What is Solar Battery Storage? Your Guide to What Matters
Written by SolarWise - January 10, 2024
Revolutionizing Home Energy: The Rise of Battery Storage
Think battery and you’ll likely see an image of a humble AA like the ones in your remote control. But today’s battery technology is light-years ahead and isn’t just for powering small gadgets. Today, they’re at the heart of a home energy revolution. Advanced battery technologies, especially lithium-ion phosphate batteries, are changing how we store and use energy. They’re key to fighting rising energy costs and making the most of your solar system. See our brief history of battery storage post showing how solar technology has advanced throughout the years.
How Battery Storage Powers Your Home at Night
Imagine a power bank that not only charges your phone but powers your whole house at night. That’s what home batteries can do. They store excess electricity your solar panels make during the day. Then, when the sun sets, you use this stored electricity to power your home instead of buying from the grid. It’s a smart way to help use all the energy your solar panels produce.
How Battery Storage Keeps Your Home Running on Solar Energy
Batteries aren’t just for nighttime. Let’s say your solar panels are generating and supplying your home with 1kW of electricity. You turn on your washing machine which, for this example, uses exactly 1kW of electricity – consuming all the power being generated by your solar. If you then turn on something else, like a kettle, you’ll need more power. With a battery, you won’t have to buy extra electricity from the grid if it’s charged; the battery supplies the excess electricity you need, keeping your home running on solar or cheap energy.
How House Batteries Mean Savings in Winter
Shorter winter days mean less solar power, but your battery can still shine. Tariffs like “Intelligent Octopus Flux” and “Cosy Octopus” let you buy cheap electricity during off-peak hours. You can charge your battery during the cheap hours and use the cheap electricity to power your home. This way, you save money and make the most of your solar panels year-round.
Our Future of Energy post explains how to pair the most advanced battery storage with the most beneficial solar tariff for unparalleled savings and convenience.
Top tip: Most folks watch the telly at night in one room, so why heat the whole house? Use your home battery to power an electric heater for extra savings.
Choosing the Right House Battery: What to Look Out For
There’s a frustrating amount of technical jargon to wade through when first learning about house batteries. While much of the information is marketing fluff, here are some things you should look for before making a decision:
Quality Assurance: Look for the MCS seal of approval for high-quality, reliable batteries.
Battery Type: Lithium-ion phosphate batteries are long-lasting and efficient.
Capacity: Find the right size for your needs – not too big, not too small.
Charge & Discharge Rate: Consider how fast the battery charges and supplies power.
Manufacturer: Our top picks are GivEnergy, Tesla, and Growatt.
Are Batteries Right for You?
Thinking of enhancing your solar system with a state-of-the-art battery? Contact us to explore how battery storage can revolutionize your home. We’re here to help you step into a more sustainable, cost-effective future with solar energy.