Solar Battery Backup: No. 1 Best Guide to Outage-Proof Power

The Number One Question our techs are asked: Should I add Solar Battery Backup to the roofing installation?

When considering a new solar installation for their homes, 78% of homeowners want to add a backup battery system as well. The main reason is that in the event of a power outage, a backup battery to your solar system will give you power and make your home fully independent from the grid.

What are the advantages of solar battery backup?

When your solar panels produce more energy than you use, solar batteries store the excess energy. This then allows you to use that stored power at night or during cloudy days when your panels are not producing as much energy. As a result, this reduces dependence on the grid and increases self-reliance.

If you lose power for days and there is not much sun to produce energy, the solar battery backup takes over, so you lower the risk of frozen and burst pipes when there is no heat. Losing power can mean that other issues may arise. For example the food in your refrigerator and freezer can spoil. With a Solar Battery Backup, your appliances will continue to operate and you won’t have to deal with cleanup issues or the financial loss from wasted food.

Contact us for a solar quote today!

At Golden Group Roofing, during our consultations with clients, we go over the questions they have about solar batteries. We talk about how much power is needed from the batteries, the costs, and the potential financial incentives that may be available from Federal or State energy saving programs.

The Mass Save program offers rebates, tax incentives, and low-cost or zero percentage interest loans for solar system installations and solar batteries. Check with Mass Save to learn more about eligibility and offers. New Hampshire and other New England states may also have financial incentives available.

Other benefits of adding a solar battery backup

With a solar battery, as soon as you lose electricity, the power switches to the Solar Battery Backup. The transition is immediate and transparent. The battery begins to work as soon as the electricity is out. There is little noise to the batteries when they are operating. An added plus is the fact that you will not be polluting the environment with propane gas, as happens when using a gas generator. The battery size or capacity depends on your electricity needs. Your roofing contractor can give you options and pricing so you can make an informed decision.

When thinking about a new solar system for your home, you should also consider adding a Solar Battery Backup as an option. Adding batteries to an existing system can be more complex than installing them at the same time as the solar panels. This may require reconfiguring the solar system and upgrading the inverter.

Solar Battery Backup Life

The lifespan of solar batteries is limited, with performance gradually diminishing over time, ultimately necessitating their replacement. A quality 10kW solar battery will last ten to fifteen years. Most manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty, guaranteeing that the battery will retain at least 60-70% of its original capacity by the end of the warranty period.

Are solar batteries worth the expense?

• If you live in an area with frequent power outages, a solar battery can be a valuable investment for backup power.
• If utility rates are high or increase substantially during peak hours, a Solar Battery Backup provides an effective solution. By enabling the storage and use of solar energy specifically during these periods, you can effectively save overall energy costs.
• If your energy company offers little or no credit for excess solar energy sent back to the grid (net metering), solar batteries can save you money on energy bills. Your excess solar energy that you create with your solar panels is stored in your battery for your use when you need it.
• Contact us for a solar quote today!

What does a solar battery Backup system cost?

A typical installed home solar battery system can cost $20,000 or more, depending on kWh capacity, brand, special features, and the complexity of the installation. A larger capacity battery (more kWh) stores more energy and therefore costs more. Different brands offer varying price points, and some include an integrated inverter, which increases the upfront cost. However, an integrated inverter can reduce installation complexity. The installation can include the labor to mount the Solar Battery Backup, run the electrical wiring, and integrate the battery with the home’s power system.

Deciding on solar or solar batteries

Forty-one per cent of solar installers in the Northeast noted that solar interest spikes after extreme weather. It is important to think about solar now before the harsh New England winter arrives. At Golden Group Roofing, we know roofs, and we know solar panels. We combine our expertise in roofing and solar to make us the best at what we do. We know how each component works with the other and we ensure that they all fit together (including solar batteries) to result in a beautiful, yet efficient, and most of all, safe installation.

If you have questions about solar batteries or a solar installation, call Golden Group Roofing at (508) 873-1884 or contact us today!