When solar first hit the consumer market, selling excess power back to your utility company (net metering) made the most sense, which meant you didn’t necessarily need energy storage at home. Fast forward several decades, and the solar landscape has changed. While there are still significant subsidies in place to help make solar affordable for the average homeowner, battery storage is rapidly becoming a critical part of each system.
Utility companies no longer pay retail for energy from consumers, meaning it’s often best to store your excess electricity for use later in the day. Below, we explore the latest advancements in battery storage, how they apply to home renewable energy systems, and specific brands and models to consider.
Why Battery Storage Is Essential for Home Renewable Energy
Renewable energy systems — yes, we mean solar panels — are excellent for generating electricity during peak sunlight hours. However, for many people, that means you generate the most energy when you aren’t home to use it. Unless you work a 2nd or 3rd shift, you likely use the most power in the evening hours after work.
By storing extra energy generated during the day, you don’t have to pay peak rates for power. Battery systems allow homeowners to use renewable power whenever it’s needed, reducing reliance on the grid and providing backup power during outages.
Top Advancements in Battery Storage for Homes
While rechargeable batteries have been around for a while, it’s only recently that this technology has developed enough to be a reliable energy source for your entire home. After all, powering your whole house on AA batteries would mean filling the garage to the brim. But newer battery tech makes these power storage systems more space-saving and longer-lasting than ever.
1. Increased Energy Density
Advances in battery chemistry, particularly in lithium-ion technology, have increased energy density, allowing homeowners to store more energy with a smaller footprint. You don’t need a football field to install your battery backup system. Instead, it usually fits along one wall of the garage. The Tesla Powerwall 2 is an extremely popular option with homeowners due to its 13.5 kWh usable capacity, small footprint, and integration with Tesla’s solar products.
2. Smarter Energy Management
Battery storage systems now integrate seamlessly with smart home technology, providing real-time monitoring and energy optimization. The Enphase IQ Battery is an option that is earning market share for home battery storage due to its modular options ranging from 3.5 kWh to 10.5 kWh. The Enphase app also provides detailed insights into energy production and consumption, allowing homeowners to maximize savings.
3. Longer Lifespan and Durability
New battery materials and improved battery management systems (BMS) extend the lifespan of modern storage solutions. For example, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are gaining popularity for their longevity and thermal stability. BYD Battery-Box Premium systems are a great example that is known for reliability and long cycle life.
Practical Considerations for Home Battery Storage
With battery storage so much more accessible and reliable, you may want to add it to your existing solar power system. But, there are several factors that can impact what system you choose. Below, we’ll explore the different battery types, where battery storage is most important and what you can expect from battery storage in the future.
Battery Types
For home battery storage, there are two options in common use: lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate. While both are safe, reliable and long-lasting, the lithium iron phosphate systems edge out the competition with longer lifespans and even better safety ratings, though next gen lithium-ion batteries may be on the horizon.
Where Battery Storage is Most Important
If you live in an area where power outages are common — California is one, but the Northeast and areas regularly hit by major storms all qualify — solar-plus-storage is a great way to have backup power when you need it. For example, homes with Tesla Powerwalls maintain uninterrupted power during rolling blackouts.
The Future of Home Battery Storage
As research and development continue, the future of battery storage looks even brighter. Emerging technologies like solid-state batteries promise even higher energy densities, faster charging, and improved safety.
How to Choose the Right Battery System
When selecting a battery storage solution for your home, keep in mind your energy needs and your average power generation. You’ll need enough storage to hold all the extra power you generate. Any system you choose needs to work with any existing solar panels installed. If it doesn’t, it shoots the cost of installation through the roof as you retrofit or buy a new set of solar panels. You’ll probably also want a modular system. Power consumption per person is on the rise and that’s unlikely to change. Make sure your system can grow with new demand.
Empower Your Home with Battery Storage
The advancements in battery storage technology are making renewable energy systems more practical and accessible than ever. In just a few decades, battery storage may enable a flexible, individual power grid that doesn’t need to ship in power.
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