Solarize Davis – Do I Need Batteries to Store My Electricity?
Thank the heavens no! Batteries add thousands of dollars to the cost of the system, take up alot of space and need to be replaced every 5-7 years assuming you know you how to maintain them. Except for off-grid applications which are pretty rare the vast majority of modern solar systems are connected to the grid and utilize what is called Net-Metering.
Net-Metering is in many ways the fundamental backbone of the solar industry. Without it I doubt the residential side of the industry would have much traction at all. Net-Metering allows the homeowner to remain connected to the grid and allows homeowners to “exchange” electricity with the utility company. During the day when the solar panels are the most productive many homeowners are away from their homes and using less electricity than the panels are producing. The utility company will credit you for that electricity and when you get home and turn on the TV and start cooking dinner you get that electricity back, even if the solar panels have stopped producing because night has fallen.
Net-Metering does not have to be just on a daily basis. Its most useful for times of the year. Many homes with solar panels will generate more electricity than they use for the entire summer. Those excess KiloWatt Hours (Kwh) of electricity can be taken back during the winter months when the solar panels are at the least productive. Thanks for reading!
Daniel Parrella
1-800-891-6168
www.SpearheadSolar.com
Main@SpearheadSolar.com
430 A Street, Davis, CA 95616