Is it a Good Idea to Go “Off the Grid” with Residential Solar System?

Is it a Good Idea to Go “Off the Grid” with Residential Solar System?

With ongoing advances in solar technology and energy storage, more homeowners are asking the question, “Is it possible to completely remove my home from the electricity grid?” Although it is technically possible, your solar system and batteries would need to be a lot larger and therefore, the cost of this system would have to be significantly higher. We feel that if you are already connected to the grid, stay connected and use the utility to your advantage.

You can add battery storage to your solar system for approx. $15,000 (Minus the Federal Tax Credit and any rebates that are available for batteries).  The cost of the battery storage could be financed, along with the solar system. Having this type of hybrid solar system will enable you to power about 12 circuits through your solar system and not depend on the utility. Items like the refrigerator, garage door opener, alarm system, lights, Tv’s, furnace fan motors and computers can have power even if the grid goes down.

To take an entire home off the grid would cost much more, due to large energy intensive items like air conditioners, electric dryers and pool pumps. It is a good idea to stay connected to the utility grid, so that you can utilize the utility company to take advantage of their higher surge capabilities and use net metering to your advantage.  Battery storage is still costly, but if you are worried about the grid going down for any length of time, it does give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to run some circuits at your house during a power outage.

Net Metering

When a solar system is designed properly and less electricity is being used in the home than being generated, the solar system will generate excess electricity. If the system is on net metering and  connected to the grid, the excess electricity generated will go back on the grid as net energy credits.  These net metering credits can be applied when more electricity is being used in the home, than being produced by the solar system.  

Solar Batteries

We have seen tremendous improvements in batteries. New Day Solar now uses Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that should last a lot longer than the old lead acid batteries.  In the future should these battery storage systems should come down in cost and will be more affordable to the masses.

Save Money Either Way

Even if you add battery storage to your solar system, you will save money for your electricity. As long as you are connected to the grid, you will be able to push credits back,  if your system’s making more power than you are using in your home, or can pull power from the grid if you are generating less power than needed.  

Are you thinking about how to maximize the benefits of solar technology? New Day Solar can provide an in-depth perspective on your home and your energy situation. We have been installing solar since 1988, even before there was grid tied solar.   Call one of our solar experts for a free, no obligation consultation at: (855) 444-6329. You’ll learn more about what solar and battery storage can do for your home and get a quote in the process.  Or feel free to visit us online at:  www.newdaysolar.com.  Our team will always give you honest answers to your solar questions.

New Day Solar

Posted by New Day Solar
5 years ago / February 18, 2020

At New Day Solar, we are committed to improving the world we live in, as well as helping our community create brighter tomorrows!

With the expertise that New Day Solar provides, as well as the federal tax credits and rebates available, solar electricity is beneficial to everyone. Not only will you help conserve our environment, but you can save some money too! Solar electricity is not just a luxury, but also an investment for your home and country. Electricity is only going to get more expensive, but with help from New Day Solar, you can harness the sun’s energy and use it to your advantage.

Filed Under: Solar Energy System

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