Do you need batteries for Solar?
They say solar is now booming in the Philippines, and solar energy capacity is expected to double in the next five years. With the solar industry being a very dynamic market, there are numerous factors that impact solar in countries all over the world: economy, technology, fossil fuel costs, crisis, and more. Since solar is a clean, free, and can produce power whenever the sun is shining, energy storage makes sense – for times when the sun is not shining.
In Metro Manila, where grid power is relatively stable and consistent, energy storage is not a necessity. Grid tie systems work efficiently in the Metro, coupled with net metering, where excess power produced by the solar panel system is exported to the grid in exchange for credits.
What about power-starved areas?
On the other hand, for far-flung cities or provinces where grid power is unstable, or non-existent, energy storage may be the only sensible solution. Energy storage allows the solar system to supply power at night time, and for times when there is no grid power.
Solar batteries
There are two main types of solar batteries: lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries. Lead-acid batteries are like those used in cars. Lithium-ion batteries are more advanced, last longer, safer, and require less maintenance. As a result, lithium batteries are also more expensive. Since 2012, the cost of lithium batteries has dropped more than 50%. This trend is good news for 2020 because it means installing off-grid or hybrid systems is now affordable and cost-competitive. With batteries, you can turn on your own residential or commercial power plants during times of peak demand.
Does it make sense to use batteries for residential solar systems?
Majority of homeowners in Metro Manila opt for grid tie solar systems with net metering because it is like having a “virtual battery”, wherein the utility company gets the surplus power from your system and credits your electric bill. This plays a critical role in lowering monthly electric bills and it works well in maximizing the solar investment. However, as we move on to times where pandemics and disasters are occurring more often, people are now becoming aware of the importance of preparedness. Homeowners are now wanting the reliability and assurance of solar systems with battery storage for power, especially during grid outages, emergencies, or natural disasters. These are the people who want the redundancy and the reliability of instant backup power that a battery can provide during power outages. They also want to maximize excess solar harvest by storing them in batteries for evening consumption.
Why lithium is the right choice
Lithium Batteries are part of our technological toolbox as we have clients who ask for their capabilities. Batteries are needed if you need your solar set up to run during a power outage. Batteries provide a buffer when the sun is not enough and loads have to be supplied with sustained energy. Batteries are starting to get common in upscale households who are building new homes without a diesel generator and having things backed up with what is now referred to as a Mega Solaric UPS. At Solaric, we have installed hundreds of setups with batteries for consumers and even fulfilled military contracts around the world with our battery tech. We have installed batteries for solar systems that power mission-critical communication systems. We’ve designed custom systems that run entire islands and radar facilities, even in places with no diesel, no oil, no grid.
Time to smile
For residential jobs, we have been putting out Lithium-based batteries since 2016. The SMILE Lithium battery hybrid system is a European-design award-winning battery and is very popular in countries where the government actually pays the consumer to put in batteries to help manage the grid. This choice is becoming popular fast because it’s a smart system that detects the excess power and diverts it proportionately to battery charging. It also detects if the entire house is starting to use grid power and proportionately discharges the battery, keeping grid power consumption to zero until the batteries run out. In times of calamities or power outages, it can supply a steady flow of critical loads until the batteries run out, and then get recharged by the sun the next day. The SMILE solution is beneficial and self-sustaining – especially for those who are now focused on preparedness. These are systems installed and requested by those who are serious about planning for major earthquakes, typhoons, emergencies, pandemics, disasters, or dealing with areas with poor power availability.
Battery-based systems are more complex beasts. They cost about 40% to 70% more than our popular battery-less grid tie systems but offer a 10-year warranty.
“Yes, there is a price for peace – the price of having power in your house after a major storm, of having power during a blackout or earthquake. That in itself is priceless for most,” says Mike De Guzman, President and CEO of Solaric Corp.
Click here to take a look at what our SMILE solution can do for you!
Turning on the sun
At Solaric, we appeal to Filipino sensibilities of approachability, service and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy. We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment. We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals. We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment. We always do our best to deliver fast, efficient, and thorough customer service. We are in the business of not just selling solar panels – but also enabling solar-powered lifestyles. With this, we want to provide endless satisfaction by delivering Solaric Service Satisfaction, ranging from permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bill.
Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar
Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. We want every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.
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Contact the solar experts
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If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 75040092 or 09178603141 or 09083775577, email info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph
We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your new home or existing homes or businesses.
At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.