Solar and battery storage offer added resilience

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Homeowners can pair solar panels with battery storage to gain backup power, increase energy independence and prepare for possible utility rate changes. 

Solar panels can reduce a homeowner’s reliance on the electrical grid, but adding battery storage provides another level of control. O’Donnell Solar Co. helps homeowners evaluate whether battery storage makes sense based on outage risk, energy goals, system costs and the benefits available through net metering. 

Solar batteries store excess electricity generated during the day, making that power available at night or during a grid outage. Rather than sending all unused electricity back to the utility, homeowners can retain a portion on-site for later use. That stored energy can help keep essential appliances operating when severe weather interrupts utility service. Battery systems may be especially valuable for properties in rural areas, homes that experience frequent or extended outages and homeowners seeking greater energy independence. 

Utility rate structures, policies and virtual power plant (VPP) programs introduce financial returns to a battery purchase decision. A traditional flat rate net metering policy where electricity costs the same all day and homeowners receive a full retail credit for excess solar electricity sent to the grid reduces the financial return from batteries.  

However, trends in electricity pricing and utility policy suggest that net metering will eventually be reduced or eliminated and electricity rates will move to time-of-use (TOU) where electricity costs more during peak times of the day. Virtual power plant programs where utilities compensate battery owners for using a portion of their battery capacity are already being piloted or in place across the country. 

Before installing a battery, homeowners should consider cost, available space, system compatibility, utility rate structures, policies and battery programs and long-term replacement needs. Solar batteries typically last 10 to 15 years and may need to be replaced during the lifespan of a solar panel system.

O’Donnell Solar Co evaluates each property individually to determine whether battery storage supports the homeowner’s priorities, including emergency backup, energy savings or reduced grid dependence. 

Learn more about O’Donnell Solar Co’s solar and battery storage options for homeowners!