Maximizing ROI with Whole-Home Batteries

Maximizing ROI with Whole-Home Batteries and Evergy TOU Rates

For Missouri homeowners, investing in a whole-home battery system can seem like a big decision. However, when paired with Evergy’s Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, the return on investment (ROI) becomes more compelling than ever. By strategically using stored energy during peak hours and charging during off-peak times, you can save significantly on your electricity bills while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

This article explores how you can maximize ROI with a whole-home battery system, leveraging Evergy’s TOU rates, available incentives, and smart energy strategies.

What Makes ROI Important for Whole-Home Batteries?

The ROI of a whole-home battery system is determined by how quickly the savings on electricity bills and incentives offset the initial cost of installation. With the right combination of utility rates, usage patterns, and incentives, the payback period can be reduced, making batteries a financially sound investment.

For Evergy customers, TOU rates play a crucial role in boosting ROI by creating opportunities for significant cost savings.

How Evergy TOU Rates Increase Savings

Evergy’s TOU rates vary based on the time of day, encouraging homeowners to use electricity during off-peak and super off-peak hours. Here are the current rates:

Summer (June 1 - September 30):

• On-Peak (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.): $0.28129/kWh

• Off-Peak (All other times): $0.09376/kWh

• Super Off-Peak (Midnight - 6 a.m.): $0.04688/kWh

Winter (October 1 - May 31):

• On-Peak (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.): $0.22892/kWh

• Off-Peak (All other times): $0.09237/kWh

• Super Off-Peak (Midnight - 6 a.m.): $0.03881/kWh

By charging your battery during super off-peak hours and using stored energy during on-peak periods, you avoid high electricity rates, drastically reducing your monthly bills.

Real-Life ROI Example

Let’s calculate potential savings and ROI for a Missouri homeowner with a whole-home battery system:

Scenario:

• Daily on-peak usage: 20 kWh

• Whole-home battery capacity: 28 kWh (90% usable = 25.2 kWh)

Without a Battery:

• On-peak usage cost: 20 kWh × $0.28129 = $5.63 per day (summer rate).

With a Whole-Home Battery:

• Charging cost during super off-peak: 25.2 kWh × $0.04688 = $1.18.

• Daily savings: $5.63 – $1.18 = $4.45 per day.

• Monthly savings: $4.45 × 30 = $133.50 per month during summer.

Annual Savings:

• Assuming consistent usage patterns, annual savings can exceed $1,600.

Payback Period:

• If a battery system costs $12,000 after incentives, the payback period would be approximately 7.5 years, with savings continuing beyond that.

Boosting ROI with Incentives

Missouri homeowners can take advantage of various financial incentives to further enhance the ROI of their battery systems:

1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):

• A 30% tax credit for battery installations significantly reduces upfront costs.

2. Utility Rebates:

• Evergy and other utilities may offer rebates for pairing batteries with solar systems.

3. Property Tax Exemptions:

• Increased home value from battery installations is exempt from property taxes.

Additional Benefits That Enhance Value

Beyond financial savings, whole-home battery systems offer benefits that indirectly contribute to their ROI:

1. Backup Power:

• Reliable energy during outages ensures your home remains powered during storms or grid failures.

2. Energy Independence:

• Reduce reliance on the grid and avoid future electricity rate increases.

3. Environmental Impact:

• Optimize energy use by storing power during times when renewable energy sources are abundant.

4. Smart Energy Management:

• Advanced monitoring and control features help you optimize usage and identify further savings opportunities.

Addressing Common Concerns

1. “Are whole-home batteries worth the cost?”

• With TOU savings and incentives, many homeowners see a payback within 8-12 years, after which the system continues to deliver free savings.

2. “Can batteries handle all my energy needs?”

• A single battery can cover typical evening usage; larger homes may benefit from multiple units.

3. “What happens when the battery reaches its lifespan?”

• Most batteries come with warranties of 10 years or more and retain significant capacity even after the warranty period.

Is a Whole-Home Battery Right for You?

If you’re an Evergy customer in Missouri, a whole-home battery system can:

• Drastically reduce your electricity bills.

• Provide peace of mind with backup power.

• Support a cleaner energy future.

With favorable TOU rates, robust incentives, and advanced battery technologies, there’s never been a better time to invest in a whole-home battery system.

Take the Next Step

Ready to maximize your ROI and take control of your energy costs? Contact us today for a personalized consultation. We’ll analyze your energy usage, recommend the best battery system for your home, and help you unlock the full potential of Evergy’s TOU program.