The continual rise of solar panels is paving the way for more people to consider solar batteries. But taking into account the staggering price tag, is it always a logical investment? If your goal is energy independence, in addition to electricity savings and making it better for the planet, then the answer is yes.
Owning an energy storage system is actually a requisite for people living off the grid , since you’ll need to be independent from public utilities. Nonetheless, even if a self-sufficient lifestyle is not in the cards, at least not yet for others, batteries can still bring value to anyone who wants to protect their homes from sudden loss of power, all while depending less on the grid and increasing monthly savings.
Are Solar Batteries Worth It?
A solar battery stores excess solar energy for future use. By having back-up power, storage systems are an incredible way to maximize the benefits of solar panels. But since the price tags are steep, a solar battery installation is usually only justifiable when there’s a compelling need for it.
So, the first question to ask when considering a solar battery for your home or office is whether it fits your current needs and setup. If you believe it does, then you can proceed with the installation knowing that it will provide several benefits, which we enumerate below:
Reliable Energy Reserve
Solar panels only work when there’s sunlight. No surprise there. As soon as the sun sets, you’ll need to extract electricity from the grid. But with a solar battery, you won’t have to. The surplus energy that a battery stores during the day can be used at night, on cloudy days, or even during blackouts. If you think about it, the combined convenience and relief of having such an option only cements the importance of a home storage system.
Safe from Power Outages
Power outages can happen at any given time when the grid goes down. Solar panels alone won’t exempt you from blackouts as your system is still connected to the grid. The only way to avoid losing electricity is to own a solar battery. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, solar power panels and batteries become necessities, rightfully so.
Cheaper Electricity Bills
Using the solar energy you’ve saved up during the day to power your appliances during peak hours means you’re skipping the high energy rates.
Long-Term Energy Independence
Grid independence is one of the main reasons why people own a solar battery. There’s no need to worry about rising grid-based electricity prices because you’re no longer part of it.
Environmental Footprint
Solar power and the additional energy storage system can significantly lead to positive environmental changes, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, better air quality and reduced energy waste. What this means is quite simple: The planet is better off using less and less of fossil fuels.
Key Considerations
Making an informed decision saves you from second-guessing a major investment like a solar battery. Here are things to think about:
Upfront cost
The price in Australia starts from approximately $6,000. Total costs can go higher based on brand, capacity and installation complexity.
Lifespan
Most lithium-ion batteries have promising lifespans, lasting 10 to 15 years, 20 if the lithium-ion used is advanced. This is already an impressive feat by itself, however, storage capacity still gradually decreases. A battery may provide 100% capacity at first, but only retain 70–80% after a few thousand cycles.
While battery costs can be steep, incredible benefits like savings, energy independence and protection from blackouts can make life easier. Besides, there are government incentives and rebates that can help with the initial expense.