If you’ve ever experienced a power outage in your area and lacked a backup power source, you know how difficult it can be. A power outage can, however, be more than a mere inconvenience. It can be dangerous to lose power. That’s especially true if the outdoor temperature is extreme.
You can safeguard against such instances by leveraging alternate forms of power so you don’t rely too much on the grid.
Whether you opt for a backup generator, solar panels, or some other power source, it makes sense for homeowners to reduce or even eliminate their reliance on the power grid. It can go down unexpectedly due to inclement weather, accidents, or intentional actions. But when you have multiple ways to power your residence, you won’t have to fret.
You can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem by investing in renewable energy storage.
Continue reading to see five things to mull over if you want renewable energy storage for your home.
1. Assess Your Energy Needs
If the goal is to get a renewable energy storage solution for your home, you must first figure out the energy requirements.
Depending on factors like the square footage of your home, how many people live there, and the number of appliances, you may have substantial energy needs. Tabulating energy consumption is required to get a renewable energy storage solution that meets your household’s needs.
The last thing you want is to purchase something and find that it’s inadequate. At the very least, choose a renewable energy storage unit that’s scalable so it’s relatively easy to increase capacity as needed.
2. Select the Right Type of Storage
While having options is a good thing for a consumer, too many of them can make things difficult. When it comes to renewable energy storage solutions, you’ll want to get the right storage type for your needs.
Flow batteries are a good option if you have a larger setup — assuming you have enough space to accommodate this option. Other options include lithium-ion batteries, which are typically the best choice for most homeowners, and lead-acid batteries, which are cost-effective but not necessarily as long-lasting as other types of storage.
When buying a product, consider build quality. Some businesses, for instance, offer innovative solutions in ceramics and renewable energy storage.
3. Pair with Renewable Energy Systems
If you want the most out of your renewable energy storage system, you need to pair it with something like a wind turbine or solar panels so you can replenish the renewable energy supply. Again, consider your energy needs to find the right options for your specific use case.
4. Consider Your Budget
If you want a renewable energy storage system, another consideration is the budget. In fact, that’s arguably the most important thing. You need to know how much you can afford. It doesn’t make sense to spend way more than you can and, by so doing, sink into debt.
Making an informed decision means researching how much renewable energy storage systems typically cost. That way, you can set a realistic budget — even if that means delaying a buying decision. When crunching the numbers to create a realistic budget, remember that you might qualify for rebates and tax credits from the government.
5. Explore Warranties
You should also look at warranties. A renewable energy storage system should be good to go over the long haul. A warranty worth the paper it’s printed on will give you peace of mind, so you don’t have to fret about paying for repairs out of pocket right away.
When looking at warranty options, consider the duration and what’s covered. For instance, a 10-year warranty that covers parts but not labor might not be as good as a shorter-period warranty that covers parts and labor.
These are some things to consider if you’re interested in a renewable energy storage solution. Gaining some independence from the power grid is worthwhile since you won’t be down and out if the grid goes offline.