In the long run, solar panels and batteries may provide a better value for Californians than buying a gas generator for back-up power. Solar with storage is cost-effective mostly because of the everyday value they provide, a study by the nonprofit advocacy group Vote Solar concluded.
With the ability to provide essentially free power after they are installed, solar and battery systems can save $1,500 a year on electricity for a household in the Golden State. Add subsidies that the federal government pays to people who buy batteries and solar panels to the utility savings, and the renewable system is clearly cheaper, the study says.
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