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Technology like solar battery storage can lower energy bills and promote the usage of renewable energy sources. However, a few loud negative opinion makers may deter consumers from utilising the solar and battery home innovation.
Battery storage being too expensive is one of the most prevalent arguments against a purchase.
The idea that batteries are unreliable is another misconception. On the contrary, modern battery storage technologies are extremely dependable and made to last for many years.
The idea that batteries are bad for the environment is another urban legend. While specific environmental effects are associated with battery production, battery storage systems can assist in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are the Top 7 solar battery myths
A homeowner with solar panels can save money by adding a battery to store extra energy from the sun. This stored energy can be used at night, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity costs. However, there are a number of solar battery myths that have been flying around the solar industry.
Adding a battery helps the home use more of the solar power made by the solar system. As a result, it increases the homeowners’ ability to be self-sufficient for electricity.
Myth 1: Modern home storage batteries are not extremely useful and reliable
Modern battery storage technologies are highly dependable and made to last for many years. Most battery storage systems have ten years or more extended warranties, giving users peace of mind.
Appliances should last a long time and provide good value for the home, even after their warranty expires.
The increased use of modern battery technology within solar and electric cars has advanced lifespan, energy density and long-term reliability.
Myth 2: Home storage battery technology is not mature
A new, slightly improved model will always be available around the corner. Waiting for the next improvement will postpone the benefits of the battery. These benefits include saving money, being self-sufficient, and having energy security.
More people are interested in electric cars and batteries. Prices for batteries are expected to remain high for a few years. Despite the expectation that prices will eventually decrease in the future.
Myth 3: Lithium-ion batteries are not safe, says the fire brigade
Lithium-ion batteries in cheap scooters and small devices have caused fires. This is because low-cost batteries often have issues that lead to fires. The problem occurs when the wrong charger is used to charge the batteries. This charger is not compatible with the battery management system.
Low-quality batteries and incorrect chargers can lead to a higher chance of thermal runaway. This happens when a problem in the battery creates too much heat, potentially causing it to catch fire in a pouch. The fire then ruptures the next pouch, and more energy is released. However, quality batteries are exceedingly safe and reliable, with extremely rare issues and risks exceedingly low.
In addition, safety mechanisms are built into battery storage systems to guard against threats like fires. For example, many systems use sensors to monitor temperature and prevent overheating. They also have safety measures to prevent battery damage.
Myth 4: Home storage batteries are bad for our environment
Making batteries has some environmental impact because it produces a lot of CO2. But using battery storage systems can help lower greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.
If you currently have a grid-connected solar system and decide to use a solar battery storage unit, you are technically increasing your home’s carbon footprint in the short term.
When your battery is not full, extra energy is sent to the grid. This helps reduce the use of fossil fuels and lowers CO2 emissions. Unfortunately, some solar systems nowadays face limitations in exporting their renewable energy because of grid constraints.
Home storage batteries store renewable energy for later use, reducing our need for fossil fuels. This helps to decrease our reliance on non-renewable resources.
Myth 5: New home batteries are incompatible with your existing solar system
Every grid-connected solar system can have a battery added to it in the future using an AC-coupled battery, such as Tesla’s Powerwall. Enphase and Sonnen also manufacture AC battery technology for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
You can separately install an AC-coupled battery next to the meter board without affecting the solar generation process.
The AC battery inverter controller monitors power from the solar inverter and house. It sends extra solar power to charge the battery instead of sending it back to the grid.
Myth 6: Storage batteries are not helpful for most homes
Battery storage systems can help homeowners, businesses, and utilities use more solar energy and rely less on the grid. They may not work for everyone, but they can be valuable for many.
In addition, battery storage systems can provide backup power during blackouts /outages and help improve the electricity grid’s stability and reliability. They also will become increasingly used to having solar energy available for EV charging at night.
Of course, in certain situations like off-grid batteries make even more sense,
With the current battery and solar pricing, solar battery storage makes sense if purchased in a solar & battery combo. In many situations, it typically takes 6-7 years to make back the money spent on the investment. This time frame can be even shorter if the energy generated is used to power an electric car.
Myth 7: I cannot afford battery storage because it is expensive
Solar batteries are expensive, costing $1200 to $2000 per kWh. However, they can be a good investment for homes, providing blackout protection and a strong return on investment. Not all batteries include blackout protection.
Electricity prices keep going up, rising by more than 20% since June 2023. More increases are expected in the future. Consequently, the potential savings from batteries are growing.
Battery owners enjoy charging their batteries with solar panels and using them in their homes during the expensive evening peak. Prices can reach up to 50-60 cents per kWh during this time. Prices can go up to 50-60 cents per kWh during this time.
In these situations, it is better to save extra solar power in a battery for use in the evening. Selling the excess power back to the grid during the day may result in a lower price.
Should I get a solar battery?
While there are a number of solar battery myths explored. It still depends on several factors, such as your energy needs, the size of your solar panel system, and your location. Generally, a solar battery can be a good investment if you are thinking of going solar or having a decent-sized solar panel system (6kW and over).
The battery saves extra energy from your solar panels. It is used when the panels are not producing enough energy, such as at night or on cloudy days.
