Investing in solar batteries
With the growing awareness of climate change and spiralling energy costs, many people are looking into the installation of solar panels. Systems have become more efficient than ever in the past decade, and costs have decreased significantly, making them an attractive choice for many households. Excess energy can also be stored in solar batteries and used at night. But are they a worthwhile investment for your home?
How do solar batteries work?
Solar batteries can be installed alongside your solar panels, or they can be added to your system at a later date. When your solar panels generate power, any excess can be stored in the battery, ready for use when the sun has gone down. There are two main battery types to choose from: lithium-ion (like those used in electric vehicles) and lead-acid. Both will hold DC (direct current) energy until it’s ready for use, at which point it is converted to the AC (alternating current) power that your appliances use.
Benefits of solar batteries
Solar batteries can be a great investment for your home, reducing your reliance on the National Grid and even enabling you to sell power back to it. Your solar PV specialist will easily be able to add one to your system and help you maintain it. Here are some additional benefits to solar batteries:
Waste reduction
Without a solar battery installed, around half of the energy generated by your solar panels will be lost. You’ll use the energy during the day, but once the sun goes down you’ll be back to relying on the National Grid. However, with a solar battery, excess energy is stored for use when night falls, enabling you to take full advantage of all the power that’s been generated during the day.
Emissions reduction
Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or are trying to achieve net zero living, solar batteries will help you cut your emissions. By providing sustainably generated power for longer, they ensure you’re using clean energy around the clock. Less than half of the energy produced by the National Grid came from renewable sources in 2023, so by installing a solar battery, you’ll be helping to reduce your overall impact on the environment.
Goodbye to power cuts
While it’s not standard practice to do so, your solar PV installers can set up your system so that it continues to run during power cuts. If you live in an area where frequent outages occur, this is especially useful, as it means you won’t be affected.
Money saving
Electricity costs are at an all-time high, pushing many households to their financial limits. What’s more, prices fluctuate depending on demand, import costs, economical and political factors and more. By taking your property off the National Grid – or significantly reducing your reliance on it – you aren’t subject to the volatility of the market. As such, you’ll save money on energy bills.
If you’re in the southeast and are looking to have a solar battery installed as part of your PV system, contact reputable solar PV installers in Kent today.