3 Ways Homeowners Can Effectively Use Solar Panel Batteries

A residential solar panel system includes many elements. As solar panels convert sunlight into power, the amount of power collected may exceed the active needs of your home. You have the option to store excess power in backup batteries. Modern solar systems include backup battery systems with a wide range of customization options for homeowners.

Besides basic power storage, learn some of the ways you can effectively use solar panel batteries and customize solar power use for your home. Professional solar panel installers can help you with the process and create a system that works for your needs. Check out some ways to use batteries and have constant access to solar energy at home.

1. Peak Shaving

With your home connected to the grid, you still may rely on external power to have full access to the power in your home. During peak hours, utility companies may charge more for power and increase the costs of your electric bill.

The peak hours vary by season. In the summer, appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners will use more power during the day. In the winter, homes may use electric fireplaces, heaters, and other appliances more at night. Help reduce the costs with a battery system that runs on peak shaving settings.

You can set automatic power transfers during peak hours of the day. For example, on chilly nights in the fall, you can set your power to feed from the solar batteries as opposed to directly from the grid. Even if the sun isn’t out, your stored energy will reduce the high costs of your energy bill.

As the peak hours change, you can adjust your battery system and ensure you maximize savings while you rely on the stored energy.

2. Power Outages

During a power outage, a solar panel system with battery backups can still provide you with power even if the grid does not. Instead of just automatically running the backup batteries when the power goes out, you can set up a system that works for your needs.

For example, during the day, your home can run on just the power generated from the panels. The power can help feed into essential items like a refrigerator or freezer. If you have multiple backup batteries, then the extra power can even supply you with the electronic power needed to charge phones or use televisions.

Similarly, with batteries, you do not need to worry about power outages at night. You could set a timer to automatically turn the system on during night hours if the power suddenly goes out. The transfer of power usually happens seamlessly.

3. Off-the-Grid Buildings

Your property may have some buildings you do not have connected directly to your grid or home’s power. The use of a solar panel installation and battery pack will ensure those areas have power without the need to raise your electric bill.

For example, you may have a shed or garage that is not connected to the house. A battery pack can help power lights, HVAC systems, or electrical outlets you keep in the area. For example, you could charge power tools and gardening equipment in a large shed with solar panels attached.

You may not need the battery power on all the time, so you can set the batteries to supply power only when you need to access the areas. The batteries will provide power in an instant and not drain the excess power when you don’t use those spaces.

For more information on solar panel and battery installations, contact us at Harmon Solar. We can customize a system to fit your needs and ensure you have power access whenever you need it.