Why Invest in A Solar Battery If It Doesn’t Get You Off-Grid?

Many people think that once you install a solar panel system and a solar battery, they will be completely independent of the grid. This isn’t necessarily true! Having a battery and solar panels connected to the grid is the most beneficial option for homeowners that are switching to solar, though being independent of the grid can be great for those that live outside of a utility’s service area.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why it is beneficial to invest in a solar battery even if you aren’t completely off the grid!

What is the Difference Between Off-Grid and Grid-Tied Solar Systems?

Off-grid solar panel systems allow you to be completely self-reliant in terms of power generation and you will be wholly responsible for your energy needs and won’t rely on your local utility company for any power.

You can combine your off-grid solar panels with a battery or generator to store energy on rainy days or at night. But if there are multiple days of bad weather, your panels won’t be producing energy to power your home. As a result, you likely won’t have stored backup power to lean on either. 

You can also use backup power solutions like a battery with a grid-tied solar panel system, but if you are dealing with bad weather, grid-tied panels allow you to source energy from the grid if you need to.

Remember, in the city of Orlando, your solar panels must be connected to the grid, and you may be eligible to take advantage of net metering.

A backup battery is still beneficial for those connected to the grid. Keep reading to learn why!

Why are Batteries Beneficial?

Solar batteries are designed to capture excess electricity so if there is a cloudy day where your panels aren’t producing enough energy to power your home, you’ll still have power.

Not all batteries are created equal. Ideally, you want to choose a battery that can sufficiently store enough energy to meet your energy demands, as well as stay reliable if your local grid goes down from a power outage.

Lithium-ion batteries are typically what we recommend because they have a long lifespan, maximize your power usage, and help offset total energy costs.

Though they may have a higher initial cost than say, a generator, they rarely need maintenance or repair work.

Top Benefits of Batteries for Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Here are some of our favorite reasons to have a battery connected to a grid-tied solar panel system:

Time of Use

Grid-tied solar systems allow you to choose whether you want to source power from your panels, the backup battery, or the grid. Consider your time of use to maximize your system’s financial benefits.

For example, we recommend sourcing power from your panels during the day when the sun is shining at its brightest. But when the sun is down, you can source your energy from the battery or the grid to power your home at night. 

Or, if energy rates are quite high, you can source energy from your backup battery instead of the grid. Having the option to source energy from your battery rather than the grid gives you greater solar freedom and financial benefits.

Net Metering

Net metering is only available to those who have a grid-tied solar system. Why? Well, since off-grid solar panels are independent of the grid, it is impossible to earn energy credits through a local net metering program.

If you live in a sunny region like Central Florida, your panels will likely produce more energy than your home requires. You can still store some of the excess energy in your solar battery but sending that remaining excess energy to the grid allows you to earn credits.

This is important because if days or weeks pass where your panels aren’t producing enough and you don’t want to use all your stored power, you can source energy from the grid at a discounted rate since you are part of a net metering program.

Offset Power Costs

Some of the most innovative grid-tied solar panel systems offer the option of connecting your panels to the grid when energy rates are low. You can even program the system to do so automatically when energy rates hit a certain point. You can also do it yourself when you want to take advantage of lower costs.

By routinely connecting to the grid, you can help offset your overall energy costs. Ultimately, having a grid-tied solar system gives you more energy independence!

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

If you are ready to make the switch to solar power and take advantage of net metering and all the great benefits of solar power, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you determine your energy needs and what size system you will need to gain greater energy independence by powering your home with the sun!

Call us for a quote today; (727) 471-7442!