Solar PV battery storage systems for increased savings through the day
If you have existing solar panels generating electricity, you could increase your annual energy savings by storing excess energy during the day and using it at night
Solar PV Batteries
By adding battery storage to your existing or new solar PV system, you can maximise the returns from your system.
By combining solar panels with a battery storage system, your energy bills will be reduced due to your self-consumption rising. This is because it is cheaper to use the power your solar PV system has generated for you, rather than buying your electricity from the grid.
Excess electricity that you are not using during the day is exported to the grid at a price lower than you are paying to import it. If you have a battery, that excess energy will first be used to charge the battery which you can then use later on in the day or evening, reducing your electricity bill.
What is self-consumption?
One of the main aims of solar PV panels is to help homeowners become self-sufficient in electricity production.
During the daytime you can meet your consumption needs by using your household appliances. This is known as self-consumption and is “free energy” for you. Any excess energy is sent back to the grid and if you have a smart meter you can be paid for this via the Smart Export Guarantee.
However, without a solar PV battery storage system, when it gets dark at night you will be dependent on importing electricity from the grid at the rate set by your electricity supplier.
A solar PV battery storage system solves this issue by storing excess energy for use at times when your solar panels cannot generate free electricity.
In summary, the benefits of installing a solar PV battery storage system are:
- Use more of the electricity generated by your PV system
- Store excess electricity for use when you need it
- Buy less energy from the grid and take control of your energy costs
- Maximise your investment in solar panels. Once your battery is fully charged you could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee
- Potential to provide emergency power
Can I use the power in the event of a power cut?
Depending on the system that you choose to install, you may be able to use the battery in the event of a power cut.
Not every battery system can do this however, so our surveyors will chat through the options with you.