Solar energy is gaining popularity globally for the various benefits it offers to the users as well as to the environment. However, being a naturally powered energy, the need to conserve the harnessed energy is a significant factor that needs to be considered. Battery storage along with your renewable energy system is an essential investment to keep your household and systems running. Without a storage solution, you would lose out on surplus energy produced by your solar panels. In addition, if you are on the grid, you could also be left vulnerable during blackouts and outages.
In 2020, Californians had to suffer rolling blackouts, a first in 19 years. In 2021, authorities issued flex alerts to save energy to avoid triggering blackouts. If you are planning or currently using a solar energy system, it is best to invest in a storage system to maximize the usage of the electricity produced.
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What is Battery Storage, and Why Do You Need Them with Solar Panels?
As the name suggests, battery storage is a system wherein excess solar energy produced can be stored for later use than exporting the energy to the grid. When your solar panels are out of service, electricity can be drawn from these batteries.
If you are connected to the grid, power is drawn only if the battery levels are low. Surplus energy will be fed to the grid only when your battery has been fully charged. If you are off the grid, batteries could be your only source of backup power.
Solar panels do not run all day long, but your appliances need to. The additional energy produced can be used in emergencies and could also be a source of financial savings. For example, you can receive credits on your electricity bill for the energy you send back into the grid with net metering. Over the lifetime of the solar system, you could end up saving thousands of dollars in energy bills.
How to Choose the Right Battery Storage with Your Solar Panels?
The right type of battery storage will differ according to your requirement. For example, you can choose from a battery that can power up multiple appliances or a battery that can provide backup for several days.
Here are some features you should look at when comparing different battery models offered in the marketplace.
The Capacity of the Battery
How much power or electricity can the battery store and supply to your home as required? The battery capacity is measured as kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is multiplied by time. The time factor determines how long the battery backup power will last.
For example, you have a 5 kWh battery. If you want to run your washing machine and air conditioner simultaneously, you might use up the backup power in an hour. But if you are running only the washing machine, which takes about 0.5 to 2 kWh units of electricity, you can use the battery for more than 2 hours.
So the battery’s capacity depends on what appliances you will be using and for how long you need to run them.
Round-Trip Efficiency
Round-trip efficiency is the measurement of how well the battery can store energy. It is the difference between the energy required to charge the battery and the available energy for use. Of course, some units of electricity will be lost during the DC to AC conversion process. But this loss should be limited by the battery.
When choosing a battery with your solar panels, ensure the round-trip efficiency of the battery is around 80% or higher. Explore the various options available in the market to make the best choice.
Battery Lifetime and Warranty
The performance of the batteries may decline over time, but it should maintain a certain level of capacity and throughout cycles to be a cost-efficient option. In addition, you are relying on batteries for backup; thus, the product should be reliable and stand the test of time.
You must look for options that offer long periods of warranty. The warranty acts as an assurance that the battery will optimally function over its lifetime.
Ease of Use
Thanks to technology, you can now control batteries with easy-to-use mobile apps.
This helps even if you are not available at your home. You can ensure your loved ones are safe and secure by adjusting backup power as per their requirement.
If you are planning to buy battery storage for your solar panels, start by assessing your requirement. The type of solar system you have, size of household, available space, and energy needs are some of the factors to consider. In case of any questions, you can meet up with a local company offering solar solutions and discuss your requirements in detail.
