you can use it when you need it.
What solar battery should I buy?
There are three main things to consider when comparing batteries: energy capacity, roundtrip efficiency, and warranties.
Energy capacity (depth of discharge) relates to the percentage of energy that is available for use. Batteries with a high-power rating can power several appliances while batteries with lower scores are only capable of powering a few devices at one time. Understand that the more power a battery puts out at one time will also deplete the battery’s storage faster. Finding a battery with a capacity that meets your specific needs is essential.
Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of stored energy that can be pulled from your battery over its lifetime. Like any battery, the life cycle decreases each time it drains and recharges. A battery with a higher roundtrip efficiency will provide the best return on investment as it relates to the overall amount of energy you can use from the system.
Battery warranties guarantee the percent of energy capacity a battery gives for a certain amount of time. Higher quality batteries generally offer a better warranty from their manufacturer. The Tesla Powerwall, for example, produces a discharge of 90 percent and guarantees to maintain at least 70% capacity with Tesla’s 10-year warranty.
Create and store your own energy today
Create clean energy and feel the security and financial freedom that comes from being self-reliant. LG, Tesla Powerwall, and Generac are among the most reputable brands offered by Elevation Home Energy Solutions. The Tesla Powerwall is especially popular due to the amount of energy it can store in relation to the size of the battery itself and its increased safety specifications.
Our Elevation team is prepared to help you. We take pride in providing the best solar education and transparency through our consultative process. We’ll create a plan unique to your lifestyle and home so you can power your life today!
Keep the Lights on With a Solar Battery
Solar is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources. And it’s no wonder homeowners are turning to it now more than ever before. Solar gives homeowners control over their energy costs and decreases reliance on the grid. But it doesn’t stop there. Newer technology from solar batteries brings an added bonus – access to saved energy when you need it the most. With more time spent at home, homeowners are realizing the benefits of adding storage to their solar systems.
Recently, EnergySage produced a special report focused on how interest in residential solar has increased during the current global pandemic. They found that, due to the impact of COVID-19, people are looking to become more self-sufficient and resilient during uncertain times. To that aim, many homeowners are turning towards solar and energy storage solutions. Elevation can help you learn how these solutions provide energy independence and why acting now will help you benefit from local solar incentives, rebates, and significant tax credit (currently 26%) that is scheduled to disappear soon.
How does a Solar Battery work?
Residential solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for use in the home. Most homes still connect to their local electricity grid. When the sun sets, and solar energy is not producing, your home is forced to pull electricity directly from the grid. This is where solar batteries shine. They store extra energy produced from solar panels to be used later so that you don’t have to purchase energy from the grid. The higher your battery capacity is, the more power you will be able to store. When the sun isn’t shining or during high peak times when you need more energy than your panels can produce, a battery can offset expensive grid power. Concerned about power outages? Batteries will keep the lights on and provide short-term clean energy compared to noisy generators when the power goes out.
Can I go “off-grid” if I install a battery?
For most homes, disconnecting from your utility energy grid would require an extremely costly and unique setup. The high cost would outweigh most of the benefits and may not make economic sense. With the right design for your specific energy needs, however, your solar system and the battery can work together with the grid to create more savings and independence. In some areas where net metering is allowed, you’ll receive energy credits when extra energy is sent back to the grid once your battery is fully charged. As your energy production and consumption needs vary throughout the year based on climate and daylight hours, you’ll reap savings from the flexibility that battery storage and grid credits provide. Be sure to check to see if net metering is available for your area. But don’t worry if you don’t have that option. Some states with a higher percentage of solar homes are seeing their net metering credits decrease each year, making battery storage a safe investment that will save more money and put the power back in your hands.
Can a battery help me decrease my energy usage?
Solar batteries won’t decrease the overall amount of energy you need or choose to use at any given time, but they will help to offset any upcharges should you need to use more than your solar system is producing. Depending on the slope and location of solar panels on your roof, energy production will fluctuate. When the system is at optimal production, extra energy will be stored in your battery for use when the sun goes down. Additionally, if you live in an area that utilizes time-of-use rate plans, you can use energy from your battery before pulling from the grid when energy costs are higher. A solar battery is a smart and safe investment with rate plans on the rise and continually changing. When you create and store your own power, you can use it when you need it.
What solar battery should I buy?
There are three main things to consider when comparing batteries: energy capacity, roundtrip efficiency, and warranties.
Energy capacity (depth of discharge) relates to the percentage of energy that is available for use. Batteries with a high-power rating can power several appliances while batteries with lower scores are only capable of powering a few devices at one time. Understand that the more power a battery puts out at one time will also deplete the battery’s storage faster. Finding a battery with a capacity that meets your specific needs is essential.
Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of stored energy that can be pulled from your battery over its lifetime. Like any battery, the life cycle decreases each time it drains and recharges. A battery with a higher roundtrip efficiency will provide the best return on investment as it relates to the overall amount of energy you can use from the system.
Battery warranties guarantee the percent of energy capacity a battery gives for a certain amount of time. Higher quality batteries generally offer a better warranty from their manufacturer. The Tesla Powerwall, for example, produces a discharge of 90 percent and guarantees to maintain at least 70% capacity with Tesla’s 10-year warranty.
Create and store your own energy today
Create clean energy and feel the security and financial freedom that comes from being self-reliant. LG, Tesla Powerwall, and Generac are among the most reputable brands offered by Elevation Home Energy Solutions. The Tesla Powerwall is especially popular due to the amount of energy it can store in relation to the size of the battery itself and its increased safety specifications.
Our Elevation team is prepared to help you. We take pride in providing the best solar education and transparency through our consultative process. We’ll create a plan unique to your lifestyle and home so you can power your life today!
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