Are Solar Power Batteries Worth It?

Batteries are important for homes that aren't connected to the grid. If you're connected to the grid, you might not need batteries, except for rare times when the power goes out. Buying batteries just for those times might not be a smart money move. Think about using a generator for those situations, considering what's efficient and not too costly. The decision about batteries depends on your power needs. Overall, batteries can be expensive and need research and expert advice. Have you experienced power outages? What things are essential during them? How could batteries or generators work for you?
Figuring out your power needs and how you use electricity can help you decide if batteries or other options are best. Finding a balance between cost, efficiency, and what's good for the environment will guide your choice.
0:18 When you need batteries
0:38 When the grid loses power
2:03 Solar Battery Installation Example
2:40 Conclusion on current state of batteries
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[@cerealkilla4eva]

How about offsetting peak consumption through batteries even without solar? Might make sense in places with high electricity rates, especially DIY options I’ve seen for very little investment

[@Theconsciousbuilder]

That could definitely work but it's not something I have personally ran numbers on. If you knew how much you could save from using your battery during peak times, it would be interesting to see what the payback time is. This would be instead of solar panels though, not with solar panels. Essentially you would use the grid to charge your battery during off-peak hours and then use the battery during on-peak hours. If you have solar panels with a net-metering set up, I don't think you'll be paying during peak hours as you pay the difference in electricity no matter when it's used.

[@jaybartgis5148]

How often do people have solae with standby generators?

[@andre_renard]

It doesn't exist in Ontario just yet, but there might be another use case coming up. In other jurisdictions the utility will pay customers to discharge their battery into the grid at peak times. Basically you’d charge your batteries with solar, and then sell that power in the evening at a higher price than you’d get for it in the mid-day. This might be a win-win situation for a lot of power grids, because people can offset (at least some) of the costs of having battery backup, and the electric grid doesn’t need to invest as much in storage infrastructure or gas peaker plants. Generally in places you can do that, you would set the battery to always keep at least say 20 or 40% to cover a power outage (at least until the sun comes out again), so it still works for backup power. The only reason we don’t have this yet is because the government policies don’t exist for it in Ontario. However, I have seen some talk of them possibly changing that.

[@invincible1337]

Hi i live in California and we have ho power outages so i need battery with solar or just solar is good??

[@Theconsciousbuilder]

In California you are able to connect into the grid and get rebates for the solar energy you produce. Essentially you would be using the grid as your battery. If you want to go this route, let me know and I can connect you with somebody who can help.

[@Ulbre]

Folks, you don't always have to spend big bucks on a powerwall or equivalent new build. Plenty of DIY options out there (just google) where you can build your battery bank for a fraction of the cost.....and you don't really need any skills to do it....just a bit of time and research and perseverance.