Battery Storage Systems for Homes

Previously, battery storage systems for domestic properties were thought of as being too expensive and the technology too primitive to be thought of as a realistic financial investment for homeowners. However, with the advances in battery technology and the mass production of batteries produced for car manufacturers it is now reasonable to consider installing a battery in your home, particularly with a Solar PV system. 

The installation of a battery along with a solar PV system can increase savings from around 25% to 35% to between 65% and 85% and in some instances our customers are effectively self sufficient 

How it works

Our experience in the field of Solar PV installations and our MCS accreditation has allowed us to adapt to the growing domestic battery storage market. We have developed an effective system installation allowing us to design and install systems that work for our customers, giving them flexibility and much cheaper energy costs with realistic payback periods. We carry out installations on new PV systems and existing systems meaning that even if you have an existing system you can still benefit from a battery storage system. 

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Technology

Batteries themselves are relatively old tech, with the first rechargeable Li-ion batteries produced in the 1970s. However, large scale production and larger capacity batteries have only become commercially viable in the domestic market since 2021 and since energy price began to rise sharply. The batteries themselves store DC energy, much like that produced by solar panels. An inverter is used to convert the DC stored energy into AC energy that can be used in homes, recent developments in inverter technology mean there are very little energy losses during the conversion from DC to AC. Further developments in the coming years will potentially mean different battery types, higher storage capacities and more efficient storage making it a technology for the future.
The life span of li-ion batteries can depend and it is often measured in charge and discharge cycles. Generally, if kept in good condition, a battery storage system should last for 10 years with only 20% degradation in capacity. This means that a 10kW battery will potentially store 10kW when installed and after a 10 year period store potentially 8kW. This is due to the effects of charging and discharging the battery, much like the battery in a smart phone or laptop degrades over time. The good news is that you can prolong the life of the battery depending on how you use it, for example by keeping it charged between 20% and 80% for a lot of the time, making sure the battery is never fully discharged etc. Furthermore Li-ion batteries are recyclable at the end of their life meaning that when a new one is required the old one can be fully recycled.

The benefits of battery storage

Increasing your savings when paired with a solar PV system

Reduce the effect of changing and rising energy prices

Lower payback period for your solar PV system

Developing technology means its getting better all the time

No VAT on installation

App control to make use of flexible electricity tariffs

Our process

Consult

From your initial enquiry we will carry out a consolation or site survey to determine what you want or need from a solar PV system. From there we can produce a proposal along with a detailed breakdown of what your system will provide for you and how it should work including carbon savings and any savings on energy bills

Applications 

If you wish to proceed with an install we then get to work on all the admin, the applications to the DNO and any further design work required. Then the scaffold goes up ready for install.

Install

Installations typically take 2 to 3 days to complete depending on the complexity of the system and whether you have an integrated battery storage system. During the install we try and minimised disruption and ensure you have power for as long as possible before having to switch it off briefly to connect the system to the grid. Most installations take place 4 to 6 weeks from your order being placed.

Handover

Once complete, we test and commission the system before getting the scaffolding removed. We then produce a handover pack containing the details of the system and your MCS certificate as well as notify the DNO letting them know the system has been commissioned. After sales support includes a monitoring package which allows us to monitor the system remotely to check operation, the system also notifies us of any errors or faults that may occur.

Battery storage myths

Battery storage is not efficient.

Battery storage systems have become increasingly efficient in recent years. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in energy storage applications, have high round-trip efficiency, typically ranging from 85% to 95%. This means that they can store and release energy with relatively minimal losses.

Battery storage is not cost-effective.

While battery storage systems can be a significant investment upfront, their costs have been steadily declining. This is largely due to advancements in battery technology, economies of scale, and increased manufacturing efficiency. As the demand for batteries grows, prices are expected to continue dropping, making them more cost-effective over time.

Battery storage is not reliable.

Battery storage systems are designed to provide reliable backup power or to store excess energy generated from renewable sources. They can be integrated with smart control systems to ensure a steady and stable power supply. Additionally, battery systems can be interconnected to create larger storage capacity, further enhancing reliability.

Battery storage is bad for the environment.

While it's true that battery manufacturing and disposal can have environmental impacts, modern battery technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, are relatively eco-friendly compared to older battery chemistries. Additionally, the environmental benefits of battery storage outweigh the impacts when used for renewable energy integration, reducing reliance on fossil fuel power plants and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Battery storage is only suitable for short-term applications.

Battery storage systems are capable of providing both short-term and long-term energy storage solutions. Short-term applications include load shifting, peak shaving, and grid stabilization, while long-term applications involve storing renewable energy for later use during periods of low generation. With proper system design and sizing, battery storage can effectively serve a wide range of applications.

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