8 Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Battery & Storage/February 14, 2023

Whether you’re just beginning your solar journey or you already have a complete system, now is the perfect time to consider adding solar battery storage. From lower bills to independence from utility companies – there are many benefits of solar batteries. Let’s have a better look.

1. Lower Electric Bills

Yes, solar batteries are not exactly cheap. However, they’re an incredible long-term investment that pays off times fold.

Over time, you’ll see the savings add up on your electric bill — beyond what you would save with solar panels alone. Here are three ways that you can accrue cost savings with battery storage.

Net Metering

If you have solar panels, but no battery storage, excess energy from your system will feed back into the electric grid. Many utility companies will give you credit for this energy, which is called net metering.

But other utility companies actually charge a fee for net metering or don’t give you any credit for backfed energy. If you can store the excess energy in a battery system instead of sending it back to the grid, you’ll save more in the long run in these situations.

California’s new NEM 3.0 net billing rules effective April, 2023 are a prime example of a utility billing rate that works better if you install solar with an energy storage system.

Peak Shaving

A solar battery system can increase your electric bill savings if you are on a time-of-use (TOU) utility rate. Under TOU rates, the charge for using electricity at “peak” times is higher (typically in the evening from 4 to 9 PM, but this can vary).

With a solar battery system, you can store excess energy during off-peak hours and use that energy during peak times to avoid paying higher rates.

Demand Charges

Some commercial utility providers implement demand charges, based on the largest amount of power you draw at any one time. You can program a solar battery system to provide power when you have higher demand to reduce your demand charges.

2. Energy Independence

Another key benefit of solar battery storage is energy independence. As power outages become more common, having backup power is critical.

While solar batteries won’t run everything in your home, they can certainly provide relief during brief power outages, allowing you to feel more comfortable and have peace of mind during emergencies, storms or even earthquakes.

Important Tip: Calculate how much solar battery backup do you need. You don’t necessarily need solar battery storage for your entire home. Partial battery backup is an option too!

3. Hassle-Free and Low Maintenance

Usually, when we think about power backup, generators is the first solution that comes to our mind. However, compared to generators, solar battery systems, once installed, up and running, require very little maintenance.

First of all, generators require fuel. If you don’t have enough fuel stored, you may find yourself in a pickle because gas stations can’t pump fuel if the power is out.

On the other hand, solar batteries offer a hassle-free alternative. They “re-fuel” themselves with solar energy, so you don’t have to worry about your reserves.

4. Reduced Noise

Generators are also notoriously noisy. And solar batteries are about as loud as a humming refrigerator. With a battery system, you can still have backup power that won’t disrupt your daily activities or sleep.

5. Less Environmental Damage

In addition to being noise-friendly, solar batteries are also environment-friendly. Unlike generators, they don’t require using fossil fuels that produce polluting gas emissions.

Since solar battery systems obtain power from the sun, you won’t have to worry about creating more waste or increasing your carbon footprint any further. By using renewable energy, you'll be contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable planet.

6. Long Lifespan

Your solar battery storage system will last a long time. Newer lithium battery systems, such as the Enphase Encharge, are warrantied to last for at least ten years or 4,000 cycles, while generators typically have 3 to 5-year warranties.

7. Tax Credits and Rebates

If you install batteries with your solar power system, you’ll get to take advantage of tax credits and rebates that apply to solar installations. Through 2032, the federal tax credit for complete solar installations is 30%. So if you’re thinking about installing solar on your home this year, definitely consider adding battery backup simultaneously. Or even if you are adding energy storage to an existing solar power system, you’ll still qualify for the credit.

In addition to federal tax credits, you may also be eligible for additional credits, rebates or other incentives in your local area that can apply to the solar battery system.

8. Higher Real Estate Value

Installing solar panels along with a solar battery system could increase the value of your home or business. Property buyers see the value in clean energy and backup power that offers assurance and peace of mind.

Should You Invest in Solar Battery Storage?

The benefits of solar batteries are clear, and the demand for battery backup is only rising from here.

"Adoption is increasing," says Alex Lepore from Fortress Power, a solar energy storage manufacturer. "More people now trust the technology. It's likely that by the end of this decade — 2030 — the battery space is going to grow almost six or seven times over."

If you have the budget, and your energy usage could benefit from storing excess power, we definitely recommend adding solar battery backup to your system.

If you’re looking for more guidance on solar batteries, look no further than the industry experts at GoGreenSolar! Our solar veterans are readily available to help you through the decision, purchase and installation processes. Check out our solar battery backup systems, or reach out to us with your questions today.