Evolution of Residential Solar: A Move to Self Consumption
For the past decade or so, grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have surged in popularity. These systems are often seen as the most straightforward option for homeowners looking to harness the sun’s energy. A grid-connected solar system allows homeowners to generate their own electricity, which is used within the home. Any excess energy produced during the day is sent back to the electric grid, where it is metered, and homeowners receive credits or compensation based on their solar interconnection agreements with the utility. This setup works well in areas with favorable net metering policies, where homeowners are reimbursed at the same rate as they are charged for the electricity they consume from the grid. The simplicity of this system makes it a preferred choice for many, as it offers immediate energy savings while also enabling backup power during outages, without the need for battery storage.
There has been a growing shift in certain parts of the country where utilities are limiting or altering net metering programs. In these regions, utilities may reduce the compensation rate for energy sent back to the grid, often paying customers less for excess solar power than they would pay for energy consumed from the grid. As a result, homeowners can find themselves receiving lower financial incentives for their solar energy production. This change can impact the overall savings that a grid-tied solar system provides.
For homeowners who want to protect themselves from these changing utility policies and maximize their energy independence, the solution is solar self-consumption. In this model, instead of selling excess energy back to the grid, homeowners store the surplus energy in batteries for use at night or during periods when solar generation is not occurring. This approach allows for better energy use within the home and can further protect against rising electricity rates and changes in utility policies.
By integrating a battery storage solution, homeowners are no longer at the mercy of utility companies’ compensation rates for excess energy. This gives them more control over how and when they use their solar energy, especially during peak hours when electricity rates are typically higher. A self-consumption model provides a backup energy source during grid outages, improving energy security.
The graph below illustrates how a traditional home typically uses energy throughout the day, showing how solar energy can be produced during the day and used to offset consumption. With solar storage, any excess energy that would typically be sent back to the grid can now be saved for later use, offering homeowners both cost savings and energy autonomy.
This shift towards solar self-consumption gives homeowners greater control over their energy needs and aligns with the growing trend of energy independence and sustainability. Battery storage systems, while representing an additional upfront investment, are becoming more affordable and are a critical component for those looking to achieve the most value from their solar installations, especially in areas where net metering policies are less favorable.
How do solar battery backup systems work?
Essentially a whole house battery backup is an energy storage device installed to take the extra power produced by most solar PV systems during the day and store it for use either at night OR in an outage situation. Most residential battery solutions available right now have a storage capacity of around 9.8 kWh. Depending on the critical loads connected, these can last anywhere from a day to a couple of days if it is sunny outside and recharging can happen.
There are great battery companies out there now who give customer great portals to look their homes usage production graphs, a complete 360 profile of your energy management. Enphase Energy, Sonnen Batterie , LG Chem, Tesla Powerwall, aPower2, and more. They offer great features to incorporate self-consumption to your solar pv system.
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