Understanding Home Solar Battery Storage

As we continue to look for ways to move toward a more sustainable future, home solar battery storage is emerging as a strong option for homeowners with solar panels who want to rely as much on their own energy production as they can.

Solar battery tech allows homeowners the extra flexibility to store the energy their solar panels produce, and this ensures that the electricity they create is still available, even when the sun isn't shining. This is important for those looking to stay as energy-independent as possible, as it reduces the need to pull energy from the local grid.

In this article, we'll explore the different aspects of home solar battery storage, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about integrating battery storage into your daily routine.

Home solar power battery storage systems are designed to store extra electricity generated by your solar panel array.

This stored energy is essentially on standby, ready to use when your panels aren't producing energy, such as at night, on cloudy days, or during a power outage.

Investing in home battery storage allows you to maximize the use of clean energy in your home and reduce reliance on the grid. It's kind of like energy "insurance." When a solar battery works in conjunction with a buyback plan, it is the ultimate combination for creating your own energy source and lowering your energy bills.

Solar batteries store extra solar energy from your solar panels for future use. A home battery storage system will not produce energy, but rather, it will store extra energy that your solar panel generates for later use.

A typical solar backup battery system includes batteries, an inverter, a battery management system, and a monitoring system. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy from the solar panels to alternating current (AC) energy. AC energy is what most of your typical home appliances will use.

How Do Backup Batteries Work with Solar Panels?

As a first step, you'll want to ensure that you're considering solar battery storage options that will synchronize with your local grid and PV meter to operate, as this is a requirement for selling excess solar energy back to the grid via your energy provider.

There are two ways that you can integrate your backup battery with your solar panel arrays:

1. Direct current batteries connect to your solar panel using the same inverter, but it must be a hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters can handle energy storage and solar panel output at the same time.
2. Alternating current batteries use a separate inverter that connects to the wiring in your home. This would be for a scenario in which the inverter for your solar panels cannot handle energy storage and solar output at the same time.

Types of Backup Solar Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are popular for their high energy density, long lifespan (they can last beyond ten years, even with daily charging), and low maintenance. They are also quite efficient and have a relatively low environmental impact.

Lead-Acid Batteries
Though lead-acid batteries are a more affordable option, they have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance compared to lithium-ion batteries. They are also not as suitable for frequent use as lithium-ion batteries.

Efficiency, lifespan, cost, consumer reviews, and maintenance requirements are core decision points when choosing a solar battery. Lithium-ion batteries tend to offer the best balance between performance and cost, which makes them a preferred choice for many homeowners.

Do You Need Solar Panels for Home Battery Storage?

While solar panels are a common pairing with home battery storage, they aren't required. You can charge your battery using electricity from the grid, and, with the right energy plan, this can offer some real benefits. For example, on a plan with free nights, you can charge the battery overnight when rates are low or free, and then use that stored energy during the day to reduce costs. Additionally, some Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs allow you to "sell back" stored energy to the grid during peak demand, potentially earning money while helping to balance the energy load.

Solar Battery Backup is Convenient During Grid Outages

One thing to note is that, if your area experiences a grid outage, your solar system will switch off, even if it’s a sunny day, to ensure safety.

This is a scenario in which you would be able to tap into your solar battery backup to provide power to your home.
 

There are quite a few considerations when deciding if you'll invest in solar power and a solar power battery.

You'll also need to consider how much energy you use in the run of a year, and whether your solar panel array will be able to support it all the time. Solar panel energy has made leaps and bounds within the past decade, but the fact remains that it's still variable – meaning that it depends on whether the sun is shining or not.

Another consideration is cost. At a high level, for one battery, you're looking at an initial investment of about $10,000 to $15,000. Now, bear in mind that this is for just one battery, which will not power your entire home. Your total will also depend on the brand, your location, and the size of the battery system you'll need. Remember, homeowners who install a battery storage system with their solar panel array also may qualify for the federal 30% tax credit.

It's generally more straightforward and cost-effective to install your battery while you install your solar panel system. This would bring your total up to around $25,000 to $35,000. In a limited survey by MarketWatch, 48% of homeowners opted to purchase a solar battery with their solar panels.

While this is certainly an investment, you will benefit from having the extra security – and extra control – of a home battery storage system.

Empower Your Home with Solar Battery Storage

When you power your solar battery with the energy that you produce on your property, you're creating your own sustainable energy hub. This means that you will not have to worry about pulling energy from your local grid nearly as often, and you'll achieve a level of independence that allows you to control your energy use and expenses. By investing in solar battery storage, you're not only contributing to a greener future when you use it during peak demand or sell back excess energy through a VPP program, but you’re also taking a proactive step toward a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system in your home.

Whether you're looking to reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages, or take advantage of solar energy, even when the sun isn't shining, home backup battery storage is a reliable and efficient solution.

By considering the various types of batteries, installation options, and potential financial benefits, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your energy needs and the practical layout of your solar panel array.

As technology continues to advance, the future of solar energy and battery storage is on the cusp of even more innovation, which makes now an exciting time to explore these options for your home.