There''s a reason you are seeing more home energy storage systems paired with solar panels. Solar is an intermittent energy source — the sun doesn''t shine all the time. Batteries store excess solar energy for later use, making solar energy available around the clock. The two technologies make a great combination.
In the past, home storage batteries that qualified for a federal tax credit had to connect to a solar energy system. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) changed those qualifications. Now there''s a 30% federal tax credit available for standalone storage batteries installed after December 31, 2022. As a result, more households will likely install storage batteries without solar panels.
"You can absolutely install a battery without solar, but you get a lot of benefits from solar because you can recharge the battery," says Nathan Garvey, application engineer for Panasonic North America.
A standalone battery system charges from the power grid, except during blackouts. By contrast, a battery bank with solar panels can charge from either the panels or the grid. "If you have solar panels, you can last multiple days when there''s an extended grid outage," Garvey explains. "If it''s a battery-only system, you''ve got just one shot, maybe 8 to 12 hours of backup, and then it''s exhausted."
It is possible to charge the battery using a backup generator during a power outage, adds Garvey. However, using solar power when available is preferable. In this case, the battery storage system would power the home, and the backup generator would only run as needed. This configuration is quieter and produces fewer emissions.
"If you''re budget conscious and want to add solar sometime in the future, you can install a battery and then add the solar later," says Garvey. "If there''s significant shading and there''s no point in having solar, then you can have just the battery."
Another situation might be if you as the homeowner don''t have the right to install a solar array. For example, some properties with historical designations have restrictions on altering the home''s appearance.
Likewise, homeowners associations might have limitations on solar in their covenants, conditions, and restrictions, and condominium owners often lack the right to install equipment on the roof. In other cases, there might not be space for solar panels due to skylights or mechanical systems. Batteries can be a solution in all these cases.
Sometimes, homeowners want the benefits of battery storage, such as backup power during blackouts and lower electricity bills, but don''t want to pay for a full solar system. A battery-only system costs thousands of dollars less than a solar energy system with batteries.
If your utility issues demand charges for residential customers, they base those charges on the highest level of electricity you consume at one time during the billing period. You can reduce this amount by using energy from your battery rather than from the grid.
Under time-of-use rates, the price-per-kilowatt hour is higher when electricity use on the grid is highest, usually in the late afternoon and evening, and lower when electricity use is lowest, usually lowest in the middle of the night.
According to Shane McNichol, product support engineer for Panasonic North America, "If you have high peak or time-of-use rates, some people are using standalone battery systems to lower their monthly utility bills. So if you can charge your battery early in the morning off-peak, you can offset some of your really high peak rates, saving money."
The IRA includes a tax credits for installing a standalone, battery-only energy storage system with 3 kWh or more capacity. To calculate the value of the tax credit, multiply the total cost (including installation) by 30%.
Unfortunately, some properties are just too shaded for solar panels to be practical. If other structures or trees cast shadows on your roof, your photovoltaic system will generate very little electricity. You can still enjoy the benefits of a battery storage system that charges through the grid rather than solar panels. And you can still utilize the federal tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act.
For example, if you need a new roof soon but want battery storage now, you could add solar panels once you''ve replaced your roof. Likewise, if your neighbor cuts down a big tree and you suddenly have enough solar exposure for solar panels, you can then retrofit your comprehensive energy storage system.
The recent expansion of the tax credits to include standalone residential battery storage will likely make home energy systems more common. Also, momentum is building for time-of-use rates, which enable home battery systems to reduce electricity bills.
Whether you''re ready to install a full solar and battery storage system or just looking at standalone storage, an authorized Panasonic installer can help you find the right solution for your home.
Large-scale battery energy storage systems are often associated with other renewable energy assets, especially solar. For some businesses, though, there might be an advantage to standalone battery storage. Keep reading to learn how these systems can reduce operating expenses, increase energy resiliency and independence, and boost sustainability.
About Standalone energy storage systems
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Standalone energy storage systems have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Standalone energy storage systems for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Standalone energy storage systems featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
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