power outage and solar energy

Solar Power To The Rescue

There are roughly 780,000 households in Texas with solar energy systems, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. And now, after experiencing the fallout of their state’s historic storm, many more Texans are choosing to purchase solar power systems with battery backups. In addition, between 2021 and 2023, developers plan to add roughly 35 GW of solar and wind capacity to the state’s primary transmission system, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc., according to the grid operator’s most recent data.

So why is renewable energy the answer to the problems created by the storm? During the blackouts, the grid lost roughly five times as much power from natural gas as it did from renewable energy. Natural gas production froze, and so did the pipelines that transport the gas. “The current grid is incapable of handling an increasing number of climate-driven extreme weather events,” said Carl Fleming, partner in the energy finance practice of McDermott Will & Emery. Solar and wind “would be more effective at energizing the grid during such times with the addition of strategic battery storage to allow for immediate response time, or for ample energy storage of multiple durations.”

Texans are also choosing to go solar now because of the incentives that some solar companies are currently offering. Some are not requiring down payments, or offering 0% financing rates, while others, like SunPower, are offering systems with A.I. informed smartphone apps. These options will allow people to invest in a solar power system without worrying about the upfront costs, and will also give them the ability to control their system from their cell phone, as well as sell excess solar power from batteries back to the grid.

Consider Solar Energy

man in a suit holding up a light bulb to the sun

It’s clear that storms are becoming more severe, and we need to think about how best to make sure that all homes and businesses are safely powered through any type of weather event. Solar power systems will allow people to continue to power their homes despite conditions like those seen in Texas last month. Backup batteries can charge on solar arrays and then provide power to homes for a few hours a day during power outages. And costs are coming down on solar power systems all the time: there are numerous plans from the nation’s top solar companies that will allow you to save money while effectively powering your home.

If you’re interested in making the switch to solar power, come to Go Solar Energy. Our agents work with the top-rated companies in the country, all of whom offer some of the best solar panels in the industry. We work hard so you don’t have to, because we believe no one should have to face the conditions that millions did this past February. We will compare all available plans and find any and all discounts available to help you save money.
To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or if you would like to speak with one of our licensed agents for guidance, call 888-290-3112 .

The cost of electricity has been steadily increasing over the years, making it feel impossible for some people to afford. More people have begun to take an interest in solar power, mainly because of all the savings that come with using electricity generated from the sun. This type of energy is clean and renewable, as well as cheaper than traditional energy, which makes it a win all around. But before you can make the switch to solar energy, you need to research solar power systems to find the right one for you. When you do, you will come across different types of systems, such as off-grid and grid-tied systems, as well as hybrid solar energy systems. Go Solar Energy can help you work out which might be right for you.

What Is A Hybrid Solar Energy System?

When you decide to go solar, you will have to choose between being “off-grid,” meaning you will generate all of your own power, and will need a battery backup to store extra energy, or “grid-tied,” meaning you will be connected to your local power grid and will still get some of your energy from it. But there is also a third option. A hybrid solar energy system is tied to the grid, but also allows you to have a backup battery system to store any excess power.

white home with solar panels on the roof.

With a system like this, the sun’s energy that your solar panels absorb will either be used to power your home or, if you don’t need it at that moment, will be stored in your battery or returned to the grid. You can choose where to send the excess energy, and can base your decision on peak pricing so that you will not have to pull any energy from the grid when energy prices are at their highest.

Having a battery backup will allow you to use your stored power during a power outage, even when you cannot access energy from the grid. These systems cost, on average, approximately $11,000 after the federal tax credit is applied. The price will vary depending on the state you live in, as well as on any incentives and rebates from the solar company you choose.

It is important to be aware that solar batteries last anywhere from 7-15 years, which means you might need to replace your battery at some point. New batteries can cost you around $8,000 or more. But you can extend the life of your batteries by properly maintaining them and cleaning them often.

Advantages Of Using A Hybrid Solar Energy System

3 solar batteries mounted on a wall next to each other.

As mentioned, having a hybrid solar power system will allow you to store any extra power in a battery backup and use it at another time. The batteries will provide power to your home when your solar panels are not producing energy, such as at night or on cloudy days. But the advantage of a hybrid system is that you will not be completely off-grid, so if you use up all the energy stored in your batteries, you will still have the grid to fall back on until you can generate more power.

Choosing a hybrid solar power system will save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year by reducing your electric bills, and will allow you to be in control of your power supply, while still being able to access the grid. You will never be out of power with a hybrid system, unlike with an off-grid system.

Is A Hybrid Solar Power System Right For You?

Solar energy systems are a great option to power your home, and choosing a hybrid system will ensure that you will never run out of power. If you are interested in learning more about hybrid systems or are interested in purchasing one, Go Solar Energy can help. Our agents work with the top-rated companies in the nation and can answer any questions you have, while guiding you through the process. Get free instant quotes by entering your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or to speak directly with one of our licensed agents, call 888-290-3112.