Solar energy offers numerous advantages in Florida, but to make the most of your power, you should consider getting solar battery storage, too. Pairing your solar panels with a battery allows you to store any excess energy generated by your panels for later use. This in turn gives you more control over your energy supply and usage. However, the benefits of using solar batteries go beyond personal energy independence.
Here are four reasons why you should add battery storage to your residential solar system in Florida.
You Will Have Backup Power During Outages
In the last 20 years, Florida has had the most people impacted by power outages per capita in the United States, making outages a common — but inconvenient — occurrence in the Sunshine State. Adding a battery to your solar system goes a long way in ensuring you have round-the-clock power, resulting in greater energy security.
A solar battery lets you store excess electricity that you can use to power your home during outages due to severe weather. This is very useful if you live in an area where the grid is a bit unstable. Unlike conventional generators, a battery system does not make noise, meaning it will not disrupt your sleep or daily activities.
It Increases Your Federal Tax Credit
When adding a solar battery storage system, you may qualify for financial incentives from the federal and state governments. For instance, you can take advantage of a federal tax credit for clean energy upgrades. Provided the batteries installed are charged by solar and not the grid, they are eligible for the solar tax credit that can cover up to 30% of your solar costs. By lowering your tax bill, the deduction will save you a significant amount of money.
It Protects You From Future Unfavorable Net Metering Policies
Without battery storage, excess energy generated by your solar panel system will be fed back into the electric grid. Oftentimes, utility companies will compensate you for the electricity you produce by offering you credits through a mechanism called net metering.
Florida’s House Bill 741, which almost passed in 2022, sought to reduce the value of net metering in the state. This would have negatively impacted the return on investment for solar energy in the state. With battery storage, you can bypass the grid and store your extra power to use when you need it most. This can help to protect you from future unfavorable net metering policies.
Keep More of What You Make with Solar Battery Storage
Solar battery storage enables you to become more self-sufficient, which is valuable in a state like Florida that faces severe weather and power outages frequently. Not to mention, battery storage can help you boost your solar tax credit and get ahead of any changes to Florida’s net metering policies.
If you’re looking for a solar installer that can help you gain energy independence with battery storage, Solar Optimum is here to help. We’re certified by leading battery manufacturers such as Tesla and Enphase to provide the highest level of quality and service during your solar battery installation. Contact us to get started or download our free Battery Buyer’s Guide to learn more about how to choose the best battery for your needs.
