Hey folks! I'm curious about setting up a battery-only system here in Texas since we have those sweet free night plans. I'm considering buying a couple of batteries that would cost around $2500 each, which could give me either 60kWh of storage for $5k or 90kWh for $7.5k. If I decided to go this route without installing solar right away, would all I need be an inverter to connect to the grid? My aim is to power my home primarily from the batteries during the day, and then switch over to the grid for the free night hours from 9 PM to 9 AM. I'd like to know if there's anything else I'll need to consider beyond just the inverter, especially regarding the size or type of inverter necessary for a full 200 amp service. I usually peak around 18.1kW but I'm thinking about reducing some of my power usage soon. Any insights would be awesome!
3 Answers
Things are changing fast in Texas regarding electric plans. For instance, the popular free nights plan with JUST Energy has made it tougher for those with solar or batteries to sign up. If you go the battery-only route, it’s reliant on these plans lasting. What happens if they disappear? A solar-plus-battery setup is way more adaptable and valuable, even if you end up paying for some energy at night. With both, you can run your whole house and charge your batteries during the sunny hours, so think long-term here when making your decision!
You can definitely go for a battery-only system! What you’re describing is often called "load shifting." You’ll need to calculate your energy usage and peak times, plus be mindful of your utility’s policies—some aren't too keen on setups like yours. Make sure to figure out the total costs, including batteries, inverter, and installation, to see if it’s financially viable for you. Just a heads-up: some utility companies might prevent this type of arrangement, so it’s good to check your local regulations first!
Right? Just double check with your utility company before diving in. I’d hate to see you get in trouble for trying to save some cash!
You're definitely on the right path! Alongside batteries, you'll need inverters and all the necessary cabling and disconnect switches. The installation process should be pretty straightforward based on other examples out there. Just from my experience, you don't necessarily need as robust an inverter as you might think compared to how much battery storage you want. With a solid battery bank, you can cover the night hours even with a lower output inverter as long as your high-consumption appliances aren't all running at once. I’ve got a similar setup where I don’t face conflicts even though I have an EV, since I charge it outside of peak times!
True, I’d call it "arbitrage" too but whatever we call it, being aware of the rules is key! Also remember, if you DIY without permits, that could backfire. Just saying! ?