A Homeowners’ Guide To Solar Battery Storage
When it comes to storing solar power, there are numerous benefits that homeowners stand to gain. These range from the ability to take advantage of different tariffs at different times of the day to being able to have a backup power option in case of a blackout. However, one of the things to keep in mind is that the technical world of solar energy storage can be quite confusing, especially if one is not well versed in solar energy storage. In this article, we take you through some of the things that you should be aware of when it comes to solar energy storage
What is Solar Energy Storage?
Solar energy storage devices help homeowners to store any electricity that is generated by their solar energy systems for later use. This ability confers the homeowners with some advantages over homes that lack this storage ability. There are many different types of solar batteries, with some having additional convenient features to help homeowners save more money or enjoy greater convenience. For example, there are solar batteries that are also capable of storing power from the grid. This is particularly useful during periods when little solar energy can be generated and it helps homeowners to take advantage of different energy cost rates. This is because one can store energy from the grid during low tariff hours and use it during high tariff hours.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
Before you go down the road of energy storage, it is important to consider a couple of factors. One of these is how energy efficient your home is. Energy experts recommend that before you decide to store solar energy in your house, ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible. This is because when you have an energy-efficient house, it allows you to make the most out of the stored energy, and thus get a good return on your investment. Energy inefficient homes are going to waste energy, whether solar or grid, and this translates to poor returns on your solar system investment. Your solar energy system provider may be able to conduct an energy audit of your home to help you understand your consumption pattern. They may also be able to advise on some of the measures that you can take to make your home more energy-efficient.
Is it Right For My Home?
The question of whether solar energy storage is right for your home is one that many homeowners ask. There are several factors that can guide you on this. For example, if you live in an area where solar energy generation fluctuates during the day, or seasonally, you may benefit from additional investment in solar energy batteries. This is because the ability to store solar energy helps you to bridge the energy generation gap by utilizing stored solar energy during low energy generation times. It also means that during the peak solar generation moments, no power is lost as any excess is transferred to the battery. If you live in an area that is prone to electricity blackouts, solar energy storage will help you have power during blackouts. Solar batteries are easier to use and produce less noise pollution than say, diesel generators. Given the rising cost of gasoline, solar energy batteries may also prove to be significantly cheaper than using generators.
Consider Your Budget
Solar energy storage batteries come in many different types and specs. Whether you get a worthwhile return on your investment will largely depend on your ability to match the solar energy system that you purchase to the energy needs and usage patterns of your home. A high capacity system may end up being underutilized while a low capacity system may be insufficient. This is why it is always a good idea to get expert help when installing a solar energy storage system.