Hurricane Milton started as a tropical wave in the central Atlantic Ocean, and as it traveled westward, the warm waters fueled its rapid growth into a powerful Category 4 hurricane. With winds exceeding 140 mph, Milton brought intense rainfall, dangerous storm surges, and severe flooding to Florida’s west coast, causing significant damage. The hurricane knocked down power lines, leaving many homes without electricity for days or weeks. The widespread outages highlighted the need for a dependable power source during emergencies.
A solar energy system with a battery backup can be invaluable in situations like this. The battery stores the extra energy produced by the solar panels, ensuring a dependable electricity supply when the grid is down. This allows homeowners to keep essential devices powered, stay connected, and maintain comfort, even during prolonged outages caused by storms such as Hurricane Milton.
Here are five key reasons to consider solar energy and battery storage for your home:
1. Control Your Electricity Costs
Home solar panels and batteries help you manage electricity expenses by producing power and reducing dependence on traditional utility companies. This can make a significant difference since electricity prices have risen by more than 60% over the past ten years and are expected to keep increasing.
Solar agreements often offer fixed rates, usually lower than standard electric bills. This can save money in the long run. In states like Florida, where hurricanes like Milton can cause frequent power outages, a solar system with a battery backup can prevent you from being affected by peak electricity rates when demand is high. The battery helps you use stored solar energy instead of paying more during peak hours, keeping your bills more stable.
2. Increases Home Value
Solar panels and battery systems can significantly boost the value of your home. On average, homes with solar energy systems sell for about 4.1% more than homes without solar. A house valued at $500,000 could mean an increase of around $20,500. Additionally, homes with solar systems often sell faster—up to 20% quicker—than those without.
While installing solar panels and a battery can be expensive, the savings on energy bills and available tax incentives can help recover this investment. Plus, a solar system provides an attractive selling point for potential buyers looking for energy-efficient features.
3. Clean and Renewable Energy
Solar energy is a clean, renewable power source that doesn’t pollute the air. Solar panels don’t produce harmful emissions like fossil fuels, which helps reduce the environmental impact. In a sunny state like Florida, switching to solar can significantly lower a household’s carbon footprint, equivalent to stopping the burning of nearly 5,000 pounds of coal each year.
A battery backup complements this by allowing you to store excess energy produced by the solar panels. This stored energy can then be used during cloudy days, nighttime, or in emergencies like Hurricane Milton, ensuring you have access to clean power when you need it most.
4. More Affordable Solar Options
Over the last ten years, the cost of solar panels and battery systems has dropped by more than 70%, making them more affordable for many homeowners. Even though the upfront costs can still be significant, various programs, incentives, and financing options are available to help reduce the expenses.
A battery backup and solar panels are beneficial during storms like Hurricane Milton. When the grid goes down, the stored energy in the battery can provide power for essential needs, such as keeping the refrigerator running, charging devices, and powering lights. This helps homeowners stay safe and comfortable until power is restored.
5. Save Money Through Incentives and Tax Credits
There are many incentives and programs available to make solar energy more affordable:
- Net Metering: When your solar panels make extra electricity, it goes back to the grid, and you get credits to lower your electric bill.
- Federal Tax Credit: If you install a solar system between 2022 and 2032, you can qualify for a 30% tax credit, which lowers the installation cost by thousands of dollars.
- Tax Exemptions: Some states offer property and sales tax exemptions for solar equipment, saving homeowners additional money.
- Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs): In some states, you can earn extra money based on your solar system’s electricity.
A solar system paired with a battery backup ensures you have a dependable power source during emergencies like Hurricane Milton. It reduces the impact of outages and saves you money over time. Solar energy is a wise investment that benefits your home and the environment in the long term..
