Metro Manila, Philippines - When thinking about getting a solar energy system, most people expect these systems to include a battery. A common misconception about solar energy systems is that people think the solar energy generated needs to be stored in a battery.
How Solar Batteries Work
A solar battery works by storing excess energy generated by solar panels for later use. The process begins with solar panels capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This generated direct current (DC) electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity, making it suitable for home use.
The AC electricity powers home appliances and devices. Any excess energy generated beyond immediate needs is directed toward the solar battery. The battery stores this excess energy in the form of DC electricity. This stored energy can be used later when the solar panels aren't producing electricity, such as during nighttime or on cloudy days.
When the solar panels aren't generating enough electricity to meet household demand, the inverter converts the stored DC electricity back into AC electricity, which is then used to power the home. Many solar battery systems come with monitoring and management software that optimizes the use and storage of energy, ensuring efficient operation and maximizing the use of solar power.
Whereas every fifth solar energy system we install in Germany has a battery, there are only a few cases where solar batteries make sense in the Philippines and that can create many traps for end-customers! Yet we observe that solar batteries are offered to nearly every end-customer.
Here are some facts about hybrid solar solutions (solar system + battery) for the Philippines you should consider:
A good solar battery is a professional, usually lithium-ion technology based, energy storage solution. It is not recommended to connect e.g. car batteries to solar systems.
Most modern batteries only perform at its best with temperatures of around 30 degrees. We often go beyond this in the Philippines, causing a battery to lose efficiency.
Keep in mind: In the Philippines, you can make use of net-metering, the mechanism where a utility pays you for excess solar energy that is transferred back to the main grid.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering enables homes and businesses with grid-tied solar systems to sell excess solar energy back to the distribution utility (such as Meralco) and receive peso credits on their electric bill. These credits can be used to offset charges on the monthly bill, resulting in savings. In this setup, the grid effectively functions as the battery system for the property. Any surplus solar energy generated during daylight hours is fed into the grid, and the system can draw from the grid when additional power is needed, such as at night or during periods of reduced sunlight.
Net Metering vs Solar Battery in the Philippines
Compared to using batteries, where the storage and conversion processes result in natural and physical losses, only around 40-70% of the stored solar energy (equivalent to PHP 4-7 for every PHP 10 worth of energy) is available to power your appliances. Considering the costs and efficiency losses, the overall return on investment (ROI) for a solar battery system in the Philippines would typically be around 8-10 years. However, batteries require a replacement before they recover their purchasing costs through savings, resulting in failed investments.
Therefore, opting for a grid-tied net metering system is more advantageous, where excess solar electricity is sold to your electric provider rather than stored in a battery. Through this arrangement, you can receive a rebate on the generation charge, amounting up to PHP8.00. This approach minimizes upfront investment and eliminates the need for battery maintenance. With a grid-tied solar system, the ROI typically ranges between 4-5 years, making it the only smart choice to secure a successful investment.
Backup Power During Power Outages
Let's address the claim: "By using a solar battery, you can eliminate the problem of power outages."
Depending on its capacity, a solar battery can provide a certain amount of electricity to power essential appliances during a power outage. However, running high-energy devices like air conditioners or other major appliances for an extended period may not be feasible unless you invest in large-scale batteries, which can be as expensive as a car. If you genuinely desire reliable power backup during outages, it is currently more practical to have a backup generator available.
To summarize, considering the prevailing conditions in the Philippines, along with the high cost and limited efficiency of solar batteries, a grid-tied solar system with net metering is the most recommended option for consumers who want to save on electricity and invest in solar energy.
Stay prepared for the future with us: our PHILERGY German Solar Systems are designed to be compatible with batteries. As prices decrease and technology advances, we will ensure to provide you with the best battery solutions available for your needs.
PHILERGY German Solar promises not just the highest quality solar system for your home and business, but also a worry-free after-sales service and utmost support towards completing your solar net metering process in the Philippines.
CONTACT US FOR FREE SOLAR CONSULTATION!
PHONE: (02) 8638 8277
SMART: +63 921 373 3840
GLOBE: +63 917 329 2112
EMAIL: service@philergy.com
Highest Quality German Solar Panel System for the Philippines
PHILERGY German Solar Philippines is your reliable solar energy installer, solar power system, and solar panel supplier in the Philippines with highest-quality solar equipment combined with experienced German Solar engineering. All installations come with up to 30 years warranty for homes and businesses, and options for flexible solar financing without collateral and additional fees. We are the nation’s top solar company with headquarters, office, and showroom in Manila, Philippines with German management and German head solar engineers setting top-of-the-line solar standards.
All our solar energy systems are customized according to every client's needs via free expert solar consultation and professional onsite analysis and are installed by trained teams that are headed by at least 1 German engineer with over 20 years of solar experience.
Our promise of delivering the highest quality German products and German engineering for the Filipino people includes worry-free net metering service.
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