Do Solar Power Batteries Really Work?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if solar batteries actually work, then you’re not alone. Learn how solar batteries and solar energy systems can save you money in the long run.

Solar Batteries vs. Solar Panels

At first glance, you may think that solar batteries and solar panels are interchangeable terms. In reality, they are both parts of a larger solar energy system. While solar panels collect energy from the sun, the surplus energy is stored in a solar battery. This way, a home or other building can utilize the power even when it’s raining or dark outside. Some batteries can even power homes during a blackout.

The Cost of Solar Batteries

The cost of solar batteries should be considered in both gross price and price per relative capacity. The initial purchase price of a solar battery will usually range from $5,000 to $7,000, although it can vary. Despite these initial costs, you may be able to receive a full return on this investment—and then some—after greatly reducing your energy payments.

What Makes Solar Batteries Cost-Effective?

For most homeowners, the most important aspect of deciding how to power your home is the cost. In this area, solar batteries offer many advantages. For example, if your utility has demand charges, it means that you pay fees based on the total electricity use in your home. Using a solar panel system can greatly minimize the amount of electricity you buy from the grid, keeping demand charges low. Utilities may also offer Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. This means you may be paying higher rates during peak hours. Using a solar energy system can, therefore, reduce your bills, even if you’re only using it during these peak hours.

Considering Net Metering Credits

If you use solar energy to power your home, you may stand to benefit if your utility offers net metering credits, meaning you can receive credits for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid. But if you live in an area where your utilities only offer these credits at wholesale rates, it’s actually more cost-effective to use the energy at home. This is another benefit of a solar battery, as you can store the energy for later use and not send it back to the utility’s grid at a loss.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to installing a solar energy system. American Energy Air and Solar are the solar energy experts of the Granite Bay, CA area, and we can answer any of your questions about cost, installation, benefits, and more. Call us at (916) 782-3139 for a free estimate.