While many Intermountain West homeowners who install solar panels choose to remain connected to the electrical grid, an increasing number are investing in solar battery backup systems – and you may want to join them.
With a grid-tied photovoltaic array, home battery installation is not required. Sure, solar panels don’t generate electricity when the sun goes down and on days that are cloudy, but the grid kicks in and provides power. Given the added expense, why should you consider home battery installation?
Actually, adding solar battery storage can be a smart investment for several reasons:
Use More Solar Energy – and Less Grid Electricity
By pairing your home PV system with a solar battery backup system, you’ll have a source of free electricity for your household. The power of the sun can keep the batteries charged, and you won’t have to rely on the utility grid. As such, you’ll see big savings on your monthly energy bills.
Dodge Unfavorable Utility Company Rate Structures
Throughout the country, including much of the Intermountain West region, utility companies are applying new rate structures. If yours is collecting peak demand charges or if they’ve adopted time-of-use rates, home battery installation can help you avoid paying more than you have to for the electricity you need.
Get Value from Excess Energy Without Net Metering
Net metering policies vary from state to state. In some, homeowners are paid the full retail rate for any energy their solar energy system sends to the grid. In others, the net metering rate is reduced – or homeowners get nothing at all. If you aren’t getting full credit, investing in solar battery storage can be financially beneficial.
Have Power for Your Home When the Grid Goes Down
Blackouts have been on the rise in recent years, and whether you live in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada or Oregon, you could be without electricity at any time. During a power outage, grid-tied photovoltaic arrays automatically shut off for safety purposes. With a battery backup system, you won’t be left without power.
Live in a Remote Location Not Connected to the Grid
For homes in rural parts of the Intermountain West, utility service may not be available. Installing an off-grid solar energy system can be cheaper than paying to extend the utility lines out to a remote property – and a home battery bank can ensure that your household has ample electricity at all times.
Ultimately, when it comes to solar battery storage, size is the most important consideration. With an off-grid photovoltaic array, the capacity must allow for two to three days’ worth of power. A grid-tied solar energy system can get away with a smaller bank, as a reserve of electricity isn’t needed on a daily basis.
Whatever route you decide to take with home battery installation, the professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you maximize your investment in photovoltaic power. We’ve been doing exactly that for homeowners in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Oregon for more than a decade, and we’d love to handle your project. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today!
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