Pros and Cons of Solar Battery Storage

Investing in a solar battery is a smart idea. The addition of renewable energy to your home can not only save you money, but provide you with an alternative source that isn’t at the mercy of your local utility company. 

Despite the many advantages that come with connecting a solar system to your home, there can be some drawbacks you should consider, depending on your situation. So, to help you make the smartest choice possible, let’s compare the pros and cons of solar battery storage.

• Pros of solar battery storage
• Cons of solar battery storage
• Determining factors

Pros of Solar Battery Storage

Throughout our 10+ years of experience installing solar panels and battery systems, we can safely say that the pros outweigh the cons. Le’ts delve right into the benefits.

Significantly Higher Lifetime Energy Savings

The primary benefit to installing a home battery in tandem with your panels is that you can use excess energy in the evening, after the sun has gone down. Evenings are when you’re probably using the most power (keeping lights on, cooking, washing up after work or errands, etc.), so if you don’t have to draw from the grid, you’ll maximize your solar gain and end up saving far more money than with solar panels alone.

Energy Independence

Your energy bills may fluctuate depending on the needs of the company supplying your power. Too often, homeowners are offered few alternatives if they disagree with the price they are charged for the energy they use to power their homes. So, if you’re looking to gain independence from the local grid, a solar battery system will help you achieve it! You can store unused energy during peak hours when the sun is strongest, and then pull from it at night, on cloudy days, and during power outages.

Protection Against Failing Power Grids and Rolling Blackouts

Power outages are increasingly common these days. When your street goes dark and your neighbors wait for the electric company to get their electricity back online, your home will have the benefit of the energy stored in your solar battery to minimize disruptions to your daily life. This is especially important when the weather hits extreme temperatures, leaving you at the mercy of your air conditioner or heater. Having your own power source ensures the appliances you need are always running, keeping you in control of protecting your family.

Combat the Effects of Climate Change with Renewable Energy

One final factor that makes the inclusion of a solar battery a good choice is the positive impact it has on the environment. The use of renewable energy combats the effects of climate change, helping you do your part to ensure we pass down a cleaner, more stable planet to our future generations. Unlike many of the energy sources exploited by power companies, solar energy doesn’t require the use of fossil fuels and doesn’t negatively impact local ecosystems. Your use of a solar battery reduces your reliance on the power company, lowering the amount of electricity that needs to be generated from less ideal methods.

Cons of Solar Battery Storage

Despite all the benefits offered by solar battery usage, some may not be in a position to make the switch without some careful planning.

Higher Upfront Cost

The initial cost of installation is high and can be financially uncomfortable for some homeowners. Budgeting early to cover these costs is a great way to ensure your family doesn’t feel the pinch when you decide to switch to solar power. It’s also important to remember that the battery will pay for itself over time with the energy savings it provides. There’s even rebates in Colorado and California to help bring the price down.

Potential Upgrades to Your Electrical Panel

For some homes, the electrical panel may be outdated or lack the necessary components to add a solar battery. This could mean an electrical panel upgrade is required before installing your solar system, increasing your upfront costs and causing some disruption to your routine while the work is being done. This, too, can be mitigated with early planning. Calling a solar installation professional is the first step in reducing the potential drawbacks of solar implementation. 

The experts at Photon Brothers can provide a free, no-commitment estimate of your solar needs and let you know whether your electrical panel has what it needs to support a solar setup. Call us at (720) 370‑3344 (Colorado) or (805) 351‑3371 (California) or schedule an appointment online.

Determining factors

When weighing the pros and cons of solar battery storage for your home, consider these determining factors to help you decide whether this is the right move for you.

The Cost of Electricity in Your Area

Electricity prices vary between locations, so you may find the amount you’re paying for electricity is comfortable. Low energy costs will reduce the savings created by the addition of a solar battery and this may lead you to decide the upfront investment will take too long to recover. Remember to consider possible changes to energy costs in the future, especially if you live in a fast-growing area where the demand for power is likely to increase sharply.

Whether You’re Enrolled in a Net Metering Program

Net metering programs allow you to receive credit for any excess solar energy contributed to the power grid. This increases your savings and shortens the amount of time needed for those savings to cover your initial investment. If your power company doesn’t offer this option, your savings are limited to the cost of the energy you no longer draw from the grid. This extends the time needed to recover your installation costs.

The Size of Battery System You Need

The amount of power your home needs will dictate the size of the battery system installed. If your needs are fairly low, you may not necessarily need a backup battery. Especially if you use the most electricity during daylight hours. However, the average American household will likely need a battery system to supply the electricity they need when the sun goes down. Some households will need systems with greater storage capacity, which can create higher upfront costs. It’s important to assess this at the start, which is why Photon Brothers is happy to provide you with a comprehensive, custom solar estimate.

Lithium-Ion Vs. Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are much less expensive, so if budget is a concern, you may decide to go that route. However, we caution against them due to shortened lifespan and higher maintenance costs. At Photon Brothers, we only install Tesla Powerwall, the industry’s most advanced lithium-ion batteries, which are far more efficient and perform better long-term. We even have the elite status of Premier Certified Installer to show our experience and expertise with Powerwalls. To learn more, visit our energy storage page. Or, book a free estimate with our solar experts today.