The sun-drenched state of Arizona is an ideal location for harnessing the power of solar energy. With abundant sunshine year-round, solar power is not just an environmentally conscious choice but also a financially savvy one. However, what many homeowners and businesses fail to realize is that without the addition of battery storage, they might be missing out on a significant portion of the potential benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore why solar energy coupled with battery storage is the best way to go solar in Arizona, and why relying solely on only solar may not be as efficient as you think.
Oversizing Your Solar System: A Common Pitfall
It’s a common misconception that bigger is always better, especially when it comes to solar systems. Many people opt for solar systems without battery storage, leading to an unfortunate consequence: oversizing. Oversizing a solar system is often done to maximize savings with solar, but it can be an expensive mistake. Without battery storage to capture and store excess energy generated during the day, much of it is sent back to the grid. In Arizona, this can amount to 70% or more of the solar energy you produced.
Purchasing energy from your utility company costs 5 to 10 times as much as the utility company pays you for solar energy you export to the grid (sell to them), and you can’t control how much solar energy you export, how and when your solar energy is used in your home, or how much of the energy you use is purchased from your utility company, without battery storage. That’s why oversizing your solar system is not a cost effective way to save money!
Say Goodbye to Expensive Peak Rates with Battery Storage
One of the primary advantages of pairing solar with battery storage is the ability to use the energy you generate when you need it the most. In Arizona, Time-of-Use (TOU) rates charge higher prices for electricity during peak hours. Without battery storage, you’re at the mercy of these on-peak rates, which can significantly increase your energy costs.
With a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day and use it during peak hours, reducing your reliance on expensive grid electricity. This not only saves you money but also optimizes the benefits of your solar investment.
Backup Power: Security in Times of Outages
Arizona is no stranger to power outages, whether due to monsoons, extreme heat, or other factors. Solar battery storage offers the added advantage of providing backup power during outages. When the grid goes down, your battery storage system can supply your essential appliances and keep your lights on, ensuring your comfort and safety.
We love hearing from our customers when they experience a power outage and their entire street is dark, except theirs because they have battery storage backup.
Future-Proofing Your Solar System
The landscape of solar energy policies and utility regulations is constantly evolving. In recent years, many utilities have reduced the compensation for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. This means that the financial return on your solar investment may decrease over time.
By incorporating battery storage into your solar system, you can future-proof your investment. A well-designed solar plus storage system not only helps you maximize your savings today but also ensures that you can adapt to changing policies and utility regulations, making your solar system a smart and enduring investment.
In conclusion, going solar in Arizona is undoubtedly a wise choice, but it becomes even more compelling when you include battery storage in your solar setup. Avoid the pitfall of oversizing your system and sending excess energy back to the grid, where it’s often wasted. Say goodbye to expensive TOU rates and gain peace of mind with backup power during outages. Most importantly, by combining solar and battery storage, you’re safeguarding your financial interests against evolving utility policies.
It’s 2023, it’s clear that solar plus storage is the way of the future. Don’t let your solar investment be subject to diminishing returns – maximize your savings, reduce your environmental impact, and ensure the long-term success of your solar system with the addition of battery storage. It’s not just the smart choice; it’s the sustainable choice for Arizona residents and businesses.
