Rise of Home Battery Storage to Complement Solar Power

Solar panels and related technology have improved in several major ways over the last several years and decades, and one top example here is the rise of solar home battery storage. What is home battery backup storage, and why has it become more and more popular among owners of homes or buildings with solar panel setups?

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer a wide range of solar energy services to clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas, including home battery installations featuring top battery products like the Enphase battery and others. Here are some basics on why solar home batteries have skyrocketed in popularity recently, plus some of the chief roles they play and benefits they carry as a complement to any solar panel system.

Solar Panel Improvements and Excess Energy

To truly understand why home battery backup products for solar power have become so popular and useful, you have to look back at the evolution of solar panels themselves. Early iterations of these products were somewhat limited in their energy conversion and production capabilities - often only enough to create limited or temporary power.

As they evolved, however, the technology behind solar panels improved exponentially, leading to increased energy production and efficiency. And as a result, owners of solar panel setups increasingly found themselves producing more energy than they actually needed.

To address this, new technologies were developed that allowed for excess energy to be stored and used when solar panels weren't able to generate power - such as overnight or on cloudy days. One such technology is the solar battery, which stores excess solar energy in a chemical form for later use. These batteries are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners with solar panel setups, as they provide a reliable source of backup power during times when the sun isn't shining.

Quickly Gained Popularity

Very quickly once they were introduced to the market early in the days of solar panel adoption decades ago, solar batteries gained immediate popularity. While they were not always the most affordable in those early years, they provided great value for residential or commercial solar energy setups.

And in recent years, as the technology has become even more affordable and efficient, the use of solar batteries has only continued to grow in popularity. This is due to several key factors:

Decreasing Costs

One major factor driving the popularity of solar batteries is their decreasing costs. With advancements in technology and increased production, the cost of solar batteries has significantly decreased over the years. This makes them a more accessible option for both residential and commercial consumers.

Energy Independence

Another reason for the rising popularity of solar batteries is their ability to provide energy independence. By storing excess energy produced by solar panels during peak hours, individuals and businesses can rely less on traditional power grids and potentially save money on electricity bills. Additionally, during power outages or natural disasters, solar battery systems can serve as a backup power source, providing a sense of security and self-sufficiency.

Eco-Friendly Solution

Solar batteries are also considered an eco-friendly solution for energy storage. Unlike traditional power sources that rely on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels, solar batteries utilize renewable energy from the sun. This helps reduce carbon emissions and lessen environmental impact, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious individuals and businesses.

Grid Stabilization

Because solar batteries have the ability to store excess energy and release it back into the grid when needed, they can help stabilize the power grid. This is especially beneficial during peak demand periods when there is a strain on the grid. By providing a backup source of energy, solar batteries can help prevent blackouts and brownouts.

Choosing the Right Solar Home Battery

If you've determined that a solar battery is the right choice for your home, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right one. Some key considerations include:

1. Battery Capacity: This refers to the amount of energy the battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The higher the capacity, the more energy it can hold and provide during times of need.
2. Power Rating: This measures how much electricity a battery can deliver at once, measured in kilowatts (kW). For households with high power usage or those looking to use their solar panels as a backup source during outages, a higher power rating is important.
3. Depth of Discharge: This refers to how much of the battery's capacity can be used before it needs to be recharged. For example, a battery with a depth of discharge of 80% means that only 80% of its total capacity can be used before needing to recharge.
4. Efficiency: This measures how much energy is lost during the charging and discharging process. The higher the efficiency, the more energy is retained and utilized by the battery.
5. Cycle Life: This refers to the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before its performance begins to degrade. A longer cycle life means the battery will last for more years without needing to be replaced.
6. Cost: The cost of a home battery system includes the initial purchase price, installation costs, and any maintenance expenses. It's important to consider the long-term cost of ownership when choosing a home battery system.
7. Warranty: Home batteries typically come with a warranty that covers defects and performance issues. Make sure to research the warranty coverage before making a purchase.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're happy to offer a wide range of solar home battery installation services around Utah and Idaho. Contact us today to learn more about how a home battery system can benefit your household.