How does solar panel battery storage work?
Solar battery storage allows you to take your solar panel system to the next level.
The storage system means you can store any electricity generated from your solar panels to use in the evening or at a later date.
Types of solar batteries
There are four types of solar batteries available.
We’ll break down the differences without getting too technical so that you can understand the options. You might hear of lead acid batteries but that’s not really common, unless it’s for campervans or other off-grid applications.
Battery storage type | Use | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-Ion | Most solar installers will use this battery | Easy to charge Reliable Safe |
| RV / Marine | Used for boats and campervans | Low capacity |
| Flooded | Lead-acid battery, best used outdoors | Cheaper Produce gas |
| Gel | Sealed, so no harmful gases | Can be more efficient |
| Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) | Contain a glass mat between the electrolyte plate | Leakproof, gel battery so can be a higher performer |
What are the benefits of solar panel battery storage?
Significantly reduce your energy costs
Become increasingly independent from the grid
Earn money by selling
surplus energy
Will the battery storage pair with my panels?
You can absolutely retrofit batteries to existing panels. But there are a few other parts of the system you need to think about. Panels are generally a simple plug and play kind of deal and will work with most systems – so long as the inverter can handle them.
This brings us to the inverter, which is what will dictate whether you can use batteries. There are two main types of inverters on the domestic market – string and hybrid.
How much does solar battery storage cost?
Speaking of investment, we know you’ll be keen to understand the costs involved. The cost of solar batteries depends on several factors, including life cycle, storage capacity, materials, and usable capacity.
So, prices can vary significantly.
Lithium Solar Battery | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 5.8kWh | £2,800 |
| 6.5kWh | £3,500 |
| 10kWh | £4,800 |
We’re big on transparency. So, it’s worth considering that you’ll likely need to replace your battery over the lifespan of your solar panels.
This is because the lifespan of batteries (15 years) is less than the lifespan of solar panels (25 years or more with proper maintenance).
Top 3 Considerations Before Getting a Battery
Energy Usage
There’s no point blowing 10 grand on a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 2, if you only have 4 panels on your roof with a peak output of 1.6kW.
How and when do you use your power?
For example, if you're at work or out of the house during the day, your panels are working at their peak with no one home to use the energy.
However, if you had battery storage you could save all that extra energy for when you need it in the evenings, night and early morning.
The thing you must look at is: Am I getting a return on my investment if I get batteries?
Cost
| Lithium Solar Battery | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 5.8kWh | £2,800 |
| 6.5kWh | £3,500 |
| 10kWh | £4,800 |
Space
Batteries are chunky items, even the small ones will take up about a cubic metre, but most homes have room in the loft, garage and or spare bedroom.
If you don’t have room in the house, most companies will offer a free standing, waterproof cabinet that can be placed outside.
FAQS
Will a battery work with my existing solar set-up?
Yes, if you have solar panels set up already, a battery can be integrated at any time.
Can I have more than one battery?
Yes, adding more batteries to your system is possible. Your battery requirements will be dependent on the power you need.
A good installer will ensure the most cost effective panels are part of your system.
How long does installation take?
Adding a battery to an existing set-up typically takes around 3-4 hours. Installing a complete solar system will take one day.
Also, it’s best to think of your system as a way to reduce, rather than eradicate, electricity bills. But, regardless of whether your system is large enough to produce most of your energy needs or not, it is certainly a worthwhile investment.
Even a relatively small, 18 panel system would save a medium sized business (50 - 250 employees) up to £4000 a year at current energy prices.
Where will the battery go?
Solar battery systems are compact and can be wall or ground-mounted. Many households opt to install their battery in the loft. However, it can be stored in other places, such as the garage or under the stairs.
What's the difference between high and low voltage batteries?
Low-voltage solar batteries typically have a voltage of below 100V. Low-voltage batteries are cheaper to manufacture and install. Furthermore, LV batteries are compact and can be stacked for scalability, making them a good choice for users looking for considerable capacity potential with a medium to low energy demand.
High-voltage solar battery systems are usually around 400v. As a result, they have a higher charge and discharge rate, which means a more efficient system. But, of course, they're more expensive to manufacture and install. So high-voltage batteries are ideal for users with higher energy demands requiring faster charging and discharging.
What maintenance is required for a solar battery storage system?
Very little. But your system will also come with a battery management system that ensures that the battery discharges and charges correctly.
This is essential to protecting the life of the battery as not charging, and discharging, correctly can damage the chemicals that store the energy.
Are there any grants for solar battery storage?
There are no grants, as such, available in England and Wales but the government backed ECO4 scheme does cover solar batteries.
Solar battery funding
As the UK continues its mission for net zero, renewable energy is a big focus for the Government.
This is great news for households and businesses keen to invest in solar energy.
Below is an overview of the funding or savings you might qualify for:
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) allows low-income households to replace their inefficient heating system with a more environmentally friendly and efficient system, such as solar panels. This scheme is currently running until March 2026, and the Government has allocated a 4-billion-pound budget.
The SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), which came into effect on 1 January, means you can earn money for exporting surplus renewable energy back to the grid. The scheme applies to households and businesses in England, Scotland and Wales, provided they meet eligibility requirements and can give half-hourly export readings. The SEG is running indefinitely.
0% VAT for energy-saving products was introduced for five years in April 2022. While the rate was already lower at 5%, the reduction offers increased savings. Furthermore, the 0% rate introduction also welcomed the permanent removal of specific eligibility criteria so everyone can benefit from these savings. 0% VAT is frozen until March 2027.
Residential Solar Batteries
If you’d like to store and use power in the evening, a residential solar battery is a great choice to save money and become more eco-friendly. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today to learn more about costings, potential savings, and installation processes.
Commercial Solar Batteries
Investing in a solar battery for your business can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and slash energy costs. Get in touch to learn more about our commercial solar batteries and how they’ll benefit your bottom line.
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