A common misconception about solar systems is that battery storage is required for the system to function. The truth is, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be designed to work with or without batteries. So we can consider to battery or not to battery; that is the question!
Our blog post, “How Solar Works,” explains how excess electricity from a solar PV system can be fed back into the power grid if the system is grid-tied. This provides the owner compensation or credit from the utility company. If the solar system also includes batteries, the excess electricity will fill the batteries first and when full, send any excess electricity back to the utility company (the grid).
Why would you need a battery?
With a grid tied solar system, having a battery is a choice. Depending on what the homeowner wants to achieve with their individual power needs, one question to consider is, do you need or want a battery? If you have a well pump, the answer is usually “yes.” A battery is essential to ensure continual access to water. Battery power can also run the refrigerator, lights, computers, and small appliances that run on 120V (common household current).
Grid Reliability Considerations
In an electric grid outage, batteries cannot support the heavy, instantaneous draw of air conditioning, heating, clothes dryers, or electric ovens. Basically, any major appliance that runs off a 240V plug.
Appliances that heat and cool will exhaust the battery storage in a matter of hours. A hybrid system: a solar PV system with batteries to power lower draw electrical items, and a generator for the higher draw electrical items, is a great solution.
You may want a battery for the security it offers. You can rest easy knowing your basic electricity needs are covered with the backup battery.
Because of the significant investment for solar PV systems, some people opt to install solar first and add batteries later. They use the savings on their electricity bills to help pay for the batteries.
However, those who live in an area that frequently loses power may choose to install the battery backup first. The electric grid keeps the battery charged and on stand-by for emergencies. The battery storage is never without power for basic electricity needs and a solar PV system can be added later. Our blog, “How Much Battery Backup Do I Need” gives an example of 12kW system installed with 30kWh of battery backup and how it will perform.
Solar is a Great Investment
Solar power will pay for itself over time because it offsets your electric bills. Batteries provide power when the electric grid goes down and can offset some of its cost. The stored power can be used at night to offset electric utility bills. If the utility charges a higher rate during the day, the battery can be used to avoid peak demand charges by quickly reducing power consumption during intervals of high demand, known as peak shaving.
Give SVE a call at 678.833.5191 or email Info@southernviewenergy.com and we’ll help you determine “To battery or not to battery.” We can help you calculate how much battery backup will be required to cover your basic needs for a few days, or until the sun comes out or the grid is restored.