Blog | Apollo Leasing

Solar batteries are becoming a popular addition to home solar systems, offering the promise of backup power during outages and potential cost savings. But it's important to understand both their capabilities and their limitations. This post explains how solar batteries work, what they can (and can't) do, and how Apollo Leasing integrates them into a smarter energy solution.

How Solar Batteries Work: Storing Sunshine for a Rainy Day

Think of a solar battery as a rechargeable energy reservoir. During the day, when your solar panels are producing more electricity than your home needs, the excess energy is stored in the battery. Then, when the sun goes down, or if the power grid goes out, the battery kicks in to power your home.

There are two main types of backup systems:

Partial-Home Backup: This is the most common and affordable option. It focuses on powering essential circuits like lights, refrigerators, and your Wi-Fi router.

Whole-Home Backup: This requires multiple batteries and a more powerful system to power your entire home. It's a larger investment.

The Reality of Backup Power: Important Limitations

While solar batteries offer valuable backup, it's crucial to have realistic expectations:

Limited Capacity: Batteries have a finite amount of stored energy. How long they last depends on their size and how much power you're using. Running high-energy appliances (like air conditioners) will drain the battery much faster.

Not Uninterruptible: There might be a brief interruption in power when the battery switches on during an outage.

Temperature Matters: Extreme heat or cold can affect battery performance and lifespan.

Lifespan: Batteries don't last forever. Like all rechargeable batteries they need to be replaced.

Crucially: Solar batteries are not a substitute for a reliable power source for life-support equipment or other critical medical devices. Always have a backup plan for these essential needs.

Beyond Backup: The Apollo Advantage with Demand Response

At Apollo Leasing, we go beyond basic backup power. We can integrate your battery into "demand response" programs, creating a win-win situation:

What is Demand Response? During peak energy demand (like hot summer afternoons), utility companies often face strain on the grid. With demand response, your battery can share some of its stored energy back to the grid, helping to prevent blackouts and stabilize the local power supply.

Your Benefits:

- Lower Energy Costs: You may receive credits or lower rates for participating in demand response.

- Community Support: You're helping to create a more reliable and resilient energy grid for everyone.

- Environmental Responsibility: You're reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand.

The Apollo Difference: Smart Energy Solutions

Apollo Leasing doesn't just offer solar panels and batteries; we offer a smart energy ecosystem. We:

Carefully Design Systems: We size your battery appropriately for your needs and explain its capabilities clearly.

Provide Proactive Monitoring: We monitor your system's performance and ensure your battery is ready when you need it.

Offer Seamless Integration: We can connect your system to demand response programs (where available) to maximize your savings and benefits.

Are transparent: We want you to understand the limitations, not to deter you, but to arm you with the information you need.

Conclusion

Solar batteries can be a valuable addition to your home energy system, providing backup power and potential cost savings. It is not however, a full-proof plan, and should only be considered to provide limited backup, not guaranteed power.

Ready to explore a smarter solar solution with Apollo Leasing? Contact us today for a personalized consultation!

Solar Batteries: Backup Power, Grid Support, and the Apollo Advantage