Hey everyone! I have a question about using a whole-house battery specifically for covering peak demand in my home, without the installation of solar panels. We currently have a 100A electrical panel, but due to some situations, we might face expensive upgrades. According to my utility reports, our highest electricity usage was 6.475 kWh during a big cooking session, while our average usage is about 1.1675 kWh per hour. Is it feasible to charge a whole-house battery at night (since we're on a time-of-use plan) and then use that battery to meet our peak demand? If this is possible, could anyone recommend some systems? We do have some 240V appliances as well, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Absolutely, using a whole-house battery for peak demand is definitely doable! People in places like Texas and California have had success with this. You would need a hybrid inverter, and brands like Solark, EG4, or Victron are worth checking out. Just make sure your system can handle your peak power needs!
While it sounds good, you might want to analyze whether this would really save you money on your bills. Evaluating your potential savings versus the investment in the battery and installation costs is key. Sometimes sticking with the higher bills can be cheaper than going for the setup. Just a thought!
For sure! This setup can also serve as a backup during outages and is a smart move if you're looking to save costs. Many UPS units have the ability to switch to battery power automatically during power outages. Any solar-compatible equipment can work here; just charge the batteries from regular AC power and skip the solar inputs altogether. Also, ensure the inverter is sized right for your peak demands, not just overall energy needs.
Exactly, most hybrid inverters come with UPS functionality and can handle peak shaving. You're on the right track!
You're right about the costs. We're actually trying to avoid a huge upgrade that's estimated at 4-5K, which is why we're looking into this battery option!