Do solar panels need batteries?
You might be curious about the importance of solar batteries in lightening your solar energy costs. Is it possible to use solar panels without a battery in your home? You can, in short. Although there are some benefits to using a solar battery backup for certain situations, it is not necessary for all.
These are the settings where the solar plus battery could help. Some situations in which simple rooftop solar panels might be the best option.
Grid-Tied: The Grid Is Like a Giant Battery
The best times to get solar energy are in the morning, just before sunrise, or after the sun is already rising. It's time to get up in the morning and prepare for the day. This is when you will need to have a lot more power. However, this is also when the solar panel production is just starting to pick up or slowing down.
People with solar power draw energy from the grid during these times, especially at night. You can use your solar-generated power whenever the sun shines.
This type of system is known as a grid-tied system. This is a way to store energy without a battery system.
When the sun shines fully, you'll likely produce more energy than what you use in the day. If your state has net energy metering you can send excess power back to it and get credit. This basically means that you are "storing" the energy on the grid for later. Your system will turn off your power supply when you are not using it. Even if your system doesn't produce additional electricity, it can still draw from the grid if it's connected.
You don't really need the grid if you have your battery installed. You can store your energy and draw from it. The grid acts as a backup.
Hybrid Systems: When is a Battery Most Useful?
People who are constantly on the go might find a battery backup system most useful.
- Living in an area with an unreliable electricity grid
- Living in an area with many natural disasters
A battery may be the answer if you like the idea that you can be completely independent of the grid and use 100% clean energy. Although it would be great to have 100% of your clean energy come from the grid, it is not how it works. Grid power is drawn from a pool that could also include fossil fuel sources.
Hybrid systems combine solar power with grid connection and battery banks. The batteries can be used to maximize your solar power, which will result in some savings in the Time of Use rate areas. They are also available for use when the grid is down. Normal situations will mean that if your solar and battery power isn't sufficient, you can draw from the grid.
Off-Grid: When you need a battery
You will need a battery storage device to store your solar energy if you live in an isolated, remote area without a utility grid. If you need to keep the lights on at night even if your system isn’t producing, this is an essential item.
There are times when you might not need a solar battery
A battery might not be necessary if you are comfortable drawing from the grid and don't worry about power outages. Most outages in the United States are resolved within a few hours to a day.
The typical solar battery's storage capacity can provide electricity to critical loads for approximately one to two days in the event of a power cut. A solar battery may not be able to eliminate power outages, but it is worth considering the costs and the potential benefits.
Your carbon footprint can still be significantly reduced by using solar power without energy storage and only pulling from the grid. If you don't like the idea of using fossil fuel plants, there is another option. You can choose to only use renewable energy from your utility company when your solar panels aren’t producing. These renewable programs may not be available in all areas, so make sure to check with your utility provider.
Finally, even though batteries can be eligible for state rebates such as Utah's SGIP state rebates, certain state, and local rebates are not available to systems that are connected to the grid. If you are counting on tax incentives and tax breaks, ensure you understand whether you will be eligible if your system is completely off-grid.
You'll still be eligible if you have a battery and are connected to the grid. Before you make the jump from grid dependence, be sure to understand all the terms and conditions of the programs you want to use.
Top Solar Provo Energy Advisors can answer any questions you may have about this. Ask away!
Top Solar Provo
Provo, UT
(385) 316 4460