The Incredible Benefits of Solar Battery Storage for your Home

For those looking to go off-grid and increase their level of self-reliance for their power needs, a battery backed up photo-voltaic system will be the way to go. However, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are not for everybody. There are two main types of systems in play currently, the AC Coupled – grid-tied with battery back-up – and the DC Coupled – off-grid system. Either way, you’ll reap the benefits of having your own source of reliable power, especially useful when the power goes off in your area. Another plus for your disaster/hurricane preparedness plans.

The AC coupled battery system uses the traditional string inverter to feed in the direct current generated by your panels into the battery system for storage and use later. One of the more familiar examples of this type of system is the Tesla Powerwall. The DC coupled solution is one where your battery would be connected to a hybrid inverter. The hybrid inverter has a battery charger and a traditional solar inverter combined in one package. The incoming power is traded in direct current form for longer before being converted to the alternating current, which you need in your house, by the inverter. This is then fed into your house through your electrical panel.

Either system offers a few pros and cons which could help to sway your decision.

Under pros of installing an ESS:

1. When the power grid fails, you will still have power to your home and can continue to enjoy life as normal.
2. You’ll have solar power to enjoy at night, when you need it most, as opposed to during the day when it is being generated.
3. Save more money on your electric bill by using less grid power for your residential needs.
4. Reduce your carbon footprint which is a win for you and your future.
5. Become an early adopter in the Smart Grid Revolution that is fast approaching.
6. Best of all you can be energy independent.

The cons of the solar ESS installations include:

1. The cost to implement such a system is quite high. Energy storage is not cheap, so it will depend on your consumption and billing to make sense for your domestic situation if you’re doing it to save money.
2. The complexity of your photovoltaic system is increased that much more, which means that more can go wrong. It also will highlight the need to go with a highly skilled power professional or electrical contractor.
3. There will be increased maintenance costs due to the increased components and complexity of the system.
4. You will also need to consider the lifespan of the battery which you choose for your home Energy Storage System. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the way to go, but you can expect to replace your batteries, at least once, during the lifespan of your solar PV system.

Thanks to the recent update to the regulations in Barbados, you now have the choice of what type of system you would like to install on your home.  Reach out to us and let us help you to arrive at the best solution for your home energy needs.