The world is constantly looking for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Solar energy is considered as one of the most widely available and accessible renewable resources available to us today. A solar system with battery backup is one of the most innovative and effective ways to harness the sun's power. This technology provides a reliable and independent energy source for homes, businesses, and communities.
A solar system with battery backup can generate electricity during the day when the sun is shining and store any excess energy in batteries for later use, even when the sun isn't shining. This means that homes and businesses can use solar power even when the grid is down and reduce their reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of a solar system with battery backup, how they work, and how to choose the right system for your needs. Join us as we explore the possibilities of a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.
Why Use a Solar System with Battery Backup?
1) Maximize The Benefits of Solar Power
Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or reduce your energy costs, a solar system with battery backup is an excellent investment. With batteries, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day to use in the evening and through the night, reducing your reliance on grid power and lowering your electricity bills. By taking advantage of this technology, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, sustainable and renewable energy while saving money.
2) Take Advantage of Time-Of-Use Tariffs
Time-of-use tariffs can lead to high electricity bills, especially during peak demand periods when rates are at their highest. However, by incorporating a battery into your solar system, you can take full advantage of these tariffs and save money. With enough stored solar energy, you can power your home during peak periods and avoid expensive charges. Moreover, some batteries are designed to top up with off-peak grid electricity when necessary, ensuring you always have power.
3) Keep Your Home Powered During Blackouts
Keep your home powered during blackouts by adding a battery to your solar system. While not all batteries offer backup capabilities, some are designed to keep essential circuits in your home running during an outage. With a reliable backup power source, you can ride out blackouts in style and avoid disruptions to your daily routine.
4) Join A Community of Renewable Energy Supporters
By adding a battery to your solar system, you can join a community of renewable energy supporters through a virtual power plant. With other battery owners, you can help support the grid during peak demand while also benefiting financially. This approach helps to integrate more renewables into the grid and offers a great way to contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
How Does a Solar System with Battery Backup Work?
A solar system with battery backup uses a battery to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day for use at night or during blackouts. Batteries work by sandwiching an electrolyte between a positively charged cathode and a negatively charged anode. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode when connected by a wire, creating electricity.
Rechargeable batteries use an external energy source to reverse the flow of current and store energy for later use. Modern lithium-ion batteries are constructed like a jam roll inside metal cylinders called cells. Home energy storage systems can have thousands of these cells.
During a blackout, a battery backup system can power essential circuits in a home. With the ability to store energy, homeowners can use more of their own solar power and reduce reliance on the grid. Batteries can also be connected to virtual power plants, allowing owners to support the grid and get paid for their help.
Choosing the Right Solar System with Battery Backup
When choosing a solar battery system, you must understand what level of backup you need. Level 0 provides no backup, while Level 3 is considered an "apocalypse-proof" backup with full battery functionality. However, the amount of storage you need depends on your nighttime energy use.
The typical Australian home uses 16-20 kWh over 24 hours, with 60%+ of this usage between sunset and sunrise. A minimum of 10 kWh storage and 8 kW of solar panels is recommended to run your home off a battery system.
The leading solar batteries have a wide range of lifetimes, but they typically fall within the range of thousands of cycles, approximately 2,000 to 10,000 cycles. It's worth noting that solar battery technology is continuously and rapidly advancing, so these figures may vary as time goes by.
To save money on a solar battery system, consider buying during promotions, using government incentives, or shopping around for deals. Choosing a reputable installer with a track record of quality workmanship is also essential. Don't compromise on quality to save money, as a poor quality system can cost more in the long run. Take the time to research and compare systems and installers to find the best solution for your needs and budget.