How To Choose A Battery Backup System

Save money and energy with a solar battery in West Hills

There are several reasons that you should invest in a solar-tied battery backup system. Storing energy will save you money. You can avoid using energy from your utility company during peak times. During a power outage, use your battery to power your refrigerator so that your food doesn't spoil, or run any other electric powered necessities. California even offers rebates for those interested in purchasing a home battery. You’ll only pay a fraction of the cost of the battery after applying to the program.

But how do you know which battery storage solution is right for you? There are many essential aspects to consider. Keep reading to learn what you should look for in a solar battery backup system in est Hills, CA.

SEE ALSO: How to Prepare Your Solar Battery System for an Outage

Capacity, Power, and Depth of Discharge

Capacity is the total amount of electricity that a battery can store. For those that need more capacity than one battery can provide, there is the option to stack batteries to get more storage. Related to this is the depth of discharge. This is how much of the capacity that you can use without ruining your battery. For example, if your battery has a depth of discharge of 90%, that means that you can use 90% of the battery before having to recharge. You want a battery that has a high depth of discharge so that you can get the most out of your battery. Power is the amount of electricity that a battery can put out at one time. A battery with high capacity but low power can run a few appliances for an extended period. In contrast, a battery with low capacity but high power can power the entire home for a shorter period. Ideally, you want a battery that has a decent balance of both power and capacity, but ultimately you need to think about what you want to use your home battery for.

Battery Life and Warranty

You will also need to consider the long-term viability of your solar battery. Your battery will run through a cycle of charging and draining every day. Over time and extended use, your battery’s ability to hold charge will go down and you will need to charge it more often. Most manufacturers offer a warranty on their batteries for a certain amount of time or cycles. For example, a company might guarantee that its battery will retain 80% of its capacity for seven years or 3000 periods. If the battery performs poorly before then, they will replace it for free. Check the warranty on any potential batteries and compare it with competitors.

Are you interested in installing a solar battery backup system in your West Hills home? Green Convergence would love to handle your project! Give us a call at (661) 491-5111, fill out our contact form, or chat with us below.