If you already have solar panels on your home, you’re probably enjoying the benefits of lower energy bills and clean, renewable power. But you many solar owners feel like they don’t get to take full advantage of their system. After all, most solar setups only generate energy during the day; meaning once the sun goes down, you’re still pulling electricity from the grid.
That’s where solar battery storage comes in. By adding a battery to your existing system, you can store excess energy produced during the day and use it when you need it most.
Let’s break down the benefits, costs, and process so you can make an informed decision.
Why Homeowners Are Adding Battery Storage
In the past few years, more and more SLO County homeowners have added battery storage to their solar systems. Here’s why:
- Protection from power outages: When the grid goes down, most solar systems automatically shut off for safety. But with a battery, your home can stay powered even when the grid is out.
- Energy independence: Storing excess energy means you can use more of your own solar power instead of buying from the utility at higher rates.
- Maximize savings: Using battery power, allows everybody to avoid the expensive time of the day and for people with the new utility rules who receive less for exporting power to the grid. Batteries let you store the extra solar energy and use it at night.
- Peace of mind: Many SLO County residents like knowing they have backup power during storms, wildfires, or PG&E outages.
Is Battery Storage Worth the Investment?
Battery storage does come with a price tag. However, for many homeowners, the benefits outweigh the cost.
Here’s what to consider:
- Electricity rates are rising. Having stored energy means you rely less on the utility and save more over time.
- Backup power adds comfort and security. If you live in an area prone to outages, this is a major advantage.
- California incentives and tax credits can reduce upfront costs. The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) currently covers up to 30% of the cost of battery installation, even when adding to an existing solar system.
- Increased home value. Homes with solar + storage are becoming more attractive to buyers looking for resilience and lower energy bills.
While every household’s situation is different, most homeowners find that adding a battery enhances their energy savings and independence making it a smart long-term investment.
When to Add a Battery
If your solar system is a few years old, now may be the perfect time to add storage — especially if:
- You’ve experienced frequent power outages
- Your electric bill has increased despite solar
- You’re under NEM 3.0
- You want to get ahead of potential rate hikes
Adding a battery helps you take control of your energy use and maximize the return on your solar investment.
How to Add a Battery to an Existing Solar System
The great thing about adding a solar battery to an existing system is: You don’t need to start from scratch! Many existing solar systems can be retrofitted with battery storage.
Depending on your equipment and when your system was installed, your solar provider may recommend upgrades to your inverter or monitoring system to ensure everything works seamlessly together. The key is choosing a qualified solar installer who can evaluate your current setup and design a storage solution that maximizes efficiency and savings.
At A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing, our team has helped many SLO County homeowners add batteries to their existing systems. We partner with trusted brands like Tesla Powerwall and Enphase to ensure your system performs efficiently and reliably.
Ready to Add a Battery to Your Solar System?
If you’re a San Luis Obispo homeowner ready to explore solar battery storage, our local team at A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing can help. We’ll assess your current setup, explain your options, and design a system tailored to your energy goals and budget.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out if battery storage is right for you.
Why Choose A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing?
At A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing, we pride ourselves on providing expert solar and roofing installations and top-tier service at the best pricing in SLO County. We’re committed to delivering the highest-quality service while keeping your budget in mind. Contact A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing today to schedule your roofing consultation today. Serving San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding areas, we are here to help you protect your home year-round.
Connect with us today at hello@amsunsolar.com, (805) 772-6786, or fill out the form below to get a FREE ESTIMATE with one of our friendly solar & roofing experts.