How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar power continues to become an effective way to help homeowners achieve energy independence, thanks in part to the technological evolution of solar batteries. How does a solar battery system work? They’re probably more simple than you realize. A home battery backup allows you to store excess solar power your panels produce in a given day, which can be used at a later time, like when it gets dark outside or if your community experiences a power outage.

Essentially, having a solar power battery allows you some freedom off the electric grid, though it’s recommended you stay connected to it, as you have the choice to store your backup solar battery energy or send it to the grid. The electricity produced by solar panels powers a home’s electrical panel, providing electricity for everything in your home from televisions to refrigerators. 

On particularly sunny days, especially in the spring and summer months, a home’s solar panels may generate more power than the home requires. If you have a solar battery backup system installed, you can store that additional charge, instead of it going to the electric grid for net metering.

How quickly a solar power battery charges is dependent on a variety of factors, including how much electricity your home requires during the daytime and how extensive your setup of solar panels is. 

Is a Lithium-Ion Solar Battery the Best Solar Battery?

What is the best solar battery and what are they made of? Lithium-ion solar batteries are what is used in the most common type of home battery backup. They’re popular because they are safe and able to power just about everything, including sophisticated electronics and cars. Lithium-ion solar batteries are also practical, since electricity that’s been stored in them is discharged and then the flow of lithium ions is reversed, which makes the process repeatable on an indefinite basis. It’s possible to get thousands of uses out of a single lithium-ion solar battery.

Perks of Having Solar Home Battery Backup

Having a solar home battery backup system increases your energy independence and is good for your monthly budget, as it cuts down your reliance on the electric grid for power during evening hours. In addition to the savings, having a solar power battery system is also good for practical reasons.

Having stored energy kept accessible in a solar power battery is helpful during power outages. Instead of waiting for power to be restored, you’ll be able to keep your home’s systems up and running. A solar power battery is also cheaper to operate than a diesel generator. Plus, the home battery backup is more friendly to the environment.

How Many Solar Batteries Are Needed to Power a House?

How long do solar batteries hold their charge? Note that most batteries won’t be able to power your entire home. The majority of home battery backup systems are meant to supply electricity for predesignated items in your home, which are tethered to a critical load panel that consists of devices you want to keep operating. However, if you have a smart electrical panel, you’ll be able to keep more of your home powered. A lithium-ion solar battery and other solar power batteries are meant to provide a few hours of power to back up your critical loads. It’s possible, however, and sometimes practical, to have more than one solar power battery to back up more of your home.

Get Started Today With Solar Battery Backup From Sungevity

Now that you know how solar batteries work, you’re ready to assess your home’s specific needs. If you’re ready to install your own home battery backup, get started by contacting the experts at Sungevity for a free quote today!