The Role of Solar and Battery Storage in Home Electrification
In the midst of the scenic views of the Finger Lakes, homeowners are increasingly exploring the idea of home electrification. This innovative approach involves transitioning from traditional energy sources like oil, propane, or natural gas, to all-electric and energy-efficient appliances — a key step towards a sustainable future. As this concept gains traction, it’s crucial to understand how solar energy, solar battery storage, and even geothermal energy are becoming indispensable in all electric homes. These technologies are not mere additions but essential components in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
What Electrification Means for Energy Costs
Electrifying a home means a complete shift away from fossil fuels, exclusively relying on electricity for heating, cooling, and powering all other appliances. This completely eliminates all oil and gas expenses and is more eco-friendly, taking advantage of grid-supplied energy that gets cleaner by the year (70% of NY electricity will come from renewables by 2030). But it also results in an increased dependency on electricity. Consequently, homeowners of all electric homes might notice their electricity bills are higher than before electrification. The increased electricity usage underscores the importance of on-site renewable energy solutions, such as solar power.
Solar Energy: Reducing Costs and Enhancing Sustainability
Solar power is a game-changer in managing the heightened electricity demand of an electrified home. By installing solar panels, homeowners can harness the abundant energy of the sun, thereby generating their own electricity. This not only leads to a drastic reduction in electricity costs, but solar also protects from volatile energy prices and assures a steady supply of clean energy.
Solar Battery Storage: Sustainability and Resilience
In the context of an all-electric home, the challenge of power outages becomes more pronounced. Even if a home has solar panels installed on the roof or ground mounted somewhere in the property, the power will be shut off during a power outage. This is because solar panels pose a threat to powerline workers when connected to the grid, and are required to be connected to an automatic shut-off in the event of a power outage.
This is where solar battery storage comes into play. Solar batteries store’s excess solar energy and allow for off-grid operation. The length of time that they will last is dependent on the size of the battery storage installed.
Geothermal Systems: Reducing Your Electrical Load
By utilizing the constant temperature about ten feet below the surface, geothermal technology has become a viable way for homes in the Finger Lakes area to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a home. This reduction in energy demand means fewer solar panels are needed, making the entire system more efficient and cost-effective. The synergy between solar and geothermal systems creates a comprehensive energy solution, making the goal of a fully electrified, sustainable home more attainable.
Make a Comprehensive Electrification Plan, with Halco Energy
There are multiple aspects of whole home electrification — such as:
- How efficient your home is (insulation and air sealing)
- Your home’s capacity for the increased electrical load (panel upgrades)
- Energy efficient heating and cooling systems (heat pumps and more)
- Renewable energy systems (solar and geothermal)
…and they are all interconnected. The good news for homeowners throughout Syracuse, Ithaca, Rochester, and the rest of the Finger Lakes, is that Halco does it all. You don’t have to go all electric all at once, and we can help you make a plan for your all electric transition that keeps your comfort needs, and budget, in mind. Plus, many of these upgrades qualify for rebates or tax credits that will reduce the overall cost of making your home more efficient, comfortable, and resilient. Call our team of electrification experts to get started making your home electrification plan!
