Solar batteries charge with the surplus electricity the panels generate. This power can be used whenever the electricity generated by the panels isn’t enough for your consumption – at night time, or during cloudy days for example. The batteries can also charge during off-peak power and can be used during peak hours when the grid electricity is the most expensive.
Adding batteries to an existing solar power system is the best way to maximise the use of solar. According to the Climate Council, adding a 4kWh battery to a 5kW solar system would double the amount of self-generated solar energy consumes from 30% to 60%. Read the full report here.
While it is possible to complement an existing solar system with storage, the process requires more than simply purchase batteries and connect them. Before the purschase, there are a few things to consider:
- Your current consumption
The first things to consider are your current consumption and production. If you use most of the electricity you produce, there will be a very little power leftover to feed your batteries and it isn’t worth installing battery storage. If your system has a small capacity, you can consider extent it first. Read more about solar system extension here.
- Your current inverter
Once you have determined if adding batteries is a viable choice or not, you need to consider your current inverter. With your current installation, your inverter is most likely a standard inverter, converting DC current to AC (read more about solar inverters here). In this case, you’ll need to install a hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters not only convert the DC current into AC current but also manage the input of the battery bank.
You can choose to either change your current inverter to a hybrid one or to install a second inverter that would work together with with your existing one and will manage the batteries.
- Your feed-in tariff
If you are under generous feed-in tariffs and receive 20 to 40 cents, it might not be worth adding batteries. You would save more by exporting to the grid than using the excess energy to change the battery bank.
If you are under the new feed-in tariff, battery storage is definitely a good solution to help you save more.
- Your budget and needs
Your needs and budget will determine the size and capacity needed. If you want to maximize your savings or reduce your carbon footprint even more, then adding batteries is the next step.
If your goal is to be completely independent from the grid, regardless of the cost, you should consider installing a bigger battery system. Talk to your installer and he would help you decide what system size suits you better.
N.B.: If you want your storage batteries to work as a backup when the grid is down, make sure you mention it prior to the purchase. Not every battery bank allow you to use your battery power in case of blackout.
Need some advice? Visit our Battery Storage page here or contact us on 1300 782 217 or via email at sales@energis.com.au
