Good Faith Energy offers solar system installation services, as well as battery backups. This is a solar battery backup guide to give you an general idea of whether a battery is right for you.
What are solar battery backups?
Solar battery backups are devices that store excess electricity produced from your solar panels to be used at a later time. They are most commonly used during the night- when your solar panels are no longer generating electricity- and during power outages which are becoming increasingly common in Texas.
Why invest in a solar battery?
Solar panels alone cannot run your home during a power outage. They are grid-tied, meaning solar panels must be shut off alongside it when the grid goes down. The main reason they are grid-tied is to ensure the safety of utility technicians when they come to repair damaged power lines. A battery can counteract this event. With a battery, your home will stay powered no matter the circumstances.
Owning a battery may also have financial benefits. You’ll save on your electricity bill and pay for an investment instead. A solar system and battery can significantly increase your property value, so you’ll earn back a portion or even the total amount you invested- rather than paying an electricity bill with no return.
A battery may be a critical device for you if you have any medical equipment that needs to stay powered at all times.
How does it work?
Notice in the graphic above how the battery charges during the day from excess power produced from solar panels. Later at night, the full charge is used to power lights, electronics, and other utilities throughout the night. Finally, in the morning, the battery is used up from the night before, and will begin charging from the sun again.
Notice in the graphic below how the battery charges during the day from excess power produced from solar panels. Later at night, the full charge is used to power lights, electronics, and other utilities throughout the night. Finally, in the morning, the battery is used up and charged by the sun again.
What options are available currently?
There are many different types of batteries on the market at this time. Good Faith Energy offers the following options:
- Franklin Battery
- The Franklin Battery comes with a 12-year warranty. It is a lithium iron phosphate battery with a high power and safety rating. These types of batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries because they are highly chemically and thermally stable. They stay cooler in higher temperatures (which is a crucial factor to consider in Texas).
- Tesla Powerwall 2
- The Tesla Powerwall has a 10-year warranty and has an energy capacity of 13.5 kWh. It is a lithium-ion battery. It is smaller than the Franklin Battery and has its own app-integrated software. Lithium Ion battery’s advantages include having a higher power density and a smaller, lighter size.
Both batteries can be installed outdoors or indoors (such as in a garage). They also both come with inverters and connect through AC.
In short, a battery backup may be right for you, depending on your electricity needs and finances. Hopefully this solar battery backup guide gave you some general insight into whether owning a battery fits your circumstances. Good Faith Energy offers a couple of battery options and will make sure you are left satisfied and happy with your investment.
Fact checked by Jacob Petrosky – 4/26/2024
