How Home Batteries Work: Your Guide to Solar Energy Storage

Solar battery system

Are you tired of power outages and relying on your utility company for all your energy needs? Do you want to have control over your energy consumption and save money on your monthly power bills? If so, you might want to consider adding a solar battery to your home’s energy system.

What are Solar Batteries and How Do They Work?

Solar battery storage helps you take more control of your energy! During daylight hours, solar panels often generate extra power, but with a solar battery added to your home solar system, you can store that extra energy for use whenever you need it. This not only saves you money on your monthly utility bills but also helps you reduce your carbon footprint by using clean, renewable energy.

Solar Battery Storage Benefits

Home Backup Power During Electrical Outages

When the power grid goes down, the solar battery system automatically switches to battery power, allowing you to keep essential appliances and devices running. Just like gas generators, they provide emergency power, but with a twist. They harness clean energy from the sun, recharging daily to always keep you covered. No gas required, just sunny rays. With a solar battery system, you can stay connected, keep food fresh, and maintain a comfortable temperature, even during extended power outages.

Lower Energy Rates With Energy Management

Solar battery systems use “load shifting” to help you take advantage of time-of-use (TOU) billing. With TOU billing, you pay the utility company higher rates for energy during peak usage times (e.g. early evening vs. midnight). Home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall use load shifting to prioritize the use of stored solar energy from the battery over grid electricity during peak usage times to reduce energy costs.

Choosing the Right Size Battery

The size of your battery will depend on the size of your solar panel setup and your energy consumption. The larger your system and the more energy you consume, the larger the battery you’ll need. It’s important to work with a professional to determine the right size and number of batteries for your home, taking into account your energy consumption and the weather patterns in your area. In general, a single 10 kWh battery could keep the following things running for about 1-2 days without any additional charging:

  • Your lights
  • Refrigerator
  • Wifi router
  • Phones charged

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

Home backup batteries from quality manufacturers like Tesla and Enphase, come with 10 year warranties. However, that doesn’t mean your battery will stop working and saving you money after that time. The lifespan of an energy storage battery is affected by various factors. For instance, a battery that is used sparingly, such as for backup power or as part of a backup generator system, will likely last longer than a battery that is cycled every day. The frequency of use and the depth of discharge are the main determinants of battery life.

Summary

Solar batteries offer a number of benefits, including energy independence, time-of-use billing, and cost savings. To determine the right size battery for your home and ensure proper installation, it’s important to work with a professional. Start taking control of your energy consumption, and contact SunVena today!