Solar

Solar without a battery costs less and is the simpler setup. Solar with battery storage keeps essential circuits running during outages and lets you use more of the energy you make. On Vancouver Island, a battery makes the most sense if outages hit you often, or if you'd rather use your solar at home than sell the extra to BC Hydro at 10 cents per kWh. Neither option is "better" across the board. The right answer depends on where you live, how often the power goes out on your