Installing solar panels for your home is one of the best ways to save money on your utility bills while also reducing your environmental impact. However, adding a battery backup system can optimize your savings even more. 

The scoop

A homeowner in Reddit's r/solar forum reached out for advice on installing a battery backup system for their home solar unit. 

"Recently got Enphase and Panasonic in Phoenix all cash," explained the OP. "Batteries now or [should I] wait until prices come down?"

Redditors offered different suggestions; however, the general consensus was for the OP to install a battery backup sooner rather than later. 

"Prices are always going to be 'going down' in the future," wrote one user. "You can end up waiting forever if you start to take on that mind set because there is always going to be the possibility prices will come down next year or the year after."

Adding a battery backup to your solar setup is one of the best ways to shelter your home from power outages and live off the grid. You'll also save money on your energy bills, as battery systems store excess power generated from daytime hours that can be used during low-light or nighttime hours. 

To learn more about home battery storage options, check out EnergySage's free tools. Within a few seconds, you can receive competitive installation estimates, finding the best option within your budget.

How it's helping

Adding a battery system to your home solar panels strengthens your climate resiliency, supplying your home with power even when the grid has outages. Switching to clean energy, like solar power, also helps combat rising global temperatures by reducing your home's pollution output. 

If you're considering installing solar panels for your home, EnergySage can help you find a system within your budget. By comparing quotes from vetted installers, EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. It also has numerous free resources you can take advantage of, including a mapping tool that highlights average solar costs by state.

What everyone's saying

Redditors continued to help the OP weigh their options, evaluating the pros and cons of installing a battery system early on. 

What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment? $200 or more 💰 $100 💸 $30 💵 I'd only do it if someone else paid for it 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"There is no guarantee prices are going to come down," responded one user. "Only you can decide if it's worth it or not. A lot depends on how reliable the grid is in your area."

"Do you use power at night? If so, you will be paying for what you use after the sun sets," added another Redditor. "Our entire system paid for itself in under 6 years. It really depends on your energy costs."

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