Installing solar panels on your roof is a great way to separate your home from the primary power grid, but you may wonder what happens when there's poor weather or after the sun sets. One of the things that you should consider is the benefits of installing a battery storage system. Here are a few things to consider when you're deciding whether or not to ask your solar energy company for a battery bank.

How reliable is the power grid?

If you're hoping to fall back on the primary power grid when your solar panels are out of power, you need to think about how reliable that grid is. When you're dealing with a power grid that is unreliable, inconsistent, or insufficient, you should opt for a battery bank to store excess power for those downtimes. 

Can you sell energy back to your electric company?

Another reason to consider battery banks is if your local electric company will buy back surplus energy. If so, you'll be able to reduce your utility costs and potentially even get money back for any extra energy that you sell back. With battery banks, you may be able to sell back a significant amount.

Do you want closer monitoring of your electricity consumption?

If you install a battery storage bank with your solar panels, you'll be able to monitor the storage levels, replenishment, and power consumption on a regular basis. This gives you more visibility to your home's energy usage than you might get through the mainstream electrical utility. Visibility to your energy usage might even make it easier for you to reduce your consumption as needed for better energy management.

Are you hoping for greater independence?

With so much focus on the unpredictability of mainstream electrical grids and water supplies, more homeowners than ever are looking for complete independence. If you install solar panels, you cannot achieve true energy independence if you do not have a battery backup system to fall back on. Installing a battery bank allows you to separate from the mainstream electrical grid and embrace energy independence.

These are just a few of the many reasons to talk with your solar energy company about battery storage systems. Implement a sufficient storage system so that you have energy available when needed during times without other energy supplies. The right battery backup system makes a difference in your home's energy independence and ability to sustain access to power even when the main grid goes down.

For more information, contact a local solar company.