Thanks to solar panels and battery technology, it is possible to increase your energy consumption without spending a fortune on power bills. Investing in residential solar installation lets you go off-grid and maintain some energy independence, especially during the hot months. At Solar Panel Installation Solutions, we can help you find and fix a system that can comfortably cater to your household needs.
Solar panels have been around for decades, but the topic of solar battery systems is still new. Pairing your solar panel with batteries allows you to create a hybrid solar power system that stores excess energy for later use. A properly installed system gives you plenty of backup power to use during peak consumption hours.
Hybrid Solar Systems Overview
Pairing your solar panels with solar batteries allows you to create a hybrid solar system. The batteries store excess energy generated by the panels, allowing you to use it later.
In most households, the panels produce more power than a home needs between 11 am and 3 pm. With the traditional system, all excess energy is channeled back to the utility grid. A hybrid system channels this power to the solar batteries to ensure you have adequate backup power.
Technology has evolved immensely since the invention of solar battery systems. At first, the markets had lead-acid batteries, although modern varieties are crafted using lithium technology. These modern batteries are scalable, lightweight, durable, and highly efficient.
Irrespective of the type of battery you choose, there are three essential aspects to consider when choosing a solar battery system for your household. These aspects include:
Battery Sizing
It is crucial to choose a system with the capacity to perform as expected. If the batteries are undersized, they will not meet your household demands. An oversized battery system will not match the solar array size. Functional problems can arise if your existing panels lack sufficient power to charge your batteries.
One of the benefits of choosing lithium battery systems is that they are modular and scalable. They allow you to find a perfect battery size for your household backup power needs.
Battery Capacity (Kilowatt-Hours)
A solar battery’s size or capacity is measured in Kilowatt-Hours (kWh). KWh refers to the overall amount of energy a battery system can store. On the other hand, the usable capacity of a battery ranges between 80 and 90% of a kWh. The remaining 10 to 20% charge helps to increase the battery system’s longevity. This makes it imperative to calculate the ideal system for your home based on a battery’s “usable” capacity.
When calculating the amount of power your home consumes in a day, make sure you also consider how much energy you need during peak hours. In most households, the electricity consumption peaks between 4 pm and 9 pm. This also happens to be when your panels generate little or no energy from sunlight. Therefore, ensure that the backup power in your batteries is enough to see you through the peak evening hours and during the morning hours. A battery capacity of between 6 and 10 kWh can suffice in most homes.
Durability
Solar battery systems have been around for less than a decade. This makes it challenging to outline their actual lifespan. The available data suggests that lithium batteries are more durable, with an estimated 8 to 15 years life expectancy.
Lithium batteries can lose up to 30% of their original capacity within one decade if fully charged daily. Newer breeds like Lithium Titanate batteries can last up to two decades.
The upfront cost of purchasing solar battery brands designed to last longer can be tough on the wallet. It is still essential to go for a product with the most extended lifespan for the best return on investment (ROI). A skilled residential solar installation specialist can help you evaluate different battery brands and choose one that is likely to serve you for longer.
Adding More Solar Panels vs. Adding a Solar Battery
Installing a solar panel allows you to generate enough power to cover nearly half of your electricity needs. You could cover up to 75% of your power needs by changing your consumption habits and installing smart controls on high-consumption appliances like your water heater system. It is possible to become entirely energy independent by adding your panels to create more power.
On the other hand, pairing your existing solar panel with a battery allows you to maximize self-consumption and remain energy independent. As long as you choose a solar battery system of the appropriate size and capacity, you can generally have enough power to cover 100% of your household needs. The only exception is during poor weather conditions.
Solar panels and batteries make an excellent pair. The hybrid solar power system ensures that you enjoy the maximum ROI for your panels. You can depend on solar batteries to provide backup power after sunset and improve your energy independence levels.
Installing a hybrid solar power system can save you money, especially if you live in a zone with TOU (Time-of-Use) utility rates. You will also enjoy outstanding levels of convenience if you experience widespread blackouts within your area. Ensure you work with experienced installation experts who can help you choose a system that will cater to your needs and provide maximum benefits.
Residential Solar Installation Cost
Many factors come into play when estimating the cost of residential solar system installs. When installing a hybrid system, you have to incur the expense of solar panels, an inverter system, and solar batteries. Battery systems with capacities ranging between 4 and 13 kWh cost between $4000 and $15,000.
One of the critical factors that will determine the size and capacity of the battery system you need is the size of your home. On average, a 3-bedroom home consumes roughly 20 kWh each day. Almost half the energy required can be powered directly from the panels, meaning you will need a battery that can hold at least 10 kWh for the evening and overnight use.
It is imperative to consider the unique power needs of your home to make an informed decision. A competent residential solar panel installation expert will evaluate your lighting needs and loads of heavy appliances within your home before helping you estimate the battery size and capacity required.
Other factors that can influence the cost of installs include:
Solar Battery Brand
The markets are rich with solar battery brands. Every company offers a varying manufacturing process and aftercare service that can influence the price tag of a solar battery system. Generally, a system of the same size and capacity will cost between $11,000 and $30,000, depending on the brand.
Also, different brands have different values that influence the chemistry of the batteries they produce. For instance, lithium-ion batteries have two primary chemistries: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC). LFP batteries are crafted in the latest technology, making them slightly more expensive than NMC batteries.
You can further lower the installation cost by choosing lead-acid batteries. The flipside to their pocket-friendliness is that they have lower capacities, shorter lifespans, and call for more maintenance.
Number of Batteries Needed
It is crucial to install a system that matches your power consumption needs. If your goal is to become energy independent, you must consider the kWh you need daily. If the storage capacity of one battery cannot match your objectives, you need to install additional batteries that can store as much backup power as your household requires.
Sub-Panel
A sub-panel, also known as a critical load panel or a backup load panel, is an essential component that provides added convenience during power outages. It costs between $1,000 and $2,000, and it is uniquely wired to power only the vital systems or appliances in your home. This could include the lighting and air conditioning system.
Inverter costs
Solar power systems require an inverter to convert DC (Direct Current) power into AC (Alternating Current). The solar panels convert sunlight or solar energy into DC power through the PV (photovoltaic) effect. Your solar batteries can store energy in DC power, although you cannot use this to power your home appliances.
An inverter helps convert the DC power into AC power for safe use. While different inverters have varying systems of converting DC into AC, they all play a similar role. However, an inverter’s design and capacity will dictate its price tag. Depending on whether you want an entry-level or premium quality inverter for maximum efficiency under all conditions, you could incur a cost of between $750 and $1700. The price could be higher if you opt for an advanced string inverter system with power optimizers that monitor and control each solar panel individually.
Another option that can bring added convenience at a considerably steeper cost is investing in a hybrid inverter instead of the regular solar inverter. The system costs about 30% more, and it comes integrated with battery connections and controls. This simplifies installing a solar battery system and could even lower labor costs.
Labor Costs
Another critical factor influencing the cost of residential solar energy systems is the expense of hiring professional installers. The labor cost is lower if you install the solar panels and batteries simultaneously. Specialists will reduce the time needed to complete a project by handling all electrical work at once. Also, the installers will file the permits and incentive forms together.
Rebates and Incentives
Your state will dictate the solar battery incentives available for you. For instance, California boasts the SGIP (Solar Battery Incentive Program), which gives an incentive to cover up to a quarter of the overall cost of installing a solar battery system. This can reduce the upfront cost of installs by a substantial amount.
Homeowners eligible for federal solar tax credits can get an extra 26% off their solar system installation cost. The credit will reduce to 22% by 2023 and end in 2024. The sooner you start planning your project, the better!
Is The Cost Of Installing A Solar Battery System Worth It?
Investing in a solar battery system and converting your regular panels into a hybrid system is tough on the wallet. The upfront cost is substantial even after factoring in the rebate and incentives allied with the investment. It is easy to wonder whether the quest to becoming energy independent and the convenience of having backup power are worth the substantial amount of money you have to spend.
It is essential to understand the pros and cons of your investment to make an informed decision.
Pros
- Reduced power costs
- You can store excess energy and become energy independent
- Reduced emissions and pollution
- Backup power during power outages
- Reserve power to use during peak times
Cons
- High upfront costs
- Installing solar batteries requires more space
Pairing your solar panels with a battery system has numerous enticing benefits. However, this does not necessarily mean that the investment is worth it for everyone. For instance, you will not make any major savings if you reside in areas with full-retail net metering.
If you live in an area prone to power outages, your investment will give you unmatched peace of mind, especially during emergencies. It pays to reach out to a skilled solar power installation expert for more personalized guidance. The professional will consider a range of specifications and inform you whether your investment will make sense in the long haul.
Find Residential Solar Installation Services Near Me
If you are considering a residential solar installation project, pairing solar panels and a solar battery system ensures you can reap maximum benefits from your investment. Hybrid solar systems are rapidly becoming mainstream because they allow homeowners to maintain energy independence without reducing their overall power consumption. At Solar Panel Installation Solutions, we can help you devise a personalized plan that suits your unique household needs. Call us today at 559-890-2205 and let us discuss how to make electricity supply disruptions an inconvenience of the past.