While solar panels themselves are the most well-known part of any solar energy setup, they're often not the only ones. Solar battery backup products are common companions to solar panels - what are the pros and cons of home battery backup products, and should you be considering home battery installation alongside your solar setup?
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we happily offer a wide range of home battery installation services around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho, including solar battery backup products like the Enphase battery, the Tesla Powerwall and more. Here are some of the general pros and cons of solar battery storage for homes in particular - and you may find that the former tends to outweigh the latter if you're utilizing solar panels.
Before we get into the pros and cons of solar battery storage, let's first define what we mean by a "solar battery backup." A solar battery backup is simply a device that stores excess energy produced by your solar panels during the day, so you can use it at night or during power outages. This allows for greater independence from the grid and can help save money in the long run.
One of the simplest and most common uses of solar battery storage, for instance, is during a power outage from the traditional grid. Instead of relying on a backup generator or being completely in the dark, a solar battery backup can provide electricity for your home. This is especially useful during natural disasters or other emergencies when power outages can last for extended periods of time.
There are a few chief benefits that come with home battery backups and a solar power system:
As we touched on above, one of the key benefits of a solar battery backup is that it can provide electricity during power outages. This is especially useful for those living in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Having a reliable source of backup power not only provides comfort and peace of mind during these emergencies, but it can also be crucial for safety and communication.
Another benefit of adding a home battery backup to your solar system is cost savings. When you generate excess energy with your solar panels, instead of sending it back to the grid, you can store it in your battery for later use. This means that during peak utility hours when electricity rates are higher, you can draw from your battery instead of using electricity from the grid. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your utility bills over the lifetime of your solar system.
Furthermore, some states and utility companies offer incentives or credits for homeowners who have a home battery backup system in place. These incentives can further reduce the cost of installing a home battery backup and make it an even more attractive option for homeowners.
Adding a home battery backup to your solar system also has environmental benefits. By storing excess energy, you reduce the need for power plants to generate more electricity, which reduces carbon emissions and helps combat climate change. Additionally, having a reliable source of backup power allows you to rely less on traditional fossil fuel sources during power outages, further reducing your carbon footprint.
Having a home battery backup also allows for increased energy independence. With a grid-tied solar system, you are still reliant on the utility company for your electricity needs. But with a home battery backup, you can store excess energy and use it during peak demand times or during power outages. This gives you more control over your own energy usage and reduces your reliance on the grid.
For those looking to live off-grid or reduce their reliance on the traditional utility grid, adding a home battery backup is a crucial step in achieving this goal. By storing excess energy from renewable sources such as solar or wind power, homeowners can become more self-sufficient and reduce their overall carbon footprint.
In certain situations, there can also be downsides to solar battery backups:
In some cases, the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a solar battery backup system can be expensive. This may be a barrier for some homeowners who are already financially stretched or on a tight budget. However, the cost of a home battery backup is typically a relatively small part of an overall solar investment, and can typically be folded into your payment plan easily.
Here are some average costs to be aware of:
Solar battery backup systems are compact and typically wall-mounted, making them suitable for garages, utility/storage rooms, or even exterior walls. We have mounted batteries in all of these scenarios for homeowners in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. While space is a factor to consider, most modern systems do not require a dedicated storage room or cabinet. For smaller homes, outdoor-rated batteries offer flexible installation options, minimizing space constraints.
Modern solar battery backup systems require minimal maintenance. Most units are designed for automatic operation, with built-in monitoring and smartphone apps that alert homeowners to any issues. Lithium-ion batteries, which are most commonly used today, can last 10-15 years or more with little to no manual upkeep. While eventual replacement is necessary, this typically occurs well beyond the system's initial payback period.
As you can see, a home battery backup is generally an overwhelmingly positive addition to any solar panel setup. For more here, or to learn about any of our home battery installation services around Utah and Idaho, contact our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar today.
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