Misconceptions about Battery Storage for Solar Energy

27 September, 2024.

From intensified hurricanes to unprecedented heatwaves, the effects of climate change have created a sense of unpredictability across the globe. As the winter thaws and warmer weather becomes more commonplace, we brace for what new events may be around the corner, especially during wildfire season.

Over the past few years, solar batteries have increased in popularity for good reasons. They can offer peace of mind and help homeowners get through public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) during peak wildfire season. But because the technology is still new, there are a lot of misconceptions about what solar + battery storage can truly offer.

To help you distinguish what is and isn’t true, we’re breaking down common myths people tend to believe about solar storage systems.

Solar Battery Storage Isn’t Affordable

Like any technology, the latest and greatest gadget can often come with a hefty price tag. While costs for a solar battery may have been higher during the product’s infancy, many things have changed to make this clean energy solution more affordable.

For starters, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has extended the solar investment tax credit. The rebates were created to help make renewable energy sources more accessible and its focus on standalone storage does just that. There are local incentive programs that can also help.

Solar Battery Storage Doesn’t Provide Long-Term Backup Power

When combing through the FAQs we receive most from homeowners, we noticed one common thread that stood out. Many homeowners don’t realize how long a solar battery can power their homes during power outages and rolling blackouts. This curiosity makes sense, given that the length of time a solar storage system can power essential appliances can vary. There are a few things that factor into your solar battery’s span of use:

• Capacity : How big is your solar storage system? Knowing how much stored solar power it can hold will help you get an idea of its longevity.
• Stored Energy : How much clean energy was in your solar battery right before the power outage? If the battery isn’t fully charged, that could affect how long it can power your home.
• Energy Consumption : How are you using the stored power you currently have? If you’re just discharging the battery during times of need, chances are that your stored energy can power things longer.

The bottom line is that given the right conditions, your solar battery can last a good amount of time during a power outage, especially if it is able to recharge during the day.

Solar Battery Storage isn't Available in Certain Climates

Like with any technology, ideal weather conditions are best but solar + storage systems are hardy. They are designed to handle fluctuating weather of Australia. While we recommend indoor installation, typically in a garage, that’s not the only option available to homeowners. Outdoor installations are possible in shaded areas and where temperatures remain between 15-110° F and are protected from other severe and extreme weather.

Solar storage systems are flexible and can handle a wide range of climates. Don’t let this myth hold you back from being well prepared for Mother Nature.

Solar Battery Storage isn’t Safe

We won’t beat around the bush, not all solar batteries are made the same and some of the materials they consist of are safer than others.

Solar + storage can provide homeowners with many benefits including peace of mind during power outages and utility savings. Beyond that, solar batteries are much cleaner for the environment than a generator. Myths aside, it’s easy to see why so many Australians are adopting solar + storage.

Is it possible for Solar Power combined with Energy Storage to address the issues of Grid Dependability?

For many, this summer has been long and hot. And these high temperatures have done more than just disrupt summer vacations. The extreme heat is leading many to install air conditioning in locations that previously never needed it. That extra strain on the grid has prompted electricity failures and rolling blackouts.

Having reliable power when extreme weather hits is no longer just about comfort. It can have a major effect on your life from disrupting your work from home to draining your bank account. So, it’s worth asking: when the grid is so overtaxed, could distributed resources like solar energy help the grid become more reliable?

The Rise of Renewables

In 2021, 29% of Australia’s total electricity generation was from renewable energy sources, including solar (12%), wind (10%) and hydro (6%). The share of renewables in total electricity generation in 2021 was the highest on record, with the previous peak being 26% in the mid-1960s. The renewable energy industry is moving forward at a rapid pace as Australia moves to accelerate the development of renewable energy generation when fossil fuel power plants retire. This transition provides growing opportunities for companies, transforming the region and bringing investment into local communities. This event is perfectly timed to bring key stakeholders together to discuss the latest developments and initiatives in the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) across Australia.

By coordinating development in a strategic way, renewable energy zones also help us get the land use planning right, and renewable built in places that work for the community, developers, and cost efficiency.

But we still have work to do. While global energy consumption declined during the pandemic, energy use has more than rebounded. All this growth is good news for the economy but challenging for grid infrastructure.

Rooftop Solar Helps the Grid Keep Powering

Home solar systems can benefit grid reliability. First, solar energy directly reduces demand on the electrical grid during peak times. A home with rooftop solar does not need as much electricity from the grid because its solar panels often generate enough energy to meet the home’s needs.

Second, solar + storage can improve the resiliency of the grid during extreme weather events that are becoming more commonplace due to the impact of climate change. This is because solar energy systems can often operate in an off-grid function, freeing up electricity for the rest of the community.

It’s All About Independence

We all like the freedom to adjust our thermostats as we choose. One way to achieve energy independence for your own personal comfort (and costs) is to install a solar system with backup power.

Conclusion

Having solar + storage provides peace of mind and helps with grid stability at the same time. As more homes switch to electricity and the grid experiences even higher demands from additional loads like EV chargers, every part of our energy system – from generation to transmission to use, needs to be smarter and more resilient. Solar power, coupled with energy storage, has emerged as a promising solution to the energy challenges faced by many communities worldwide. In addition to offering environmental benefits, this combination can provide homeowners with peace of mind.

One of the most significant advantages of solar + storage is the ability to maintain power even during an outage. When the sun is shining, solar panels generate electricity that can power homes and charge batteries. The stored energy can be used when the sun goes down or when the grid is down, providing a reliable source of power. This is particularly important in areas prone to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or winter storms, where power outages can last for days or even weeks.

Another benefit of solar + storage is the ability to reduce energy costs. By generating and storing their own power, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid and avoid peak energy rates. This can result in significant savings on energy bills over time.

In addition to the practical benefits, solar + storage can also provide peace of mind by contributing to a sustainable future. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, solar power helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By investing in renewable energy and energy storage, homeowners can feel good about making a positive impact on the environment.

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