Battery storage is becoming an increasingly popular option with solar PV. It provides the opportunity to store the solar electricity generated during the day for use later in the evening. This reduces the need to export excess energy and then purchase it from the grid later at an increased price.
Basics of Battery Storage
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations only provide energy during the daylight hours. So any excess energy produced is sold to the grid at a low price and then when power is needed at night, you have to buy that power back at a much higher price.
A battery storage system provides the opportunity to save surplus solar electricity generated during the day, to power the house during the evening and night times.
Some solar battery storage systems can also provide emergency backup power in case of a power cut, helping make the property more independent from the grid.
Battery storage is a new an exciting part of the energy supply challenge, but it is evolving rapidly and there are improved and new products coming onto the market every month at the moment. Batteries are also very expensive, but they are coming down in price as the technology develops and the market expands.
How a battery will work with your property will depend on many issues, not least of which is the next major change in the energy markets which is electric car charging. Battery storage is one of several smart energy devices that will be commonplace in most properties over the coming years, so we recommend that customers are clear on what they want from car chargers and also smart hot water controllers before they commit the to expense of a battery. That way everything is co-ordinated, harmonious, and most importantly all controlled from a single app on your phone.
Batteries and solar PV
GB-Sol solar PV systems are supplied with high quality solar inverters which convert the solar power from the roof to mains power. The inverters are briefcase-sized devices that can be placed anywhere within the property. The power will automatically flow from the inverters to the devices that need it, with any surplus being exported to the grid through your electricity meter, or smart meter.
Battery systems do not need any direct link to the solar PV system in a property, as the battery monitors the main electricity meter to detect when surplus power is available, or when power is being imported from the grid.
Compatibility
GB-Sol solar PV systems are compatible with all makes and types of battery storage system.