More solar customers consider adding solar…
More solar customers consider adding solar battery storage
Solar batteries increase investment for optimal power storage
An Urban Design Solar crew works on a installation at a home in the Canyon Oaks neighborhood in Chico in July 2015. A new state initiative should see such installations going on low-income apartments starting this year. – Bill Husa — Enterprise-Record file photo
By Natalie Hanson | nhanson@chicoer.com |
CHICO — More Chico homeowners are switching to solar every year, and a new piece of technology can offer even more power to their investment — solar batteries.
In fact, over 25% of Chico residents who switch to solar now also purchase solar batteries, according to two local solar providers.
A solar battery offers the ability to store power for use in situations requiring backup power, such as during an outage, for temporary freedom from the power grid. It can also reduce stress on the grid by charging and setting aside energy while solar panels are in use.
The Tesla Power Wall is on display at Alternative Energy Systems Inc. on Wednesday in Chico. (Matt Bates — Enterprise-Record)
The main solar battery options in Chico are Tesla Powerwall and the LG brand battery, according to local providers. Although there are other types of batteries on the market, these are the most commonly sought batteries in Chico, according to Catrina Anderson, manager at Urban Solar Designs. Some solar providers in Chico offer only one option between the two brands.
The Tesla Powerwall is a popular option for energy storage due to its power and ability to reduce pressure on the grid, according to Jim Mikles of Alternative Energy Systems Inc.
The company experienced record sales and "unprecedented demand for solar," within the last year, Mikles said. The demand for this battery is also high and a new development this year, he said, possibly in response to concerns after the Camp Fire and for PG&E outages.
But it can also be hard to find as Tesla is selective about suppliers. Anderson said that Urban Solar Designs exclusively offers LG's solar battery.
Reasons for why customers are now also investing in the solar batteries, Anderson said, include a concern for backup power in case of PG&E outages, particularly at night.
However, she cautioned that the batteries are not designed for taking on the power needs of an air conditioning unit or an entire home. Contrary to what she said is a popular belief by some customers, they are made for powering only "critical loads," or small reserves for important items, such as a refrigerator.
While only one battery is needed to store power, a second battery will help extend the length of power stored and increase energy for outage periods. The price range for a single solar battery is currently between $12,500 to $15,000, depending on the home, on the provider and the type of battery purchased. If a second battery is purchased, it is an additional cost of around $6,000.
Addresses in Chico reportedly using solar already beat out last year's total at 4,321 and Oroville had 624 by June, according to Paul Moreno of PG&E, and they're only increasing as the year goes on. With more customers expressing concern about PG&E's bankruptcy and outages, it's likely more will consider the additional investment in at least one solar battery in order to preserve power and save over time.
Natalie Hanson