Installing a solar power system to generate renewable energy for your home can save you substantial money on energy over time, and it is better for the environment than traditional generation methods. Once you start to generate power, you will need to store the electricity, and that is where the solar energy storage solutions come into play.

Solar Energy Storage

Generating solar power with panels on your roof or in the yard is a great way to reduce your energy costs. Still, you can only generate power during the day, so storing the energy for use later is critical. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common solar energy storage solutions available, and there are some excellent reasons to consider them. 

Along with the lithium-ion batteries, there are lead-acid, sealed AGM, and sealed gel batteries that you can use, but most do not offer the same kind of value as the lithium-ion system. The cost of the batteries is often very different depending on the type you choose. Still, lithium-ion has the longest service life, the lowest maintenance, and the best performance of any energy storage solution available but is also the most expensive. 

Monitoring Your Energy Storage

No matter what type of battery storage you choose for your solar system, you need to have a system in place to monitor the condition of the batteries so that you know if one needs replacing or if they are getting low. Advanced monitoring systems will give you data on the system to include things like current charge, amperage available, battery condition, and the amount of electricity in each battery. 

These systems can be mounted near the batteries or located inside your home so that you can check the status of your energy storage at any time. There are even wireless monitors that allow you to check the system from your cell phone if you are not at home and want to be sure the system is functioning correctly.

Storage System Controller

You may also need to install a system charge controller that will regulate the amount of electricity coming into the energy storage or battery bank from the solar panels. The charge controller will help extend the battery's life by ensuring you are not flooding the system with too much electricity at one time and can also help regulate the draw from the system to keep it clean and even. 

Some solar energy systems come with an energy storage solution for the system, and others require you to choose the additional components to add to the system when you are ready. A solar system without batteries can offset your energy use during the day, but to be effective and achieve off-grid performance, the energy storage or battery bank is critical. As such, discuss the options with your installer when you have your solar system installed.