As more and more homeowners seek to reduce their energy costs, solar energy has emerged as one of the most popular renewable energy solutions. But at night time, or during a storm or blackout, your solar panel system can’t generate any power. This is when having battery storage becomes a game-changer. By integrating battery storage with your home solar panel system, you can store excess energy for emergencies when the grid goes down.
How battery storage works with solar panels
A home solar panel system captures sunlight and converts it into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. But the energy produced isn’t always used immediately. Without battery storage, any unused solar energy is typically sent back to the power grid. But with a battery storage system, you can store the excess energy your panels produce and have it ready for usage during a power outage. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Solar is generated: During the day, your solar panels generate electricity by capturing sunlight.
- Energy Storage: Any electricity not immediately used in your home is stored in the battery.
- Grid Independence: In case of a power outage, the battery acts as a backup source, powering your essential appliances like refrigerators, medical equipment, or lighting.
This seamless process ensures that your home remains powered, even when the grid fails. It’s especially crucial during severe weather emergencies, when it may be hours or even days before the utility company is able to restore your power.
The role of backup battery storage in power outages
Imagine the convenience of having stored solar energy ready to power your home during an unexpected outage. With battery storage, that’s exactly what you get—peace of mind and energy independence. You don’t have to worry about whether you have gas tanks ready to fill up a gas powered generator, nor do you have to endure the loud noise of running that generator.
Solar panels alone won’t help power your home in the event of a power outage. That’s because grid-tied solar panel systems are designed to shut off for safety reasons during an outage. But with a battery system in place, your home will automatically switch to backup power, keeping all your essentials running. Battery storage systems can be configured to prioritize critical appliances during an outage, such as:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Medical devices
- Security systems
- Lighting
- Communications equipment (phones, Wi-Fi)
When outages are more frequent or prolonged, like during hurricanes or winter storms, having a reliable backup power source is particularly beneficial. Battery storage ensures you won’t be left in the dark, literally or figuratively.
Types of battery storage for solar panels
There are different types of batteries available as home backup solutions, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few of the most common types:
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been around for decades and are often used in off-grid solar systems. They are affordable but have a shorter lifespan compared to other battery types. Additionally, lead-acid batteries require more maintenance and have a lower energy density, meaning they store less energy in the same amount of space.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have gained popularity for their longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and compact size. They can store more energy and release it more efficiently than lead-acid batteries, making them a great option for most home solar systems. They are a bit more expensive, but the increase in cost is worth the additional benefits and efficiency.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries
A newer type of lithium-ion battery, known as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners seeking reliable battery storage for their solar systems. LiFePO4 batteries stand out due to their superior safety, longer lifespan, and better thermal stability, which further reduces the risk of overheating.
The advantages of Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries (LiFePO4)
There’s a few reasons why lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, like the Panasonic Evervolt series, are most recommended for home solar systems:
- Longer Lifespan: LiFePO4 batteries typically last longer than standard lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. They can endure thousands of charge-discharge cycles, making them more cost-effective over the long term. This longevity is especially valuable for solar users, as it reduces the need for frequent battery replacements.
- Higher Safety Standards: LiFePO4 batteries have better thermal and chemical stability, meaning they’re less likely to overheat or catch fire— making them a safer choice for your home.
- Consistent Power Supply: LiFePO4 batteries provide a steady, reliable flow of electricity. This makes them ideal for backup power during outages, ensuring that essential appliances remain powered without interruption.
- Environmentally Friendly: Compared to other battery types, LiFePO4 batteries are more environmentally friendly. They don’t contain harmful heavy metals, and their long lifespan means that fewer batteries will end up in landfills.
It’s for these reasons that we proudly offer Panasonic Evervolt batteries, which are the current leading lithium iron phosphate batteries available for home installation. When installed alongside Panasonic Evervolt solar panels as part of the Evervolt Total Home Solar Energy System, you also get the Evervolt SmartBox energy management system, which gives you control over your battery, solar, home loads, and grid power all in one central management center.
Financial incentives for solar + battery storage
While the benefits of battery storage are clear, many homeowners are concerned about the initial investment. Fortunately, there are several financial incentives and rebates available that make solar-plus-storage systems more affordable:
- 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can now take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of their solar system, including battery storage. This tax credit applies through 2032, significantly reducing the upfront costs of going solar.
- State and Local Incentives: Depending on where you live, there may be additional state or local incentives available, such as rebates or performance-based incentives. In Florida for example, your entire home solar system is exempt from state sales tax, and installing solar with battery storage also won’t increase your property taxes. Be sure to check with a reputable local solar installer or your state government’s website to see what other incentives are available in your area.
Environmental benefits of solar and battery storage
Beyond financial savings, pairing solar panels with battery storage contributes to a greener, more sustainable future in multiple ways.
Supporting a more resilient energy grid
Widespread adoption of solar-plus-storage systems helps create a more resilient and decentralized energy grid. By reducing demand during peak hours, you contribute to fewer blackouts and more stable energy supply. Installing a solar panel system with modern microinverters can further contribute to grid stability.
Reducing Grid Dependency
With a solar panel system, you’ll rely less on the grid from your utility company by using the renewable energy generated from your solar panels. This decrease in demand for fossil fuel-based power also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Maximizing Solar Energy Use
After storing additional energy you’ve generated in your batteries to use in times of emergency, like during power outages, your system will send the remaining excess energy back to the grid. This further reduces the overall dependence on non-renewable energy resources in your local area by providing clean energy to the grid..
Battery storage is a crucial component that homeowners should thoroughly consider when installing a solar panel system on their home. It provides even greater control over energy usage in addition to the peace of mind that comes with a reliable backup power solution during outages. Contact a reputable, local solar installer to learn whether battery storage with solar is the right choice for your home.
