Everything You Need to Know About Solar Battery Storage
Solar batteries are quickly becoming a must-have for California homeowners. With battery backup, you can avoid expensive time-of-use electricity rates and get emergency backup power during a grid outage.
The benefits of solar battery backup speak for themselves, but the technology itself can be confusing. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about installing a solar battery bank.
How Solar Batteries Work
A solar battery is an energy storage device that can be recharged again and again by solar panels. They work by storing the excess energy your solar panels generate, creating a bank of power you can tap into when your solar panels are not generating electricity, like at night, or during a power outage.
You Need a Battery to Use Solar Panels During a Power Outage
During a power outage, grid-tied solar panel systems are automatically shut down as a safety precaution. Solar panels with battery backup, however, can temporarily disconnect from the electric grid and stay on. During a daytime outage, your solar panels will power your home and charge your battery. At night, your battery will keep essential appliances and devices running until the sun rises or the grid comes back online. Most importantly, battery back-up will help keep your health related critical needs devices up and running.
Benefits of Solar Batteries for Homes
Installing a solar battery with your home solar panels puts you in even greater control of your electricity and brings you closer to energy freedom. Benefits include:
Cost Savings - By storing surplus solar energy, you can avoid buying electricity from the grid during on-peak hours in the evening, when rates are higher and your solar panels are not producing electricity (4-9 pm for PG&E).
Backup Power - During power outages, solar batteries can provide critical backup power, keeping essential appliances and devices running.
Reduced Carbon Footprint - Solar batteries decrease the amount of fossil-fuel-generated electricity you need to buy from the grid. They’re also a more sustainable alternative to a gas generator.
Easy Maintenance - Solar batteries have a long lifespan and require little to no maintenance.
Types of Solar Battery Systems
There are several types of solar batteries. Taylor Energy installs a range of premium options and will help you choose the best fit for your home.
Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla Powerwall 3 can start and run large loads like an air conditioner and is one of the best options for whole-home battery backup.
FranklinWH Solar Battery
FranklinWH solar batteries have an industry-leading storage capacity of 13.6 kWh. The more power a battery can store, the longer it will last in an outage.
Enphase IQ Solar Batteries
Enphase IQ solar batteries offer reliable home battery backup at a more affordable price point.
Incentives for Solar Battery Installation in California
There’s never been a better time to install solar battery backup in California. You can save on installation costs with incentives, including:
Solar Battery Tax Credit - Solar batteries qualify for a federal tax credit worth 30% of the total installation costs.
California State Sales Tax Exemption - Solar battery storage systems are exempt from sales tax in California when paired with solar panels.
SGIP 2024 incentive provides free battery back-up to qualifying customers. Learn more here.
The Final Verdict: Are Solar Batteries Worth It in California?
If you’re going to install home solar panels in California, it makes sense to install a battery, too. Solar batteries unlock the full potential of your solar panel system by allowing you to use more of the electricity you produce. The result is lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on your utility company. Batteries also provide invaluable peace of mind in the face of climate change, as extreme weather and subsequent storms increase.
Taylor Energy has been installing solar energy systems in California since 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners in Sonoma County transition to solar energy. We provide no-pressure guidance to help our clients make the best investments for their homes and can help you decide whether a solar battery is worth it for you.
Take control of your power with solar plus battery backup. Call (707) 785-8497 or contact us for a free quote.
Residential Solar
Get a free estimate for residential solar panel installation in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, and surrounding areas. We are a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer!
Rebates & Incentives
Save on your solar panel and solar battery installation with California solar incentives. Schedule a free solar consultation with Taylor Energy to learn more about the incentives you’re eligible for.
Commercial Solar
Cut operating costs and increase profit margins with commercial solar panels. Schedule your free commercial solar consultation with Taylor Energy today. We can help you find a solar solution that works for your business.
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