I recently calculated my solar panel output using a tool, and it shows that with 16 550W panels, I'm looking at being about 2.5 kWh short on my energy needs during December, but almost 30 kWh above what I need in July. Here's the dilemma: are there any battery systems out there that might get me through the winter when I'm low on solar power?
5 Answers
If your utility offers Net Metering, that's like having a financial battery! You can gain credits for surplus energy in the summer and use them when you're short in the winter. Just remember, you'll still have some fixed charges on your power bill. If you're going off-grid though, do consider battery storage or a generator for those times when solar won't cut it. Also, don't overlook EVs that support bidirectional charging; they can serve as a cheaper alternative to home batteries.
Check out hydrogen systems - some companies in Germany have set up methods to use excess summer solar energy to produce hydrogen, which is then converted back into electricity in winter. They also recover heat for home heating, which could be an interesting option to explore here too.
Batteries can hold some power, but not for long periods, and they're costly. If you're worried about consistent power over the winter, consider other solutions like propane for heating to reduce your electricity use during that time.
I recently invested in a 30 kWh battery bank costing around $8,000, which lasts about 10 days. It's a hefty expense! If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, consider a medium-sized generator to keep your batteries charged instead.
If you have access to a few electric cars with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, they could help you through winter! It might actually be more economical than investing in a lot of battery storage, plus you can use public chargers to recharge them.
Yeah, that does sound more practical for my situation.