Imagine a stormy night, TV on, laundry running, and suddenly, a power outage. Now picture the same scenario with a rooftop solar energy setup equipped with battery storage. When the neighborhood loses power, you remain unaffected.
The common belief that solar power only works in sunny conditions overlooks the potential of solar-plus-storage systems. These systems ensure power supply regardless of weather or time of day, eliminating dependence on the grid during outages. Here are the advantages:
- Continuous Power: Optimize electricity usage by storing surplus daytime energy for evening use, reducing reliance on the grid, especially in blackout-prone areas.
- Cost Control: Shield yourself from utility rate hikes by utilizing stored low-cost energy, potentially selling excess stored energy back to the grid during peak rates.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Track your energy consumption and generation in real-time for better management and transparency.
- Self-Sufficiency: Move closer to self-reliance by reducing dependence on the utility grid, ensuring power even during outages.
While the benefits are compelling, the cost may concern you. A solar-plus-storage system ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. Installing panels and storage concurrently is more cost-effective, but adding storage later costs between $12,000 to $22,000. Federal tax credits and state incentives may offset these costs.
Whether you’re considering an initial setup or an addition to an existing solar system, discussing options with your installer can help you explore the best solution for your energy needs.
