The short answer is, it depends, but the majority of the time – yes! Solar backup batteries are worth it and a great investment for several reasons. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the main applications for what makes them worth it, and we’ll also touch a bit on how solar batteries work.
In 2024, a lot of folks are getting excited about these special batteries that store sunlight energy for later use, thanks to innovative solar companies. Imagine having a big box at home, developed by a leading solar company, that holds onto sunlight so you can use it at night or when it’s cloudy. Pretty cool, right? These batteries mean you don’t have to worry as much when the power goes out, and they can even save you some money on your electric bill because you’re not using as much power from the electric company. They’re also good for the planet since they use the sun’s power instead of burning coal or gas. But whether or not it’s a smart idea to get one of these batteries depends on where you live, how much sun you get, and how much you’re willing to spend upfront, a decision that a knowledgeable solar company can help you navigate.
Backup battery storage for medical devices
For those with medical equipment that needs to be powered 24/7, battery backup is essential to avoid losing power in the event of an outage! The benefit of solar backup batteries rather than a generator is zero downtime should an outage occur, in essence, it’s like an uninterruptible power supply.
Work from home uninterruptible power supply
For those who work from home, which has become far more common these days, battery backup storage will keep you online and smiling in that zoom meeting without skipping a beat should a power outage or grid failure occur.
Save the most money with battery storage
And lastly, but probably the most common reason why people install solar backup batteries, is for maximum financial savings on their solar installation in Phoenix.
Think about it, during the day your solar panels generate power from the sun, and you use that free electricity to power your home. But what happens when you produce more than you use? It goes to waste, or if you’re setup with net metering, then you could be selling it back to the utility companies.
But then what about in the evening hours when there is no sun? Without battery storage, you end up drawing electricity from the grid and paying the utility company their ever-increasing rates to stay energized. But not with solar battery storage! All of that excess power you produced gets stored into solar backup batteries so that you can use YOUR free electricity, saving you even more money on electricity!
We help homeowners save 26% off solar backup batteries!
The number one reason home and business owners choose to install battery backup with their solar panel system: peace of mind.
You will feel confident and rest easy knowing that your home or business will remain energized regardless of the power outage.
Top reasons why people install solar backup batteries:
- Peace of mind. From food going bad to those with sensitive medical equipment requiring 24/7 operation, power outages can be devastating.
- Maintain power 24/7. Power outages can be catastrophic for those with sensitive medical needs or others that require uninterrupted power supply.
- Maximize your money savings by avoiding paying for city power during evening hours. Rather than drawing power from the expensive city grid, you’ll pull from your batteries.
- Batteries are completely silent, unlike the loud constant hum of a backup generator. This will keep you, your neighbors and the HOA or COA happy.
- Save space. Battery backup takes up much less space than generator backup.
Is it worth getting a battery with solar?
So now you might be able to answer the question, “are solar backup batteries worth it?”. Not only can solar panel batteries save your life, your job (or simply your food in the fridge!), but they can also save you a ton of money on rising electricity costs, too!
Solar backup batteries really are a great investment that will give you peace of mind and greater financial savings.
image courtesy of Solar Reviews Backup Batteries article
So now you might be able to answer the question, “are solar backup batteries worth it?”. Not only can solar panel batteries save your life, your job (or simply your food in the fridge!), but they can also save a ton of money, too! Solar backup batteries really are a great investment that will give you peace of mind and greater financial savings.
How do solar batteries work?
We won’t go into too much detail here, as that is not what this article is about, but below you’ll find a high level overview of how solar batteries work. For more information, please see our article titled, “how do solar batteries work?”
At high level, solar battery backup will store unused electricity generated during the day to be used later when there is no sun and new incoming power being generated. In other words, if you have a residential solar panel installation, this is how it works:
- Solar panels soak in the sunshine and generate free electricity
- The electricity produced by your solar panels is considered direct current (DC for short). The DC electricity flows through your electrical wiring into an inverter which will turn the DC electric into alternating current (AC) electricity
- AC electricity is the standard in residential electrical to power appliances, outlets, lights etc.
- Any extra electricity produced by your solar panels that doesn’t get used up in your home is what then flows over to charges your batteries
- During the evening hours when the sun has gone down, your main electrical panel will turn from drawing power from your solar panels over to drawing from your solar backup batteries
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are solar backup batteries and how do they work?
Solar backup batteries store energy from the sun collected by your solar panels for use when the solar panels aren’t producing power, like at night or during cloudy days.
2.Can a solar battery power my home during a blackout?
Yes, a solar battery can provide power during a blackout, ensuring that essential appliances and lights stay on when the grid is down.
3. How long do solar backup batteries last on a full charge?
The duration can vary based on the battery’s capacity and your home’s energy usage, but many can provide essential power for 24 hours or more.
4. Are solar backup batteries environmentally friendly?
Solar batteries are considered environmentally friendly as they store renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
5. What is the lifespan of a solar backup battery?
Most solar batteries last between 5 to 15 years, depending on the technology and how often they are used and charged.