What are your hacks when the electricity goes out

[Holladay]

What does that cost? I looked into it a bit. Battery + install = $6-8k. Then 8 yrs later, battery is dead. Like I said, no clue. I am listening though...

While solar batteries have key benefits, like providing backup power, reducing reliance on the utility, and potentially saving more money on electricity bills, they come with a hefty price tag. You can expect to pay at least $12,000 to potentially upwards of $20,000 to install a single home battery.

Batteries are a good investment for homeowners whose utility company doesn’t buy solar power at the full retail price for electricity, want access to backup power, or want to maximize their renewable energy usage. If your utility has full retail net metering or you don’t need backup power, a battery probably isn’t worth it for you.

Regrettably, my electric company doesn't buy back my excess during the day (NE KS REA). So we manage our usage for large power draws only during the day. Thus our electric monthly payment is ~ $50. BUT, the large panel array cost $30k which we financed at 3% that costs ~$270/month. So it looks like we pay Peter to pay Paul. 3% money is less than ~10% over time in a decent mutual fund.

Thus I am not sold on solar. I think it will increase my property value. Not sure.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by Holladay

What does that cost? I looked into it a bit. Battery + install = $6-8k. Then 8 yrs later, battery is dead. Like I said, no clue. I am listening though...



Regrettably, my electric company doesn't buy back my excess during the day (NE KS REA). So we manage our usage for large power draws only during the day. Thus our electric monthly payment is ~ $50. BUT, the large panel array cost $30k which we financed at 3% that costs ~$270/month. So it looks like we pay Peter to pay Paul. 3% money is less than ~10% over time in a decent mutual fund.

Thus I am not sold on solar. I think it will increase my property value. Not sure.

I'm shooting from the hip on the numbers...we bought the largest battery they offered and cost around $10K. Comes with a retention warranty of 10 years. If it falls below certain power retention levels it is replaced. Expected lifespan of the battery is between 15-20 years. I see there are some newer batteries with 15 year warranties.

[DenverChief]

Typical summer day production/use




Green = Battery Charged/Consumed
Blue = Solar generated
Orange = solar/battery power consumed
Grey = Power consumed on/sent back to grid.