Solar Backup Batteries Are In Demand

On May 17th, 2021, the Santa Rosa Fire Department, after several days of Red Flag Warning Conditions, declared the earliest start of the wildfire season yet. Due to the high winds and fire hazards associated with distributing electricity, utility companies like PG&E plan to continue rolling blackouts. 

How to Prepare for Wildfire Season

For residents of Sonoma County, it is crucial to prepare for wildfire season by:

• Knowing your evacuation route in advance, including reviewing plans and procedures. 
• Removing flammable plants, trim back trees, and remove fallen leaves from your property
• Having a bag packed with emergency supplies like documents, prescriptions, food, water, clothing, and more.

Solar Backup Batteries

During planned safety power shutoffs (PSPS) or random power outages, homeowners may find themselves scrambling to charge their medical devices and other electronics. To ease the stress of these events, solar panel owners may want to consider installing battery backup systems. 

Residential energy storage technology has been on the market for some time; however, there have been great strides to improving the cost-effectiveness and quality battery backup systems in recent years. Existing solar users have an additional cost since new wiring must be routed to circumvent any traditional electrical installation that pulls power from the grid. Regardless of whether you draw power from the utility or a solar system, turning on a battery system calls for safety in redirecting electrical currents.

Powering your home with a solar battery might be the right choice for you – call us today to learn more about residential solar installations and battery backup options.

Rebuilding in California

For many who lost homes in the North Bay fires, the timing for making a future energy decision is important. The cost of preparing a new construction home with the needed wiring is minimal as long as the work is planned at the onset of construction. We can design the installation where adding solar batteries in the future is an easy process. Additionally, investing in solar panels as part of your initial solar installation can help you save money through net metering and federal tax credits. 

Residential battery systems allow for numerous benefits in Sonoma County, especially with the growing concern for fire regulation and PG&E’s insistence on rolling blackouts. Adding battery power can provide security for homeowners who rely on a required and potentially life-saving CPAP Machine, or if they are just tired of replacing all the food in the fridge every time they lose electricity for an extended period.

Simplifying the Process

As solar becomes more affordable and traditional utilities become less reliable, homeowners may be thinking about going “off the grid.” While we love the enthusiasm for clean energy alternatives, this option can be cost-prohibitive. Battery backup systems can provide temporary power for essentials and may better meet your energy needs.

Through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Self Generation Incentive Program and the Federal Investment Tax Credit, a battery storage system can help prepare you for future power outages. This also allows you to use the renewable energy the system produces to its full potential.

NEM 2.0 and 3.0 (Net Energy Metering)

When net energy metering or NEM was introduced, any excess solar energy would be sold to the utility companies at the retail rate. Similarly, when solar panels weren’t generating electricity, such as at night, homeowners would have to repurchase energy from the utility grid. 

In the following year, California will be shifting from NEM 2.0 to NEM 3. This is expected to have cuts on energy credits and higher solar fees. To avoid losing money to the utility companies, a home battery storage system would allow you to store unused electricity for later use rather than sending it to the grid and buying it back later.

In addition to reducing solar benefits with NEM 3.0, the federal tax credit is set to change from 26% to 22% in 2023. 

To be eligible for the solar tax credit extension, you must:

• Own the system via cash or a solar loan. PPA Financing or Leases are not eligible. 
• Have income tax liability. The tax credit can roll over to be claimed in future years up to 5 years after filing. 
• Have purchased the original installation.

Now is the best time to take advantage of solar programs and tax credits by investing in solar with Westcoast Solar Energy.

Solar Service

If you are ready to invest in your future with a home battery system or if you would like to learn more about our energy-saving products, please contact Westcoast Solar Energy at (707) 664-6450.