Solar panels can generate electricity during the day, but electricity demand does not always follow the same pattern. For properties that generate more solar energy than they use at certain times, battery storage can provide another option: storing energy for later.

But does every solar property need a battery?
Not necessarily.

What Does a Solar Battery Actually Do?
A solar battery stores electrical energy so it can be used later.

For example:
Daytime: Solar generates electricity ? property uses what it needs ? excess energy charges the battery.
Evening: Solar generation decreases ? stored battery energy can be used.
This can increase the amount of solar energy consumed on-site rather than immediately exporting it.

Start With Your Electricity Usage
The value of a battery depends heavily on the property's energy profile.

Consider:
• How much electricity is used each day?
• When is electricity being consumed?
• How much solar energy is already being used directly?
• How much excess solar is generated?
• Is evening electricity use significant?
• Is backup power important?

A property with substantial evening electricity use may have a different battery requirement from a property that consumes most of its electricity during daylight hours.