Thinking of Solar

Original article by Noah Jampol | The Cool Down

Homeowners are bundling battery technology with new solar panels – and the benefits are enormous.

One huge plus of battery storage is greater resiliency for the electrical grid.

What to Expect

Homeowners who go solar are increasingly tapping into a companion technology that provides major perks for themselves and their communities.

That tech is battery and many are already reaping its benefits. One huge plus of battery storage is greater resiliency for the electrical grid. The batteries can store extra energy absorbed by solar panels and tap into it when the sun is down or the grid has excess demand.

In many communities, batteries can also make it easier to sell electricity back into the grid and make a profit.

This situation played out during a record-setting heat wave in Texas this summer, with commercial and residential batteries playing a key role in maintaining power. The story has been the same in California, with storage technology helping to stave off power outages during wildfires and heat waves.

In less extreme conditions, battery storage provides a consistent avenue for people to run clean energy in their households all day and avoid dirty energy in the evenings and overnight.

Another big positive is the potential long-term savings. Solar panels can save households tens of thousands of dollars on electric bills over their 25-year life spans.