Just don’t fall for the net-metering option without battery backups, power goes out, you go dark too without a $20K battery system.
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I went with the battery backup system. I’m on my second set of batteries but I got the first set for free and paid about $5,000 for the second and they are very nice. I ruined the first set because they were flooded lead acid batteries that require a lot of maintenance and my travel schedule at the time did not allow me to take proper care of them. The new set requires no maintenance and will last longer than me. Batteries are included in the tax rebates so you really only would have to pay 2/3rds of what you purchase in the long run after your rebates. I bought my batteries directly from Asia, arranged shipping and customs. Would have cost twice as much here in the States.
I always recommend battery backup although perhaps not everyone is willing to go for a whole house system That is the way I wanted it. When the grid goes down nothing is different in my house, everything works. If it is summer and the grid goes down I turn off the 4 ton central air and rely on mini splits and limit A/C to Kitchen, Dining room and to our bedroom. I can go for a very long time on battery that way. The reality is that when using the battery and not feeding the grid my excess, then my batteries get fully charged during the day so that living on battery is ok except for using up the batteries, they do wear out over time with heavy use. I have refrigerator and freezers that I don’t want to lose on loss of grid power, I won’t.
Yes, thank you for explaining, I live in FL and everyone is selling solar, even the power company. Lots of neighbors are getting them, I talked to one that just has the panels, grid goes dark you still are in the dark power company charges $100 flat rate fee for regular power and net metering covers the rest.
My power bill for 5 months averages $70 in fall and spring, I kinda like that, I have a small 3br/2ba on the coast. Not sure if insurance would cover panels damaging roof in big blow.
So yeah I’d want a best cheap battery system they got before I do it.
I am looking to install a grid connected "whole home battery" WITHOUT SOLAR, for those short periods when the grid is down here in San Antonio. I have natural gas heat, water heating, and stove. I need backup/replacement for lights, fridge/freezer, stove, ceiling fans internet, etc. Like you, I would need to kill the AC compressor.