If you’re considering making the switch to solar power, you’re likely spending some time learning about the different types of equipment necessary for your solar array. One piece of equipment you’ve probably heard about is a solar panel battery. But is a battery essential to the functioning of your solar power system? Or is it possible to switch to solar without one? Keep reading to learn more.
Based on Your System Design
The answer to this question varies depending on what type of solar system you have. If you have an off-grid system—one that is not connected to the residential power grid—then yes, solar panel battery storage is absolutely essential to the functionality of your solar array. While you would have power while the sun is shining without a battery bank, when the sun sets or on days that are cloudy, you’d find yourself without power.
However, if you’re connected to the grid, battery storage is more of a convenient backup than an absolute necessity. Without a battery, your home would use the energy produced by your solar panels on sunny days. Then, when the panels aren’t producing power, it would simply switch to using power from the grid. You could have continuous power in your home without the use of a battery.
So, to put it simply: If you are connected to the grid, you can get away without one. But if you’re off the grid, a battery bank is essential.
Why You Might Still Want One
If you’re on the grid, don’t write off having a solar battery just yet. They could still be useful to you. For example, what happens if the grid has an outage at night? You, just like everyone else, would be without power. However, if you have a battery, your solar panels would charge that battery during the day; then, if the grid goes out, you could tap into that stored energy to continue powering your home until the grid comes back up.
Additionally, having a battery bank comes in handy if you want to reduce further or even eliminate your utility bill. Many systems can be set up to prioritize using stored solar energy during peak consumption hours when electric companies charge more for every watt you use; then, they switch to the grid when rates are lower. This can save you significantly, but of course, you’ll need a battery to do it.
Adding a Battery Later
If you see the perks of a solar panel battery, but you just don’t have the funds to build a battery bank along with installing a solar array, don’t worry. You can add a battery bank later, so long as you install a hybrid solar inverter for your grid-tied system.
So, when you’re designing your solar system, don’t forget to consider the role batteries play, regardless of whether you’re tied to the grid or not.
