After unparalleled winter storms last year, the state of Texas got a wake up call: The power system isn’t enough to handle climate change. Following the collapses of the power system after these winter storms, soaring electricity prices and widespread outages are likely to be a turning point for the solar industry in Texas.
Texas is the second state with the most households with solar systems with already around 800 thousand homes. However, that´s actually a low number in per capita installation with only about 1% of households on solar. The United States power grid is not prepared to handle more frequent extreme and severe weather events as the climate crisis gets worse.
Most of the country’s power comes from coal, natural gas, and oil, which are the very fuels that drive climate change. Renewable energy is a solution that helps not only the customers but the environment as well. Solar and wind energy are the cheapest sources of electricity in the world, and that's the way the country is headed with President Biden pledging to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035.
There’s still plenty of room for Texas to grow its wind and solar industries and there could be climate benefits. It’s easier and cheaper to reduce planet-warming emissions on larger power grids because even if it’s cloudy in one place of the power grid, it’s usually sunny and windy in another. For Texans looking to keep their lights on during storms, rooftop solar power paired with batteries is a possible answer.
Solar power batteries are used in the battery bank of a solar power system and act as your storage reserve for any energy you generate but don’t use. Batteries make your solar power use much more practical and convenient. By using a battery storage bank in your solar system, you provide constant power to your electrical loads and can also use your PV batteries to store energy during the day to use at night or on less sunny days.
A battery is a great option when power supply consistency and dependability are of the utmost importance. Since a battery backup can store energy, they are useful to have in case of a power outage if your panels can’t produce electricity for any reason. You might not even realize that the power went out because batteries activate instantly upon the house losing power.
Sunshine City Solar customers who have invested in solar and storage have been able to keep the power on and keep space heaters running through the night. Solar has helped to add power to the system in Texas and elsewhere, and has provided much-needed electricity to customers. Solar storage systems can provide reliable power during power outages.
Whether or not you already have solar panels installed on your property, take the next step towards energy independence and think about an energy storage system for your home. See how a solar battery can protect your home and give you peace of mind by talking to us today!