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How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for You

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How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for You

Home solar and battery systems provide reliable, independent power 24/7. The Solar Alternatives team is here to help homeowners choose the right battery for their unique energy needs.

 

 

What is a Solar Battery System?

A residential solar battery transforms solar panels into a complete independent energy solution by storing excess power for use at any time.

 

 

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar panels often produce more electricity than a household can immediately use. Without a battery, this excess energy is typically sent back to the grid, but with a solar battery, this energy can be stored to be used later, such as at night, during grid outages, or peak utility hours.

 

 

How Do Solar Batteries Save Money?

Solar battery systems offer significant savings by reducing reliance on the grid and creating lasting value for homeowners. By drawing from stored energy instead of pulling from the grid, homes with backup batteries are protected against high utility costs. As electricity rates continue to climb, battery systems allow homes to operate on stored solar energy instead of expensive power from utilities, particularly during peak usage hours. Furthermore, adding a battery to an independent energy storage system can increase property values as many homebuyers are willing to pay premiums for solar and battery backup-equipped homes.

 

 

How Do Batteries Improve Energy Independence?

Solar battery systems provide reliable power when the grid fails. During severe weather events or unexpected outages, homeowners can keep their homes running smoothly with a residential solar battery system. This independence gives homeowners security and comfort regardless of grid conditions.

 

 

Are Solar Batteries Worth the Cost?

Solar batteries are an ideal way to boost energy independence and lower electricity costs. By storing excess solar energy, backup batteries provide power even when the sun isn’t shining, reducing reliance on the grid and saving money, especially during peak pricing hours. With rising utility rates and changing net metering policies, solar batteries help Gulf Coast residents maximize their solar investment while ensuring reliable power. There are also incentives that make residential solar and battery systems more affordable. Homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit which applies to the entire installation cost.

 

How to Choose a Solar Battery

Selecting the right battery system depends on each home’s energy needs and how residents plan to use stored power during normal day-to-day operations as well as outages. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding which solar battery will be the best for each property’s needs. 

Power Output: The battery’s strength determines how many appliances can run at once. It can be thought of as how many lanes are available on a highway during traffic. This is particularly important for running essential equipment like air conditioning systems.

Storage Capacity: A battery’s capacity is like a fuel tank. It indicates how long the battery can maintain power. Larger homes or those needing extended backup time will require higher capacity systems.

Every household has unique energy requirements that will determine the best solar battery. A home that needs to run air conditioning during outages to stay comfortable might have different needs than one that only wants to keep the lights on and the refrigerator running. Other factors one should consider are home size and number of occupants, power requirements for essential appliances, desired backup duration, solar panel configuration, and whether they may need to add to their system in the future.

Solar Alternatives engineers will evaluate these factors to help residents select the premium battery option best suited to their unique energy needs.

 

 

 

Premium Battery Solutions

 

Tesla Powerwall 3

Tesla Powerwall 3

Solar Alternatives’ top recommendation for home battery systems is the Tesla Powerwall 3. Engineered for whole-home backup power, it uses advanced lithium iron phosphate technology, known for its long lifespan, enhanced safety, and performance in extreme temperatures. The integrated inverter and energy management system deliver exceptional efficiency and reliability. The system’s intuitive mobile app provides comprehensive control over energy settings and real-time monitoring, ensuring optimal performance for reliable home backup power.

Key Features:

  • 13.5 kWh capacity can power most homes during outages
  • 11.5 kW continuous output can run multiple appliances
  • 10-year unlimited cycle warranty
  • Sleek modern design

 

 

 

 

Franklin Home Battery

The Franklin aPower is part of the Franklin Home Power system. It contains the battery and the AC-coupled inverter and pairs with the aGate (the control system that optimizes energy flow) to provide reliable home backup power.  Like the Tesla Powerwall 3, the Franklin Home Battery is also built with lithium iron phosphate. 

While a single unit provides 5 kW continuous output, the system’s modular design allows multiple batteries to be connected together, scaling up to 204 kWh of total capacity–more than enough to power larger homes through extended outages.

Key Features:

  •  13.6 kWh capacity, allowing homes to stay powered for a similar amount of time as the Powerwall 3
  •  5 kW of continuous output
  • 12-year warranty covering 6,000 cycles, or 43 megawatt-hours

 

 

 

 

Enphase IQ Battery

The Enphase IQ Battery 5P offers a flexible approach to energy storage with impressive power in a compact design. 

Its modular design uses smaller 5 kWh units that can connect together, allowing homes to start with a basic system and expand over time as their capacity needs change. Its ability to handle demanding loads in a compact package makes it attractive for homes with limited space.

Key Features:

  •  5.0 kWh capacity 
  •  3.84 kW of continuous output
  • 15-year warranty

 

 

Expert Guidance for Home Solar and Battery Systems

Solar Alternatives offers premium battery solutions to match specific home requirements. The Tesla Powerwall is the most popular battery choice among Gulf Coast homeowners, known for its reliable performance and innovative features. Solar Alternatives also offers a range of premium battery options, each carefully selected to match each customer’s unique energy needs. 

 

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