Are We Ready for a Solar Battery Boom?
The idea of incorporating a battery into a photovoltaic system isn’t new. People have been doing just that for nearly as long as solar panels have been in existence. But for most folks, the benefits of doing so just weren’t worth the trouble. The batteries of yesteryear were bulky, expensive, and unless truly “off-the-grid” living was a necessity, they were usually more trouble than they were worth.
Up to this point, most solar adopters have chosen to draw power from the grid during times when solar energy production is slow, and to offset the cost of using solar by participating in net metering programs, where available.
But there are signs that the solar game may be changing. Elon Musk’s popular electric car company Tesla recently released the Powerwall, a battery for homes. The battery is easy on the eyes, efficient, and relatively affordable. Multiple batteries can be stacked, allowing home and business owners to increase their energy storage capabilities.
So, now that the Powerwall is on the scene, and similar offerings are likely to follow, what are the pros and cons of solar plus storage for your customers?
Advantages of Solar Plus Storage
For consumers, the “plus” side of the battery equation is pretty compelling. For starters, they’ll be able to use solar to become their own power providers, cutting ties with traditional utilities entirely. Photovoltaic systems typically produce more than enough electricity during the day, but production tapers off during the evening and nighttime. Rather than having to sell excess energy to the utility during peak production and basically buy it back during peak consumption, consumers can simply store the energy generated by their solar arrays for later use.
For those who are tired of tolerating the sort of customer service that typically comes along with patronizing a monopoly, this idea is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The Powerwall battery and others like it also have benefits for those who would still prefer to have a backup plan. Popular solar installer SolarCity (which also has ties to Elon Musk) is touting the fact that these batteries can be charged from the grid during off-peak hours, when electricity is presumably cheaper.
Potential Pitfalls of Behind the Meter Storage
Battery prices are falling, and once Tesla’s new battery factory is running at full steam, they’ll probably continue to do so.
But for the time being, investing in a battery backup system for your solar array only makes sense in certain situations. Some experts have suggested that the ROI on solar batteries is still questionable, especially in parts of the world where the going rate for utility-provided electricity is inexpensive.
Still, it seems as though solar plus storage systems have a bright future. Battery technology is improving all the time, and prices are expected to fall. It seems quite likely that battery backup systems will soon provide solar adopters with an excellent value proposition, no matter where they live.
If you're interested in learning more about solar developments, considering signing up for our monthly newsletter in the sidebar form to your right. And if your solar installation company could use a boost in the marketing department, why not purchase high quality solar leads from RGR Marketing today?
[Photo Via: CrazyInventions]
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