While the generation of power from your solar panels is a vital part of their operation, it's only one piece of the puzzle in most solar power systems. Also vital is the storage and proper directing of that power to the areas where it's needed, and there are a few important variables to be thinking about down these lines.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to not only provide both residential and commercial clients with quality solar panels, but also to offer industry-leading storage solutions like the Tesla Powerwall battery backup. These and other solar power storage systems allow you to capture your energy and store it for future use, helping with everything from maintaining power needs during peak hours to preventing power outages in your home or building. When you're considering installation of any solar panel system, what are some areas to inquire about with regard to storage? Here are several.
Solar power storage hits at the very basic theme that solar panels can't constantly be providing direct power generation around the clock. They need sunlight to do their job, and while many solar panels are becoming more efficient at lower light levels, they're not able to produce power at night or during extended periods of cloudy weather. This is where storage comes in, as it can help you "bank" your solar energy for later use.
This future use can come in several forms, such as:
These are just a few examples of how solar storage can be beneficial. When you're looking at any kind of solar installation, it's important to inquire about storage solutions and see if they make sense for your needs.
We mentioned the value of solar storage during a power outage above, and many people have questions about how this works. Here's a quick overview.
During an outage, your solar panels will stop generating power. However, if you have a quality storage system in place, the stored power can be used to maintain critical loads in your home or business. This might include things like lights, refrigeration, and communication equipment.
One thing to keep in mind is that during an outage, your system will be working "off the grid." This means it will be disconnected from the utility company's power lines. As such, you'll only have as much power as is stored in your system, so it's important to make sure you have enough capacity to cover your needs.
This is where the Tesla Powerwall really shines, as it's specifically designed for backup power needs. With a very high wattage capacity, it can provide enough power for most homes to maintain critical loads during an outage.
Some think of solar power as a service that's "in opposition" to the power grid. In reality, however, solar power and the grid can work together quite well. This is especially true when solar storage is involved.
One way this works is through what's called "load following." This is where stored solar energy is used to meet demand on the grid during periods of high use. This helps utilities avoid having to use dirtier, more expensive power sources to meet this demand.
Another way solar storage can benefit the grid is through what's called "frequency regulation." This is where stored solar energy is used to maintain a consistent frequency on the grid. This helps keep the grid stable and can avoid blackouts and other issues.
In both cases, solar storage can help the grid operate more efficiently and effectively. This, in turn, helps keep costs down for everyone involved.
Whether you have a current solar panel setup already or are still utilizing the grid as your primary power source, it's important to know that solar storage is an option for you. In most cases, solar storage can be added to existing systems with little difficulty.
The best way to find out if your system is compatible with solar storage is to consult with a qualified professional. They'll be able to assess your system and let you know what options are available to you.
In many cases, solar storage can be a great addition to an existing system. It can provide numerous benefits and help you make the most out of your solar panels.
This is a vital question, of course, but it doesn't have a singular answer. The cost of solar storage will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the system, the type of batteries used, and the specific needs of the customer.
In general, however, solar storage systems are becoming more and more affordable. This is thanks in part to advancements in technology and increased competition in the market. Many battery producers, and even some utility companies, are offering great rebates to customers who install solar storage.
The cost of solar storage will also vary depending on the specific benefits you're looking for. For example, a system designed solely for backup power during an outage will be less expensive than one designed to provide both backup power and load following capabilities.
The best way to get an accurate estimate of what solar storage will cost you is to consult with a qualified professional. They'll be able to assess your needs and give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to install a system that meets those needs.
For more on what to ask regarding solar power storage, or to learn about any of our solar storage or solar panel installation services, speak to the team at Intermountain Wind & Solar today.
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