Solar School for Homeowners: Lesson 2: What Should I Know About Battery Backup for My Home?
Class is back in session, and we're excited to continue our journey into the world of solar energy! If you missed our first lesson about solar energy basics for your home, don't worry—you can catch up here. In the upcoming posts, we'll continue to explore the ins and outs of solar power, providing valuable insights to support your decision-making process. So, grab your pen and paper, because today's lesson is all about maximizing your solar setup with battery backup systems. Let's dive in!
Lesson 2: What Should I Know About Battery Backup for My Home?
Understanding battery backup systems is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of your solar setup. This lesson is for you if you've asked yourself:
What basics do I need to know about a home battery backup system?
How will a battery backup system benefit me as a homeowner?
What are the best battery backup options for my home?
What basics do I need to know about a home battery backup system?
So, what is battery backup? As the name implies it is a means of having a battery to supply backup power. In this case, a battery that would store solar energy for your home.
But why would I need a battery to supply power if I already have solar panels? As we discussed in our solar myth-busting blog, solar panels create electricity quite well, but have no means of storing it. So a battery serves as a means of capturing the power YOU make to use for later, for instance when you might normally lose power in a storm or if power infrastructure is having problems.
Think of battery backup as a rain barrel, and solar panels as your gutters.
If you don't have a rain barrel, the rain will flow back into your yard, losing any potential you could have used it for. But with a rain barrel, you can use that water however you like!
How will a battery backup system benefit me as a homeowner?
Battery backup units are not just for power outages or emergencies- although those are two of the most popular reasons our clients have for installing them. Batteries can also store your power during peak solar production hours and let you use it when the sun sets and electricity rates are higher. This little trick allows you to offset your electric bill substantially during Winter and Summer when demand is high. The best part about battery backup is three fold:
First, you don’t need solar! While solar will make battery backup a significant cost efficient power storage system, it’s not necessary. You can draw power from the grid during low usage hours and then use that cheaper energy during higher demand hours in the mornings and evenings.
Second, battery backup is smaller and quieter than a generator, and with solar panels, you never have to worry about refilling your battery.
Third, there are no moving parts. This means that maintenance is rarely needed and that the time it takes for the power from the battery to kick on is nearly imperceptible.
Fourth: It’s cleaner than a generator, with no gas required!
What are the best battery backup options for my home?
We think this question is a great one although a bit difficult to answer on a blog without getting a bit more information from you first! Choosing the best battery backup option for your home depends on various factors, including your storage capacity needs and intended use. At Sugar Hollow Solar, our technical review board rigorously evaluates our products to ensure reliability and affordability.
There are several types of batteries commonly used in home backup systems. Lead-acid batteries are the traditional choice, known for their low cost. However, they require regular maintenance and have a shorter lifespan compared to newer technologies.
Lithium-ion batteries, the type we provide to our customers, on the other hand, offer higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance requirements. While they can be a bit more expensive upfront, their efficiency and performance make them a popular choice for residential solar systems. Lithium batteries are seen as more environmentally friendly compared to traditional fossil fuels because they don't release greenhouse gasses when in use.We know battery backup production has its own environmental impact, but these processes are getting better over time and are still better for the overall environment which. Also, the sustainability of batteries depends on the energy used to charge them, making batteries charged with clean, solar power a highly efficient and eco-friendly option.
Lesson 2 Wrap Up
Battery backup systems are a valuable addition to any solar energy setup, providing reliability, cost savings, and peace of mind. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing solar system or considering a new installation, exploring battery backup options is a worthwhile investment. Ready to take the next step in maximizing your solar setup with battery backup? Reach out to us today to discuss your options and discover how we can help you harness the power of battery back up energy more effectively!
P.S. Still want to learn more? Check out the other Solar School 101 for Homeowners Lessons here or visit our Solar 101.
