Solar batteries allow long-term energy storage

Most people are somewhat familiar with solar panels. These collect solar energy that's converted into electricity. However, any excess power not used by the household is sent to the grid in return for a discount on your power bill. But what about storing energy for night time, when the sun isn’t shining? Simple solar panel systems do not have batteries. But you can also buy hybrid systems that have batteries. The batteries store energy for you to use at a later time or to be sent back to the grid capitalizing on energy prices. Batteries also allow you to go off-grid or provide an alternative to the grid. There are different kinds of battery technologies, which have different advantages and disadvantages in efficiency, but the main one currently dominating the market is lithium ion. 

Smart solar power systems help homeowners manage their energy usage.
 
"At the moment every inverter that's installed in the country has the ability to autonomously operate to detect what's going on locally and respond as requested and programmed," said Mr. Johnston who also sits on the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
"But then we're looking at the new 'smart' batteries having communications with the network operators to respond in a dynamic way.”
 

Boom begins in battery installations

The solar industry is booming, with a record number of people installing solar photovoltaics on their rooftops in 2017.
"We have the right conditions. High electricity prices, lots of sunshine, strong familiarity with solar technology and higher uptake of new technologies in general,"Mr. Johnston said.
Now, attention is turning to solar batteries because storage makes for a more complete power system. The CEC reports about 12 percent of new solar systems installed in 2017 included batteries, and that installations of solar batteries tripled from 6,750 in 2016 to more than 20,000 in 2017.
"This year it looks like we are on target to install 33,000," Mr. Johnston said.
While some people are investing in smaller batteries, Mr. Johnston said most people normally pay between $10,000 and $15,000 for a "decent-sized" battery.
"By decent sized, I mean able to run their house for a third of the day without any solar output," he said.

The main thing motivating this increase is to be independent of electricity companies

"Most people realize that practically they still need to keep a connection but they'd like to be as independent of it as they can be," said Chris Barnes, CHOICE's household product testing, and content team leader.
Plus there are the environmental considerations.
"Some people think it's a greener way of living, all that sort of thing, but actually that's not as much of a motivator as you might think," Mr. Barnes said.
"For most people, it does come down to dollars and cents and trying to reduce their bills."

If you want to do your part, consider installing a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.