Solar panels are an excellent way of using the sun’s rays to produce usable electricity, making for a more effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient home. While the sun can produce a lot of energy, most homes do not use enough electrical power to result in a net zero amount. This is where batteries come into play. With solar batteries, you can store the excess power for later use, like when the sun isn’t shining and your solar panels can produce at their peak performance without letting the resulting product go to waste. There are a variety of different batteries on the market, each with its own different features. In this blog post, we will look at two of the most popular options: the Franklin Battery and the Tesla Powerwall 3.
The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most popular batteries on the market, made by tech powerhouse Tesla. The latest model, the Powerwall 3 offers significant improvements over the previous models, the Powerwall+ and the Powerwall 2. Here's what makes it special:
The Powerwall 3 represents Tesla's latest innovation in home energy storage. Its high power output can support most homes' energy needs during a blackout, providing peace of mind during outages. The sleek, aesthetic design not only looks great but is also engineered for easy expansion as your energy needs grow. It has a user-friendly app for monitoring and control. The Powerwall 3 is a powerful, smart, and sleek way to take control of your home's energy. You can get more detailed information about the Powerwall 3 and how it compares to previous Tesla home batteries here.
The Franklin Battery, also known as the Franklin aPower, is another popular option for home energy storage. Here's what makes it stand out:
The Franklin aPower Battery is a key component of the comprehensive Franklin Home Power system. This integrated solution is designed to seamlessly coordinate power from solar panels, the grid, and even backup generators. It includes a user-friendly mobile app for real-time monitoring and control of your energy usage. It includes a user-friendly mobile app for real-time monitoring and control of your energy usage. The entire system is engineered for straightforward installation, operation, and maintenance, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an all-in-one solution to manage their household energy needs efficiently. If you want more details about the Franklin Home Battery system, read our blog post.
Both the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the Franklin Battery use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which offers several advantages. LFP batteries are known for their longer lifespan, enhanced safety, and better performance in extreme temperatures. For those who live in climates with more stark temperatures and seasonal changes, the tolerance to extremes of the LFP batteries make them a better option.
Solar panel batteries are not one-size-fits-all. What your neighbor, friend, or family member uses may not necessarily be what works best for you. Ultimately, choosing the right solar battery depends heavily on your home’s energy needs, the size of your solar panel system, and where your home is located.
Before choosing a battery, take an inventory of your electrical appliances. Do you own an electric car? Do you have a variety of high-wattage appliances? Depending on your answers, you may need a battery with a much higher energy density than you had previously thought.
If your solar panel system is sizable, you may want to consider a larger battery size, or several batteries. Understanding how much power your solar panel system will generate compared to how much energy your home uses can give you a good idea of the resulting storage needs.
The climate that surrounds your home and solar panel system is an important factor to consider. Some batteries are better suited for more extreme temperature changes, while others are too sensitive for very hot and very cold days. If you live in a more temperate region, you may not even need to worry about how much heat or cold your battery can withstand.
When it comes to solar battery installation, do not try to install it yourself. Battery installations can be dangerous and very costly if done incorrectly. Contact a trusted solar installer to set up any and all your battery needs.
Yes, both of these batteries are eligible for the solar tax credit. In fact, any battery that can hold at least 3kWh of energy and is installed in 2023 or later is eligible for the solar tax credit.
Using what you know about your home and energy usage, you can make the most informed decision. And, Citadel Roofing and Solar is here to help. Our team of industry-leading experts can help guide you on your solar journey. We are happy to work with you to find the perfect solar solution for your household. To take your first steps into solar, call us today.