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You installed your rooftop solar system a few years ago and are enjoying your disappearing electric bills. But your neighbor just installed a new solar-plus-storage system that couples rooftop solar with a battery storage system. And now you''ve got a serious case of solar FOMO. Is it too late to add a battery backup? Did you miss out?
The good news is that it''s entirely possible to add battery storage to an existing solar panel setup. So-called "storage ready" systems are already equipped with an inverter that can easily direct excess power into a battery. But even if your system wasn''t designed with storage in mind, you still have options.
Let''s explore how easy it is to add a battery to your existing solar setup and what options you have based on your current equipment. Plus, we''ll break down costs and provide tips for finding the right installer if your current one doesn''t install batteries.
If your inverter isn''t compatible with a battery, the simpler and more affordable solution is to install an AC-coupled battery system. This setup allows your battery to operate independently from your solar panels, avoiding the need for major equipment upgrades.
For greater efficiency, you can opt to replace your current inverter with a hybrid model and install a DC-coupled battery that shares the inverter with your solar panels. While this is a more expensive option upfront, it reduces energy loss and improves overall system efficiency.
You can integrate storage into practically any solar panel system, but some setups are easier than others. The sticking point lies with the type of inverter your system has.
If your system was designed with storage in mind, or you already have a hybrid inverter (which can manage energy from both solar panels and a battery), adding a battery is relatively easy. In this scenario, a battery storage installation requires minimal additional equipment.
If this isn''t the case for you, don''t worry. While the process might be more complex, adding a battery is still very feasible. You have two primary options: an AC-coupled solution or an inverter replacement.
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity; batteries also store power as direct current electricity. However, all your home appliances use alternate current (AC) electricity. Inverters switch DC power into AC power and vice-versa.
In an AC-coupled system, electricity from your solar panels is first sent to your home and then stored in the battery. This setup requires multiple conversion steps, which decreases overall system efficiency. Here''s how it works:
DC-coupled systems are more efficient because the power is inverted only once. In this setup, the same inverter handles both your solar panels and battery. The DC electricity generated by your panels is stored directly in the battery and only converted to AC when used in your home.
An AC-coupled retrofit involves installing a separate inverter for your battery, allowing you to keep your existing solar inverter. Without the need to redesign or rewire your solar panel system, this option is typically more affordable upfront.
However, efficiency losses occur because electricity is sent through two inverters (one for solar and one for storage). Bottom line: AC-coupled systems are easier and less expensive to install but less efficient than DC-coupled systems.
The biggest benefit of a DC-coupled system is the improved efficiency. However, it''ll cost you. Replacing your inverter to accommodate a battery can require a system redesign and rewiring, which can result in additional costs on top of the new inverter itself.
A DC-coupled system could be a financially smart choice if you''re nearing the time for an inverter replacement. Since string inverters typically last around 10 years, upgrading to a hybrid inverter for both solar and storage might make sense if your inverter is already five or more years old.
Most solar batteries designed for small-scale use are compatible with existing solar panel systems. The best battery for your retrofit installation really comes down to your unique needs and reasons for installing an energy storage system.
For those in areas with time-of-use (TOU) rates or demand charges, energy storage allows you to use stored energy during peak hours, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity costs.
If minimizing your demand during peak hours or providing backup power to your home during grid outages is your primary goal, you can opt for a smaller battery, such as the VillaGrid, Powerwall 3, or Schneider Electric Boost.
To keep your entire home powered during an outage, you''ll need a larger capacity battery or multiple batteries working together. The modular design of a battery like HomeGrid''s Stack''d Series is ideal for expanding capacity by stacking units, allowing you to create a battery bank tailored to your needs.
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