As at-home solar power generation continues to rise in popularity, so too is solar battery storage – the perfect complement to panel-only setups.
This is due to an increasing number of homeowners coming to the realization that solar panels alone can’t provide the reliable, 24/7 power they expect. As a result, solar panel installers are adopting solar battery storage to meet the evolving needs of modern homeowners, and offer a complete solar + storage solution.
At NeoVolta, we understand that panel-only homeowners aren’t reaping the full benefits of the solar lifestyle. Solar panels are great, but without a battery to store that energy, homeowners can be left with net metering fees, peak demand rates, and no power for medical devices or at-home offices when outages strike. For these reasons and more, we developed the NV14, a fire-safe lithium-iron solar battery that’s designed for the home.
Read on to learn why backup batteries are becoming as popular as solar power generation, and why it’s a must-sell for solar panel installers.
Why Are Backup Batteries Becoming So Popular?
Solar power generation has seen immense growth in recent years, as more and more homeowners make the switch to renewable energy. But many are now finding that their panels alone can’t provide the around-the-clock power they expect – hence the rising popularity of solar backup batteries.
“Solar panels started a renewable energy revolution – and adding energy storage is the natural next phase. With solar + storage, homeowners can tap into their reservoir of solar energy at any time, avoid peak demand fees, and escape the woes of a powerless home. And with NeoVolta’s NV14, solar isn’t even necessary. It can charge from the grid, meaning your clients can back up their solar charging with off-peak grid charging or charge from the grid only without solar. It’s a nice extra layer of convenience that keeps homeowners at ease.”
Brent Willson, CEO & Founder, NeoVolta
With a home battery backup to complement their solar panels, your homeowner clients can save even more on electric bills and fees while ensuring that their lights, medical devices, at-home offices, and more are “always-on.” For these reasons and more, backup batteries have gained firm traction as of late with no sign of slowing down.
Lower Electric Bills
With solar alone, any excess solar energy produced during the day is fed back to the grid, meaning homeowners can’t use that energy during evening hours when power is most expensive. By storing solar energy in a home battery backup, your customers can maximize the use of their solar power generation and escape high grid rates. Along with reducing electric bills, this helps homeowners lower their net metering and peak demand fees.
Reduced Net Metering & Peak Demand Fees
In California, where NEM 3.0 recently took effect, homeowners may experience less than desirable NEM credits of $0.09 cents or less for any solar that is back-fed to the grid. A solar battery eliminates this issue by keeping that energy stored, rather than exporting it. And by storing that energy for use during peak hours, homeowners can avoid incessant peak demand fees.
Some solar batteries, like NeoVolta’s NV14, can charge from solar or grid or both. This is helpful during cloudy or rainy days when panels aren’t producing at full performance. NeoVolta can easily back-up your solar charging with grid charging. If there is plenty of solar production, then the battery will recharge from solar alone. If solar production is insufficient (inclement weather or winter months), then the battery charging can be supplemented by the grid during off-peak hours. This way, your battery will be full before peak rates kick in.
Always-On Power for Medical Devices & Offices
While a solar battery can’t power the whole home, it can keep lights, select rooms, and devices powered when a power outage or grid failure occurs. This is especially important for families with medical devices in the home, or at-home offices that require continuity throughout the week.
If you’re an installer in California, you may have noticed the shift in priorities among solar homeowners. NEM 3.0 has effectively reduced the margins for sell-back incentives, leading to a focus on energy security rather than a rapid return on investment. And with these new priorities, an increasing number of homeowners are turning to solar batteries to keep their lights on when the grid goes down.
Reaching Full Solar Potential: Solar Power Generation + Storage
Solar power generation is a great first step for homeowners, but without a unit to store that energy, their solar system will never reach its full potential. By combining panels with a solar battery such as NeoVolta’s NV14, you can welcome current customers into an elevated lifestyle – one that’s free of unexpected outages and candle-lit evenings.
If you’re a solar dealer, visit our solar dealer website for more details and specifications on our NV14 battery.
