Over the past few years, solar batteries have increased in popularity for good reason, offering homeowners peace of mind. But because the technology is still fairly new, there are a lot of misconceptions about what solar + storage can truly offer. To help you tell fact from fiction, we’re breaking down the most common myths.
Myth 1: Solar Battery Storage Isn’t Affordable
While costs for solar batteries may have been higher early on in their development, many things have changed to make this clean energy solution more affordable.
For starters, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has extended the solar investment tax credit. The law was created to help make renewable energy sources more accessible and its focus on standalone storage does just that.
There are local incentive programs that can also help. Californians under NEM 3.0 can see higher payoffs when using a solar storage system like SunVault to regulate when to use stored solar energy during times of high demand. Through the mySunPower app, SunVault users can decide when to program their solar battery for utility savings.
Myth 2: Solar Battery Storage Doesn’t Provide Long-Term Backup Power
Many homeowners don’t realize how long a solar battery can power their homes during power outages and rolling blackouts.
There are a few things that factor into your solar battery’s span of use:
Capacity- how big is your solar storage system? Knowing how much stored solar power it can hold will help you get an idea of its longevity.
Stored energy- how much clean energy was in your solar battery right before the power outage? If the battery isn’t fully charged, that could affect how long it can power your home.
Energy consumption- how are you using the stored power you currently have? If you’re just discharging the battery during times of need, chances are that your stored energy can power things longer.
SunVault has more charge cycles than conventional storage systems, giving you a better opportunity to stay powered. Learn more here.
Myth 3: Solar Battery Storage isn't Available in Certain Climate
Like with any technology, ideal weather conditions are best but solar + storage systems like SunVault are actually pretty hardy. They are designed to function in most climates.
While we recommend indoor installation, typically in a garage, that’s not the only option available to homeowners. Outdoor installations are possible in shaded areas and where temperatures remain between 15-110° F and are protected from other severe and extreme weather.
Solar storage systems are flexible and can handle a wide range of climates. Don’t let this myth hold you back from being well prepared for Mother Nature.
Myth 4. Solar Battery Storage isn’t Safe
We won’t beat around the bush, not all solar batteries are made the same and some of the materials they consist of are safer than others. SunVault was designed with safety in mind. In fact, at SunPower our number one value is Safety First.
SunVault uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LPF) chemistry, a safer alternative to some of the other options available on the market. LPF batteries have a proven record of stability and cooler operating temperatures.
Solar + storage can provide homeowners with many benefits including peace of mind during power outages and utility savings. Beyond that, solar batteries are much cleaner for the environment than a generator. Myths aside, it’s easy to see why so many Americans are adopting solar + storage.
If you have further questions about how solar storage works, you can click here to connect with one of our solar advisors or reach out to your SunPower by Sun Solar at (661) 535-0795.