Did you know your home could feature a back-up battery?
When you invest in solar power, the benefits don’t just come on sunny days. With solar power comes the option to add on a back-up battery system to always have power, even when your neighbors don’t.
In summer, Colorado experiences a number of climate and weather variables that cause power outages. There’s an increase chance for wildfires as the temperature rises. High heat, drought, and dry foliage are several factors that cause these wildfire outbreaks. Fires like these can lead to power outages across several counties. Then, of course, there are the storms. Thunderstorms and high winds can easily knock power out for several hours or sometimes days.
But it’s not just the summer. Power outages can occur anytime. When you install a solar system, you’ll have solutions available that ensure you have access to emergency power. When there’s a blackout of power many homeowners either leave their homes or stay inside and simply wait it out. Either way, it’s a major inconvenience and can put life on hold. But when you have a backup battery in conjunction with your solar system, you’ll have nothing to worry about!
What are Solar Backup Batteries?
Having a solar array on your home absorbs energy from the sun and generates power for your house. This energy provides power to your air conditioner, lights, and other appliances. Many times, your solar system generates more energy than your house needs when it’s produced. If you have a backup battery connected to your solar system it will store excess energy and use it later if needed. If for any reason a power outage occurs, the energy from the battery kicks in and supplies electricity to your home.
The Importance of Backup Batteries
If you have a backup battery in place you never have to be concerned about having enough energy when the power goes out. Here’s some of the perks:
- No waiting around in the dark for your local power grid to be repaired.
- No interruption of your WIFI internet if it requires electricity (and most do!)
- You won’t have to stress about food going bad in the fridge.
- Your work won’t be interrupted if you work from home.
The Advantages of Backup Batteries
For the last few years, many homeowners have begun to realize the importance of having a backup battery for their solar system. It’s become less of a luxury and more of a necessity in Colorado. A solar system that works with a backup battery will provide security during an outage and still maximize your savings regarding your electric bills.
1. Protection From Power Outages
When the power grid goes down during an outage, your power stays on and operates like it never happened. You can continue to run your air conditioner, keep your lights on and use all of your appliances like you normally do. The best part is, during the outage your solar panels will continue to collect energy and recharge your backup battery!
2. The Savings
There are energy companies that have created a new billing cycle called Time of Use. During peak hours of use, (normally from 3 pm to 7 pm) electricity costs more. If you have a backup battery connected to your system, you use energy when it’s cheapest and then use the stored energy in the battery when the rates go up.
3. No Extra Cost
When the power grid goes down, you won’t have any additional cost to generate power for your home. Your backup battery will step up and keep the power going. Unlike traditional generators that run on gasoline or propane, a solar system with a backup battery is a cleaner alternative. The solar system batteries get their energy from sunlight, so it’s much better for the environment!
4. Battery Rebates and Incentives
If you get a solar system with a battery backup you can qualify for a Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). If your system is installed before December 31, 2022, the tax credit will be 26%. Even if you’ve already purchased a solar system you can still get the 26% for the backup battery installation.
5. Future Value
We now use more energy in our homes and businesses than ever before. In the future, we’ll probably use even more. Many people are investing in electric cars and trucks and the need for backup batteries will increase in the next few years. By having the needed electrical infrastructure in place in your house you’ll be ready for the future. Having a backup battery system working with your solar system will provide you with peace of mind. Your family will feel safe while you reap the rewards of saving on your energy bills!
If you’ve been thinking about getting a solar system for your home or business you’ll want to consider one with a backup battery system. As one of the leading solar installation companies in Colorado, Steel City Solar will help you make the switch to clean energy. Whether you need both a solar system and backup battery or just need to add on a battery, we’re here to help. Give us a call today at 719-569-5166 or visit our website for a FREE estimate. Our award-winning experts will be happy to navigate a solution to achieve the energy goals for your home!
