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.
Understanding Solar Storage in Electriq Power Battery Systems
Modern battery storage technology lets homeowners use solar energy to cut costs and protect the environment even when the sun isn’t shining. Electriq Power’s IQ system works with new or existing home solar panels to store energy, reduce utility costs, and provide backup power during outages. Here’s how solar energy storage works in Electriq Power’s IQ battery systems.
Solar Power When It’s Needed
When a home’s solar panel system generates more energy than the household requires, surplus electricity can be stored in a backup battery. When Electriq Power’s IQ battery system detects a power outage, it automatically begins to use the home’s backup power supply. Homeowners can also turn to the electricity stored in an Electriq battery when solar panels aren’t producing enough power on their own during cloudy days or at night.
Other Capabilities of Electriq IQ Systems
In addition to its ability to store energy and provide backup power, Electriq Power’s IQ system gives homeowners more control over their solar power usage. As a “smart” home energy control system, it monitors and analyzes weather patterns, utility rates, historical solar production levels, and energy consumption data to optimize electricity use and meet users’ consumption goals. Electriq Power’s IQ system also pairs with a mobile application and “smart” thermostats to offer homeowners additional control over their solar energy consumption.
How Long Do Electriq Power Batteries Last?
A standard Electriq IQ system battery can help to power a home for hours on a single charge. Typically, the battery will charge and drain itself each day, but it can also be adjusted so that it’s used for backup storage only. As with other lithium-ion batteries, an Electriq battery will lose some of its ability to hold a charge over time, but its software is designed to help the battery retain efficient storage capacity for as long as possible.
American Energy Air has experience working with Electriq Power products and has provided residents in the Sacramento area with expert solar and HVAC services since 1979. To learn more about how we can help you manage your home’s solar energy system, contact us online or call (916) 782-3139.
How to Prepare for and Incorporate Solar Power Into Your Home
As national and global concerns about energy conservation rise, solar power has become an increasingly popular option for Americansacross the country. For those interested in the benefitsof solar power, some preparations may be necessary to safely and efficiently incorporate solar panels into their homes.
Research Rebates and Incentives
Depending on factors like geographic location and local public works departments, some utility companies may offer homeowners rebates on the costs of the initial purchase and installation of solar panels. Here in California, the California Solar Initiative (CSI) offers cash back to residents for every watt of solar energy installed on their property. Additionally, many homeowners are eligible for federal tax credits, including a 30 percent discount on the purchase of a solar panel system, in addition to any state or local rebates.
Undergo a Professional Home Assessment
After pairing with the right solar energy company, homeowners will need a contractor to assess their property. They will consider the viability of available solar resources in the area, as well as the ideal placement of solar panels, control systems, and electrical infrastructure. In addition to informing homeowners about which system size is the right fit for them, they can educate homeowners on the potential issues of maintaining their solar panels.
Prepare and Fortify Home Structures
Although solar panels may appear to be lightweight, they can place significant weight on one’s roof in addition to requiring a certain amount of surface area. That’s why it’s important to ensure that a home’s roof is in stable condition before installing solar panels. Additionally, any repairs made to a roof after installation will require removing the solar panels, so homeowners should have any necessary or preventative repairs made before the installation process begins.
Look Into Buyback and Energy Storage
In addition to the environmental benefits of solar power systems, many people are attracted to solar panels because of their ability to “pay for themselves” over time. Some utility companies will pay to “buy back” power that is leftover after a home’s air conditioning, lights, electronics, and other energy needs are met. To access this benefit, homeowners will need to have a production meter installed by a local energy provider to measure how much electricity is being pumped back into the grid.
Solar power is an efficient and safe way for Americans to reduce their carbon footprint and generate energy for their home. American Energy Air has helped provide businesses and homeowners in the Sacramento area with solar panels since 1981. View our testimonials page to see what our customers have to say about our work. If you want more information about making this eco-friendly and cost-effective transition, call us at (916) 782-3139 for a free estimate.