Why is Solar Battery So Expensive? Is it Worth it?
United Nations calls out its members to strictly follow the climate change guidelines to ensure they will hit the net-zero GHG emission target by 2050. Countries then impose national policies to achieve the goal on the target date. One solution pushed was solar energy usage to lessen the carbon footprint. However, some countries need help to meet this requirement as the solar battery becomes expensive.
In this article, we will run through the factors affecting solar battery prices.
Why is Solar Battery So Expensive?
Investing in solar energy is good as it offers several benefits, including reducing every household's GHG emissions. Maximizing solar power also helps lower your monthly electricity bill. Today, most houses have solar panels installed with roof doors and hatches that protect the system's essential components. However, as the demand for solar energy increases, the prices of solar batteries also increase due to several factors.
Brand
Solar battery brands matter most in pricing as each brand offers features and benefits that are distinct from each other. Like mobile phone brands, each has its best-selling features. For example, Elon Musk's Tesla Powerwall may cost more than other batteries, but this brand allows you to store solar energy for later use. It is technologically advanced, has customizable intelligent controls, and can receive over-the-air updates.
Components
Several components make up a solar battery. Some companies make good AC batteries, while others prefer DC versions. Both batteries are great and function well. However, they differ slightly in features. AC batteries are expensive, but they are simple, flexible, and compatible with most solar equipment, while the DC battery is the complete opposite.
Labor Costs
Companies pay people to assemble a quality battery. They then pay another set of employees to deliver and install the batteries to your house. Most companies include all these labor costs in the battery's price, causing it to skyrocket. However, there are some instances where the installation fee is a separate cost you must pay. In cases like this, the batteries' prices might be lesser or within an average price range.
The only problem is that some companies strategically set it apart to profit from them. Installation fees tend to be higher when the batteries are separately installed from the solar panels, especially if the place is complex and needs to run specific lines to get it working.
Capacity to Store Energy
If you have shopped for batteries online or in physical stores, you will notice that one factor that impacts the batteries is their stored energy capacity. Solar batteries generally store electricity of around 20kWh, while some can keep more. Homeowners prefer the high storage capacity batteries as it guarantees more extended power during outages. Because of these factors, companies charge extra to cover the materials and manufacturing costs of the batteries.
Incentive Programs
After United Nations solidified the call to zero GHG emissions, countries made incentive programs to make solar energy accessible and affordable to everyone. Some programs can offer around 50 percent or more, which results in lower solar battery prices. Sometimes, the government provides additional incentives and rebate programs for installation. Thus, batteries in areas that offer these incentives and rebates are cheaper than those not under any program.
Conclusion
Are the solar batteries' skyrocketing prices worth it? Yes, without a doubt. Although quality solar batteries are expensive, the benefits you will reap from installing one in your home can outweigh the price. They can store solar energy for future use, and their efficiency can help reduce your electric bill. Also, these batteries' innovative designs were carefully thought out and configured to ensure they would last a lifetime, saving you more due to fewer repairs.
