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When you install a home solar battery, what you are doing is providing your home (and yourself with peace of mind) with a backup energy reserve in case of a power outage.

That’s the beauty of pairing a solar battery with solar panels; you’ll always have power when you need it, even if your neighbors are out of power right next to you.

Learn more about solar batteries from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

What is a Solar Battery

Solar batteries are devices that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels.

You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity for your home’s needs, including cloudy days, at night, or during a power outage.

How Long Can a Solar Battery Power a House?

Without running an air conditioner or heater, a 10-kWh solar battery can power the basic operations of your house for a least 24 hours, but even longer with careful electricity budgeting.

When paired with solar panels, a solar battery can provide more electricity because the solar panels will generate power once the sun is out and shining. 

Ultimately, how long you can power your home with solar battery storage will vary depending on your home and these three things:

• #1. Your battery storage capacity
• #2. The output of your solar system
• Your electricity needs

Home Battery Capacity

Capacity is the amount of energy that a solar battery can store. It is one of the main factors that influence how long a battery can power your home during an outage.

Solar battery storage capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and can vary from just 1-kWh or over 10-kWh. Multiple batteries can be combined to enhance capacity, but a 10-kWh battery is typical for most homes.

Solar System Output

The beauty of a solar battery and solar panels is that you essentially have your own miniature utility to power your home if there is bad weather or an outage.

Solar panel systems are measured in kilowatts (kW) which represent the amount of energy that the system can produce during an hour of peak sunlight. A 5-kW solar system can produce 5 kWh of electricity each hour in ideal conditions.

The average number of peak sunlight hours per day in the United States varies from 3.5 to 5.5. Multiply the system capacity by sunlight hours and then by 0.75 (the performance ratio) to find your system’s daily output.

For example: If your 5-kW system gets 5 peak hours of sunlight, the equation would be as follows:

5 kW solar system x 5 sunlight hours x 0.75 performance rating = 18.75 kWh per day

In many cases that is more than enough to power essential home electrical systems. But electrical needs vary from home to home, so the exact amount may differ from the above equation.

Electrical Needs

It’s simple. How long your solar battery can run your home depends on how much electricity you use. And how much electricity you use will depend on what appliances and electrical systems you are running.

During an outage, it is recommended to budget electricity to include the most necessary things first, then plan for the remaining capacity.

Your list of priorities may include:

• Refrigerator
• Cooking
• Water heating
• Lighting
• TV and device charging
• Climate control

Climate control is last on the list because using an air conditioner or heater draws a lot of power and if you can live without it for a few hours, it is wise to conserve your solar battery energy.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Weather-related power outages have been on the rise in recent years, so it is best to prepare. If the idea of clean, quiet, and hands-free backup energy that can power your home during an outage sounds like a great idea, then solar and solar batteries are worth it!

Central Florida Solar Energy

Don’t get stuck without power in Central Florida ever again! From brownouts to power outages due to hurricanes, you can keep your home and appliances powered with a solar system installed by our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

Ready to get started? Call us for a solar energy quote today at (727) 471-7442!

Was “learn more about solar energy” on your New Year’s resolutions list? Well, lucky you! Solar Bear of Tampa is here with four key reasons that you should switch to solar energy in 2023. Read on to be enlightened.

1) Solar is a good investment

Have you been watching the market lately? Stocks and shares rise and fall pretty quickly these days so investing in a solar system involves much less risk. Homeowners generally receive a 10-20% return on investment for their residential solar systems. A significant win in a short amount of time given that the payback period is usually 5-10 years for a system that lasts 25-30 years.

2) Solar is good for the environment

Those interested in reducing or eliminating their carbon footprint will be interested to know that the Biden Administration aims to stop using fossil fuels by 2035. Because solar power does not pollute the air or produce greenhouse gasses, it can safely replace non-renewable resources like oil, gas, and coal in a more eco-friendly way.

3) Solar can increase your home’s value

If you are like most people, moving or buying a house seems impossible right now. Why not add value to your own home by installing solar panels? Recently, Zillow released a study that showed homes with solar panel systems sold for over 4% more than comparable homes without solar panel systems installed. Don’t forget about the additional exemptions in Florida like the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption that eliminates the sales tax on solar purchases or the Property Tax Exclusion for Residential Renewable Energy Property exemption which provides 100% property tax exemptions for residential solar panels. This rule allows county tax collectors to overlook a home’s solar system when assessing value.

4) Solar can reduce your taxes

Perhaps the most exciting reason to go solar is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, the tax credit was increased from 26% to 30% of a solar system’s project costs (ex: permits, installation, and equipment) and can be claimed as a credit on your federal tax return for the current year. It’s important to note that this incentive is only available if you own the system, not through a lease.

Ready to make the switch to solar? Our team of energy experts can assist with any financial questions while we customize a solar installation that works for you. Call Solar Bear of Tampa at (727) 471-7442 or request a free estimate today.

Property owners in Texas are at a huge advantage when it comes to solar panel systems in so many ways. Increased sun exposure, local incentives, and other factors make this state among the best for going solar compared to other parts of the country. The experts at Solar Bear Dallas are here to show you the many reasons why Texas is popular for solar panels.

1. Texas Sees More Sunlight Than Most Other States

Every part of the country is different, and that means there are states that rarely see direct sunlight throughout the year which makes it nearly impossible to benefit from solar energy. Texas, on the other hand, is one of the top states (next to Arizona and California) that sees direct sunlight during most of the year regardless of the season.

2. Your Solar Panels Are Protected In Texas

Many states fight back and forth on whether or not solar panels should be allowed or banned for various reasons. Homeowners will invest in a solar panel system just for local laws to make them tear it all down. Texas understands the benefits of solar energy which is why the solar rights law exists to prevent any authoritative group like the HOA from trying to regulate the presence of solar panels in the neighborhood.

3. Energy Usage Is Higher Than Average In Texas

Exposure to direct sunlight for 70% (or more) of the year is good news for your solar panels, but that also means people are using their air conditioners more than the average American. AC usage in any state is typically the top reason for high energy usage and everyone knows how hot it can get in Texas. Even outside of residential areas, industrial facilities account for over half of all energy usage with the state being the main location for many producers and distributors.

4. You Can Help Preserve Your Home State

When you cut down on fossil fuels and energy from the main power grid, you are playing a major part in reducing emissions in Texas. With so many factories active night and day, every little bit helps in promoting a cleaner environment for all who live in your beloved home state.

5. Texas Endures Frequent Power Outages

High energy usage usually leads to frequent power outages, and that’s especially true in Texas. Every time the power goes out, it inconveniences everyone in one way or another. Food can spoil, productivity will drop, and people trying to enjoy their day won’t be able to indulge in their favorite pastimes that require electricity. However, a solar panel system paired with a storage battery will act as a backup source of electricity during these common outages.

6. Homeowners Can Increase Their Property Value

People from out of state are already tempted to move to Texas for the large, gorgeous housing at a lower price than what they’re used to. And since the average price for housing is lower, many of these potential buyers will gladly pay extra for a home with solar panels pre-installed as an easy way to save money in the long run. If you’re looking to sell your home in Texas, getting solar panels installed is a great way to increase your property value while practically guaranteeing a sale.

7. Get Free Energy After Your Payback Period

After only a few short years of paying off your solar panels, you will get to enjoy true free energy. You will no longer be affected by fluctuating utility costs because your home will be completely self-sufficient as long as your panels have access to the sun!

Get the Best Solar Panels In Texas!

Enjoy the pinnacle of Texas living by calling up the experts at Solar Bear Dallas today at (727) 471-7442 for more information and to receive a free estimate! Meanwhile, you can learn about more ways to save energy.

Floridians know that a cloudy sky will still require sunscreen and if not applied, they can expect a sneaky sunburn. Nevertheless, does the sun’s stealthy behavior work the same way with your solar system? Solar Bear of Tampa explains how a cloudy sky can affect solar systems and how to take advantage of it.

While it’s obvious that solar panels require sunlight to produce maximum energy, it is entirely possible for systems to generate energy in cloudy conditions. Depending on the cloud cover and the type of solar system, homeowners can expect efficiency to produce 10 to 25% less than on a sunny day. However, on partly cloudy days, energy can still be produced through bursts of intense sunlight known as the “edge of cloud” effect. Additionally, if you are able to see shadows on overcast days, it means that your system is still producing energy. Partial shading can also contribute to energy reduction. During a free energy consultation with Solar Bear of Tampa, our team will identify any energy-saving additions or installation obstacles, and recommend system options.

Climate is also a great indicator of panel performance. In most cases, solar panels work best in sunny and colder areas. When panels reach 77 degrees or more, they tend to lose efficiency. This is because the more heat a solar panel receives, the less power it produces from sunlight. Electrons in the panels are mostly at rest but when sunlight activates them, it stimulates high energy output. The production of a solar panel depends on the electron’s state of rest versus energy. Interestingly, cold temperatures keep electrons in a more dormant state increasing their power when sunlight activates them. Hence, why solar systems perform better in sunny, cold climates.

The bottom line? No one should let clouds rain on their solar parade! Speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear of Tampa to learn more about our solar energy systems. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!