Battery storage allows you to store electricity – it’s that simple! While solar panels generate energy during the day, battery storage allows you to harness that power even when the sun isn’t shining. The excess energy generated from your PV system can be stored in your battery, enabling you to use this power in peak usage hours or during times of power outages. There are also several tariffs currently available which enable you, the customer, to import cheaper electricity at certain times throughout the day by forcing a charge from the grid.
But with so many battery sizes and manufacturers available, choosing the right one can be daunting. Of course, GB Solar will always advise and recommend the right system based on your needs and usage. But this blog post will also give you a sound overview and direction when considering the perfect battery storage solution for your needs.
Here we outline the key information to consider when considering battery storage for your home…
How much energy do you use?
The critical first step is to assess your daily electricity consumption. GB Solar will take a look at your utility bill when designing a proposal for you – it gives us a sound idea of your usage and enables us to design a system that is right for you. You will find your home’s consumption data on your electricity bill, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To get an accurate figure, divide your monthly kWh usage by the number of days in the billing cycle to get an estimate of your daily consumption.
Battery Capacity vs Daily Needs
Knowing your daily usage helps determine the minimum battery capacity you’ll need. In order to gain the most efficiency, your home battery should be able to store enough energy to cover your night time and evening electricity needs. Think about which appliances your home runs at in the evening (particularly for family homes) – TV, gaming consoles, dishwasher, microwaves, kettles, oven, shower etc. GB Solar would always recommend a battery with a capacity at least twice your daily usage. This provides a buffer for unexpected surges or cloudy days.
Matching Your Battery to Solar Panels
Of course, it’s also vital to consider the capacity of your PV System alongside your battery storage. Your solar panels need to generate enough power to recharge your battery on a daily basis. GB Solar can handle this – we would always recommend a battery size equivalent to your PV array to ensure optimal energy storage.
Battery Budgeting
As with all home projects, you will have a budget in mind. With so many manufacturer’s offering battery storages systems and with varying prices, it can seem a minefield when deciding which product to go for. Is it wise to look at something a fits your basic needs, or pushing the boat out and choosing modular units that offer a bigger kick, for example built in inverters? A good home battery is an investment. We can happily talk you through the different options on the market, with your budget in mind at all times.
Looking to the future
Do you anticipate an increase in your electricity consumption in the coming years? Is your family growing, or your energy usage due to expand with modifications to your home (e.g. underfloor heating or maybe a new hot tub?) Opting for a larger battery capacity provides room for future growth, and also minimizes installation time with the need to re-visit at a later date. But it is worthy to note, additional batteries can be retrofitted at any time,
Going off-grid?
If you plan to completely disconnect from the grid, you’ll need to factor in several factors including seasonal variations in sunlight. Therefore, your battery storage needs will be significantly higher, especially in the winter months. For off-grid systems, we would recommend a battery capacity that can store double your highest daily electricity consumption.
GB Solar Ltd can help you assess your energy consumption, determine your ideal battery storage size, and design a PV System that perfectly meets your needs. Contact us to discuss – we are always happy to chat!