Batteries or not?

If you've already decided to install a solar panel system to save on your electricity bill and contribute to a greener environment, you may wonder whether or not you need to install batteries.

To answer this question, it's necessary to thoroughly study each client's situation and needs. So, in what cases would it be advisable to install batteries in your photovoltaic system?

1. High nighttime electricity consumption. Obviously, the first case in which batteries are recommended is when you have high nighttime electricity consumption. Solar panels provide electricity during the day when the sun is out, but as night falls, production decreases to zero, at which point you'll again draw power from the grid. Therefore, if you consume a lot at night, installing batteries can be beneficial, allowing you to use the surplus energy generated during the day and avoid paying for electricity from the grid.

2. Convenience. Another increasingly common reason is convenience—knowing that you'll practically always have your own energy available at any time. Even during peak consumption periods, in addition to the energy generated by your solar panels, you'll have extra energy stored in the batteries. This will reduce your dependence on the electrical grid compared to using only solar panels that operate only during the day.

3. The price of surplus energy. Lately, the demand for solar batteries has been increasing, also due to the relatively low prices offered by electricity companies for compensation for surplus energy. Surplus energy refers to the energy produced by your solar panels that you haven't used and has therefore been fed back into the grid. Electricity companies can compensate you for this surplus based on your grid consumption. The price these companies "pay" for your surplus energy is considerably lower than what you pay for electricity—in most cases, half or less! So, you would have to produce more than double what you've consumed from the grid for the compensation to cover your consumption. This is why more and more customers prefer to invest in their own batteries to minimize their dependence on the low prices for surplus energy from the grid.

4. Out of necessity. Yes, there is a situation where you will need to install batteries. This is the case when you want to add "isolation" functionality to your solar installation in case of power outages. You might ask, "Why is that?" This is a topic that few photovoltaic users are aware of, and it relates to situations involving power outages. When there's a power outage, your solar system automatically shuts down for safety reasons. Yes, it seems paradoxical, but it's true. If there's no electricity from the grid, you won't have any from your solar system either, even if the sun is shining brightly. But there's a solution to continue receiving electricity from your solar system, at least for a certain period: installing a special device (called a "backup") that automatically reconnects the solar panel system when the power goes out and the inverter shuts down.

As you can see, and once again, you've probably realized the importance of sound advice when choosing the most suitable solar system for your circumstances and needs. If you'd like our help guiding you through the entire photovoltaic process, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Say yes to green energy, but do it wisely!