As renewable energy gains momentum, solar power has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for homeowners. Solar installations have proven their worth by generating clean electricity, reducing dependence on the traditional power grid and saving their system owners money! However, taking your solar system to the next level by incorporating a battery storage system can offer numerous advantages. In this blog, we'll explore why adding a battery to an existing solar installation is a good move.
1. Energy Independence and no change to existing FiT tariff in most cases:
One of the key benefits of adding a battery to your solar installation is achieving energy independence. By storing excess energy generated during the day, you can utilise it during the evening or when the sun isn't shining. This capability reduces your reliance on the grid, allowing you to consume solar energy generated on site, rather than buy grid energy at unknown future prices.
2. Enhanced Energy Management:
Integrating a battery with your solar setup enables more efficient energy management. During periods of peak electricity demand, such as evenings or cloudy days, you can tap into the stored energy rather than drawing solely from the grid. By optimising your energy consumption, you can reduce your reliance on utility-provided electricity, potentially saving on energy costs. Moreover, you can choose when to use stored energy, allowing you to take advantage of electricity rates or incentivised time-of-use programs. If you have an EV, and access to tariffs like Intelligent Octopus, you can fill your battery for as little as 7.5p per kWh! Tariffs like flux offer a higher purchase price but the ability to export peak energy at over 31p per kWh!
3. Increased Self-Consumption:
Without a battery, surplus solar energy is often sent back to the grid, often earning minimal compensation through net metering or feed-in tariffs. By adding a battery, you can store this excess energy for later use. This means you can maximize your self-consumption, utilizing the energy you generate rather than exporting it. By avoiding the need to export energy, you can optimize the financial benefits of your solar investment by reducing or eliminating your electricity bills.
4. Grid Stabilisation and Community Support:
Adding battery storage to your solar installation contributes to the stability and reliability of the power grid. During periods of high demand, when the grid is stressed, stored energy from residential and commercial battery systems can be used to balance the electricity load. This capability reduces strain on the grid, minimises the risk of blackouts, and contributes to a more resilient energy infrastructure. By being part of a grid supporting network, you help foster the growth of renewable energy adoption within your community.
5. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:
By adding a battery to your solar installation, you further promote sustainable energy practices. With increased self-consumption and reduced reliance on the grid, you actively decrease carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Moreover, using stored solar energy during times when renewable generation may be limited helps smooth out intermittent power fluctuations, making renewable energy integration more seamless and reliable.
Conclusion:
The addition of a battery to an existing solar installation brings numerous advantages, enhancing energy independence, potential for providing backup power, optimising energy management, increasing self-consumption, contributing to grid stability, and promoting sustainability. As battery technology advances and costs continue to decrease, it is becoming increasingly viable for homeowners and businesses to incorporate energy storage into their solar systems. By making this investment, you not only unlock the full potential of your solar installation but also contribute to a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Contact us to find out more about battery electrical energy storage systems from Tesla, GivEnergy, Solax and more!
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