Do I Need Solar Panel Battery Storage or a Generator for My Solar Panel System?

solar panel battery storage

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Once you have your solar panels installed and your utility company has installed your new bi-directional meter, you’re ready to start producing your own power during daylight hours, but solar panel battery storage can give you the ability to use your excess power at any time of the day or night. This can give your solar power installation much more versatility, and make it far more robust in the event of a grid outage.

Microinverters Help You Create Your Own Microgrid

Normally, homeowners that have solar panels are only able to use the power that the panels produce during the day, while that power is actively being produced. This power is combined and refined through each panel’s microinverter, which has a microprocessor capable of unifying the panels into your home’s microgrid. That means that even if the grid may be down during the day, no matter if it’s from severe weather or seasonal blackouts if your panels are operational your home will continue to have power.

Enphase Solar Panel Battery Storage & Microinverters Work Together Seamlessly

Each of the panels your Barrett Solar professionals installed has a microinverter built right in to avoid a single point of failure, these microinverters mesh seamlessly with the leading Enphase lithium solar panel battery storage. While the panels on your home produce power in nearly all light levels, much of that power is wasted if it isn’t immediately used or stored. The state-of-the-art battery and charge management of Enphase batteries means any power you produce that isn’t used is stored for those times when it’s needed most.

You Can Add A Solar Panel Battery Storage System At Any Time

The best part of your solar installation is that once the basics are there, such as your panels, junction box, and utility meter, the rest can be added in a relatively modular fashion whenever you like. If you decide you want to add power storage a year or two after you have your main system installed, that works just fine. If you decide you want to skip the battery but add a generator to minimize the disruption those severe seasonal weather events can cause, that works too. Customize your system however you see fit.

A Generator Can Give You Robust Adaptability

A generator is a great way to augment your solar system if you see times during the year when your power may be out for more than one or two days. In situations like these, even with the daily sun to help recharge them, the most aggressively large batteries will eventually be depleted when tasked with powering your whole home for several days. This is where you may want to add a propane or natural gas generator.

While this may not be as “green” of a solution for powering your home as your solar installation, it helps your home power system to be far more robust in the face of extended outages. Not only will it be able to provide enough power to easily run the appliances and devices in your home with the aid of your solar equipment, but in the event of a grid outage, it can also be used to help make up the charge deficit from your panels to keep your batteries fully charged.

Barrett Solar Can Help You Plan For All Contingencies

Producing your own power is great, but there are going to be times when you make more than your home needs, which is where a storage system can be an invaluable addition to your existing system. If you feel like it may be time for your home’s energy production to go to the next level, reach out today for more information from your local solar professionals at Barrett Solar. They can give you more information on the various options you have for adding versatility to your installation with solar panel battery storage or adding more resilience for extended outages with a Generac generator.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels. You can let the rain or snow take care of that for you. If something does happen, you will have manufacturer warranties on all equipment installed by Barrett Solar.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Kansas?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Kansas the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. If you are a business in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What Solar rebates and incentives are available In Missouri?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. In Missouri the largest incentive available is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates and other incentives. Evergy in Missouri, Columbia power and Ameren have notable rebates available. If you are a business owner in a rural area or a farmer, the USDA offers grants as well.

What are my solar financing options?

Barrett Solar offers two options to finance your solar panel system. You can purchase your system in cash or take advantage of our zero down, low APR financing options. We have a lot of different options to choose from. 

What happens if my solar panels are damaged with hail or by a large storm?

Generally it takes very large hail or a major storm to damage your solar panel system. After you go solar you will want to make sure your homeowners insurance policy has enough coverage to replace any of your panels that may be damaged in a heavy storm.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of a solar panel system will depend on many factors, including the size of the system, the equipment, and the financing method. A solar panel system should be viewed as a major home upgrade, and because every home is different it is never good to base an idea of what something should cost off a ballpark figure found on the internet. Barrett Solar offers completely free no obligation solar proposals, and in most cases we can give you an accurate quote with just your historical energy usage data.

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Tyler Blanchard

Founder & CEO

Tyler is the CEO of Barrett Solar.

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