September 3, 2024
Should I Install Home Battery Storage? Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
5 Min. Read
Did you know that your home has the potential to not only be a place to live but also a self-sustaining powerhouse of energy independence?
As the energy market undergoes a powerful shift, homeowners are at the forefront of a revolution that is leveraging affordable solar panels, at-home EV charging, and battery storage to create personalized whole-home electrification systems. Smart energy management solutions are at the heart of this movement, with the ability to make homes even more efficient and maximize the potential of electrification technologies.
However, this transformation comes with its own set of challenges. Changes in net metering programs and the need to upgrade aging solar technology are reshaping the home energy landscape.
As the energy market continues to evolve, here’s what homeowners need to know when deciding if they should install home battery storage and why it is rapidly becoming a top energy solution.
Changes in Net Metering Programs
Net metering, or selling excess electricity back to the utility for a profit, has long been a popular method of benefiting from unused energy generated by solar panels.
However, changes to net metering programs are being implemented across the country, impacting the desire for homeowners with solar panels to install battery storage.
Net metering is no longer as profitable and beneficial as it once was and this is driving a shift toward greater energy independence.
For example, when North Carolina replaced its net metering program with a net billing system, participating solar customers saw savings drop by 30% to 40%.
North Carolina isn’t the first state to roll back its solar incentives. Hawaii and Arizona set a precedent almost a decade ago and California recently replaced net metering with an alternative payout structure that calculates energy credits based on lower wholesale rates instead of retail rates. This change drastically affected the state’s solar industry, with the percentage of new solar customers choosing to install home battery storage jumping from 10% to 60%.
There are now 11 states with programs designed to compensate solar customers with a structure other than net metering. Experts believe battery storage capacity will nearly double by the end of 2024, a trend that reflects a growing interest in energy storage solutions from residential solar customers as energy credits from net metering are increasingly replaced with less valuable incentives.
The Rise of Solar Home Energy Generation
Despite changes to net metering programs, the case for residential solar remains strong, and installations continue to increase, with a projected 6 GW in residential capacity added in 2024. To put that into perspective, the Hoover Dam generates approximately 2 GW of power annually.
Homeowners now pay an average of $2.40 to $3.60 per watt, a sign that the market has reached maturity and that affordable prices will continue to drive new installations.
Additionally, with factors like extreme weather events and stress on the infrastructure causing more blackouts, many homeowners are turning to solar and home battery storage to become more independent from the grid.
For many, investing in solar is a personal decision that supports a sustainable lifestyle. However, this decision also has a financial component, especially for those who want a clean and affordable source of energy for EV charging.
In this context, investing in home battery storage makes sense since this technology facilitates access to clean energy around the clock and supports energy independence and resilience from the grid.
Plus, smart energy management solutions can automatically transfer power usage from the grid to your battery system, allowing homeowners to take advantage of home storage when time-of-use rates go up.
Addressing Challenges with Aging Solar Panel Systems
For the 4.4 million U.S. homes that already have solar panels, a few upgrades can make battery installation, EV charging, and other electrification technologies accessible.
Challenges can arise for some homeowners whose original solar installers are no longer in business, however, a qualified electrician with experience in solar panels and electrification technologies can generally overcome any issues that arise.
SunPower, formerly one of the top ten solar installers, recently stopped operating due to financial difficulties. More than 100 closures and bankruptcies were recorded in the solar market in 2023 as a result of economic hardships and policy roadblocks.
These numbers highlight the importance of choosing a reputable installer for new solar projects, ideally one with a diversified portfolio that includes other energy transition technologies. Homeowners who have been affected by these closures can often find a reliable contractor willing to take over solar panel maintenance and perform upgrades as needed for existing panels that are no longer supported by the original installer.
Having a licensed professional perform routine inspections, solar panel cleaning, and preventive maintenance will enhance performance and ensure your solar panel system is up-to-date and ready to support potential electrification upgrades, such as home battery storage. For optimal peace of mind, look for a solar panel maintenance plan offered by a contractor who belongs to an extensive network of installers.
Install Home Battery Storage with Qmerit
New trends are emerging in the electrification market, with a clear shift toward residential energy storage solutions to gain independence from the grid and facilitate access to clean electricity.
If you’re interested in whole-home electrification or want to upgrade an aging solar panel system, it’s crucial to work with an experienced contractor who can provide quality workmanship and develop a customized electrification plan. Qmerit can help you find a local professional with the right background and qualifications.
When it comes to solar panel installations, no one is more trusted or recommended than Qmerit.
As North America’s largest network of electrification professionals, every Qmerit electrician is fully licensed, background-checked, insured, and properly trained in solar installation, so you can rest easy knowing your installation is done right and backed by the Qmerit Peace of Mind Guarantee.
Recommended by solar experts, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike, and with over 81,000 solar panel integrations, more than 37,000 battery storage installations, and over 28,000 combined battery storage and solar panel installations performed across the U.S. and Canada, no one is more experienced in energy transition technologies than Qmerit.
Interested in learning more about energy independence and turning your home into a self-sufficient powerhouse? Qmerit’s latest solar and home electrification solution, PowerHouse by Qmerit™ offers customized solutions to meet all your energy needs.
Contact Qmerit today for your customized estimate and learn more about how Qmerit can help make your next electrification project easy.
