Are Solar Battery Backup Systems Worth the Cost?
Solar panels are a great investment in California. But if you install them without a battery, you’ll be missing out on a lot of key benefits.
Solar panels with battery backup let you power your home with solar energy around the clock. That means you can use solar at night, when it’s cloudy, and most importantly, during power outages.
Here’s why solar batteries are worth it for California homes.
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Solar batteries are an investment. They’re likely to add around $10,000 to your solar installation, though costs can vary. It’s not insignificant, but in most cases, the benefits are worth it. Plus, there are rebate programs available that can help cover your installation costs. If you qualify for the SGIP Residential Solar & Storage Program, you can install a battery for free.
What Impacts Cost?
Solar battery installation costs depend on several factors, including:
Brand - There are many types of solar batteries available, all with varying price points. We install several options, including FranklinWH batteries and the Tesla Powerwall 3, and will help you find the right fit for your home and budget.
Storage Capacity - You can stack multiple batteries together to get more storage capacity, but the more you install, the higher the cost. In most cases, a single battery is enough to power essentials like lights, refrigerators, and medical devices.
Installation Complexity - Installing a battery with a new solar system is typically more efficient than adding one later, bringing down your overall costs.
Financial Incentives - Incentives like SGIP rebates can significantly reduce or even fully cover your battery installation costs.
What are the Benefits of Solar Battery Backup Systems?
Solar batteries have the most benefits for homeowners who have high electric bills, can’t access 1:1 net metering, and deal with a lot of power outages. That means, if you live in California, you will benefit significantly from a solar plus battery system.
Here’s how.
Peace of Mind During Power Outages
If you install home solar panels and battery backup, you will never have to worry about a power outage again. When the grid goes down, your battery will take over, keeping your essentials running for hours. That kind of peace of mind is invaluable, especially if you rely on electronic medical devices or need backup power for a well pump.
2. Freedom from PG&E
Solar batteries let you power your home with solar around the clock—even when there’s no sunlight. That reduces your reliance on PG&E and makes you more energy independent.
3. Avoid Expensive Time-of-Use Rates
Electricity is most expensive during on-peak hours, when demand for it is high. Unfortunately, on-peak hours start in the late afternoon, right when your solar production is winding down for the day. With a battery, you can switch to stored energy during on-peak hours, avoiding expensive time-of-use rates.
So, Is a Battery Worth it for Your Home?
If you're installing solar panels in California, including a battery backup system is the smart choice. It may cost more upfront, but the long-term savings, security, and peace of mind are well worth it.
At Taylor Energy, we install custom solar panel and battery systems tailored to your needs. We’ll size your system to match your energy and backup power needs, maximizing your return on investment. We’ll also help you determine whether you qualify for SGIP rebates to bring down your installation costs.
Call (707) 494-6008 today to get a free estimate for your solar battery installation.
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