Batteries Not Included
Did you know, batteries aren't necessary for solar. Over 98% of solar customers in MO decide not to install a battery. Our general recommendation in regard to a battery backup system is not to install a battery at this time. Why? There are some cases where a battery is beneficial and we are here to help you reach your project goals. Please let us know what you are hoping to accomplish through a battery and we can help provide you with the best information to help you reach your goal.
If you're considering installing a solar energy system in your home, you may be wondering if adding a battery is necessary or cost-effective. In Missouri, batteries may not be necessary for all homeowners, but they can provide benefits for certain types of customers. In this blog post, we'll explore how batteries work in a solar home and who may benefit the most from using them.
Most Homeowners near Kansas City, have Evergy, Ameren, or Independence Power and Light (IPL) as their power provider. They do a great job of keeping your lights on, usually a power outage is measured in hours, not days. But things can happen and if you need power backup or want to have storage for your solar system then we can help you!
How Batteries Work in a Solar Home
Batteries are an optional component of a solar energy system that allow you to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels for use at a later time. This can be especially useful for homeowners who want to maximize their energy savings or who experience frequent power outages.
When your solar panels generate excess electricity, it flows through your inverter and charges your battery. When you need electricity, such as at night or during a power outage, the electricity stored in your battery is used to power your home. This allows you to use more of the solar energy you generate and reduce your dependence on the grid.
Who Benefits the Most from Batteries?
While batteries aren't necessary or cost-effective for all homeowners in Missouri, they can provide benefits for certain types of customers. These include:
Homeowners who want to maximize their energy savings: If you're interested in generating as much of your own electricity as possible and reducing your reliance on the grid, adding a battery to your solar energy system can help you store and use more of the energy you generate.
Homeowners in areas with frequent power outages: If you experience frequent power outages in your area, a battery can provide backup power for your home. This can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of being without power during an outage.
Homeowners with time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates: If your utility company charges higher rates during peak usage times, a battery can help you avoid those higher rates by storing excess energy during off-peak times for use during peak times.
Top Battery Brands in Missouri
If you're considering adding a battery to your solar energy system in Missouri, there are several top brands to choose from. These include:
Tesla Powerwall: Tesla's Powerwall is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a high-quality, reliable battery. It's designed to be compact and easy to install, and it comes with a 10-year warranty.
LG Chem: LG Chem's RESU battery is another top choice for homeowners in Missouri. It's available in several different sizes to fit your specific needs, and it comes with a 10-year warranty.
Enphase Encharge: Enphase's Encharge battery is designed to work seamlessly with Enphase microinverters, making it a great choice for homeowners with an Enphase solar energy system. It's available in several different sizes and comes with a 10-year warranty. This is our favorite battery system, it’s the most cost efficient, works best with an Enphase system and has an excellent warranty. The starting price for a battery—before labor and the Encharge load controllers is about $10,000 but with the added components you need and labor the install price is usually around $15,000.
Bottom Line: While batteries may not be necessary or cost-effective for all homeowners in Missouri or Kansas, they can provide benefits for certain types of customers. If you're interested in adding a battery to your solar energy system, be sure to consult with a reputable solar company like Helio GreenTech to determine if it's the right choice for your specific needs and budget.