Solar Panel Battery Storage

Whether you have an existing solar panel or are new to the renewable energy source, solar battery storage is an important consideration.

So, consider this your complete guide to solar panel batteries.

What is solar battery storage?

Solar battery storage allows you to take your solar panel system to the next level. The storage system means you can store any electricity generated from your solar panels to use in the evening or at a later date.

In addition to storing energy for later use, you’ll also benefit from the following:

Significantly reduce your energy costs

Become increasingly independent from the grid

Earn money by selling
surplus energy

If you’re wondering if it’s worth the investment, read on.

Do I need solar battery storage with my solar panels?

Your solar system doesn’t need a battery to work. However, adding a battery makes your set-up increase its efficiency. Simply put, if you want to use solar energy at night, you’ll need to install a battery. As most households use power at night, installing a battery reduces your reliance on the grid for electricity. Furthermore, with the benefits listed above, solar battery storage is worthwhile.

How much does solar battery storage cost?

Speaking of investment, we know you’ll be keen to understand the costs involved. The cost of solar batteries depends on several factors, including life cycle, storage capacity, materials, and usable capacity.

So, prices can vary significantly.

We’re big on transparency. So, it’s worth considering that you’ll likely need to replace your battery over the lifespan of your solar panels.

This is because the lifespan of batteries (15 years) is less than the lifespan of solar panels (25 years or more with proper maintenance).

Granted, solar battery storage is costly. However, it can pay for itself over the years if you can make the initial investment.

To learn more about costings and potential savings, get in touch.

Solar battery funding

As the UK continues its mission for net zero, renewable energy is a big focus for the Government.
This is great news for households and businesses keen to invest in solar energy.

Below is an overview of the funding or savings you might qualify for:

ECO4

SEG

VAT

The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) allows low-income households to replace their inefficient heating system with a more environmentally friendly and efficient system, such as solar panels. This scheme is currently running until March 2026, and the Government has allocated a 4-billion-pound budget.

The SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), which came into effect on 1 January, means you can earn money for exporting surplus renewable energy back to the grid. The scheme applies to households and businesses in England, Scotland and Wales, provided they meet eligibility requirements and can give half-hourly export readings. The SEG is running indefinitely.

0% VAT for energy-saving products was introduced for five years in April 2022. This only applies for batteries if they are sold as part of a full solar system, and you will need to pay 20% VAT when purchasing them separately. Furthermore, the 0% rate introduction also welcomed the permanent removal of specific eligibility criteria so everyone can benefit from these savings. 0% VAT is frozen until March 2027.

Types of solar batteries

There are four types of solar batteries available.
We’ll break down the differences without getting too technical so that you can understand the options.

Lithium-Ion – these are the batteries found in most solar installations. They are easy to charge and discharge due to the chemistry inside them. They are reliable, safe and cost-effective. .

RV/Marine Solar Batteries – these batteries are best suited to smaller systems and are commonly used for boats and RVs. They work best when no other form of electricity can be generated due to their low capacity.

Flooded Type – these batteries are lead-acid batteries with caps for adding water. These batteries are wallet-friendly and have a better lifespan than marine solar batteries. The downside? Flooded batteries are best for outdoor use as they produce gas when charged. With that said, it is possible to use them indoors alongside a venting system.

Gel – these batteries are sealed, meaning they don’t release harmful gases. As a result, they can be used indoors without any risks and will be more efficient than the above.

Absorbed Glass mat batteries (AGM) – AGM batteries contain a glass mat between the electrolyte plates. AGM batteries are leakproof and will not release any gases. So, they offer the benefits of gel batteries and superior performance, making them one of the best types.

Low vs High Voltage - What are the differences?

Low-voltage solar batteries typically have a voltage of below 100V. Low-voltage batteries are cheaper to manufacture and install. Furthermore, LV batteries are compact and can be stacked for scalability, making them a good choice for users looking for considerable capacity potential with a medium to low energy demand.

High-voltage solar battery systems are usually around 400v. As a result, they have a higher charge and discharge rate, which means a more efficient system. But, of course, they’re more expensive to manufacture and install. So high-voltage batteries are ideal for users with higher energy demands requiring faster charging and discharging.

FAQS

Will a battery work with my existing solar set-up?

Yes, if you have solar panels set up already, a battery can be integrated at any time.

Can I have more than one battery?

Yes, adding more batteries to your system is possible. Your battery requirements will be dependent on the power you need.

A good installer will ensure the most cost effective panels are part of your system.

How long does installation take?

Adding a battery to an existing set-up typically takes around 3-4 hours. Installing a complete solar system will take one day.

Also, it’s best to think of your system as a way to reduce, rather than eradicate, electricity bills. But, regardless of whether your system is large enough to produce most of your energy needs or not, it is certainly a worthwhile investment.

Even a relatively small, 18 panel system would save a medium sized business (50 - 250 employees) up to £4000 a year at current energy prices.

Where will the battery go?

Solar battery systems are compact and can be wall or ground-mounted. Many households opt to install their battery in the loft. However, it can be stored in other places, such as the garage or under the stairs.

Residential Solar Batteries

If you’d like to store and use power in the evening, a residential solar battery is a great choice to save money and become more eco-friendly. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today to learn more about costings, potential savings, and installation processes.

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Commercial Solar Batteries

Investing in a solar battery for your business can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and slash energy costs. Get in touch to learn more about our commercial solar batteries and how they’ll benefit your bottom line.

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Start Your Solar Journey.

Get in touch with our friendly & knowledgeable team today for a free, no-obligation quote. You’ll quickly see why Solar Fast is the UK’s award-winning choice for solar panel installation!