Investing in solar panels is an environmentally-friendly way to generate electricity, but what do you do with all that energy once it's been produced? Battery storage for solar panel systems are a good option to store excess energy from your solar panels and get the most out of your system.
Understand your energy needs.
Knowing your energy needs is key to making sure that you have the right size battery storage system for your solar panels. It makes sense to estimate how much electricity you need and use this to determine the capacity of the batteries you’ll need before purchasing, in order to ensure that they store enough energy for what you intend to use them for. We always advise that it can be beneficial to future-proof your battery storage system by setting it up in a way that allows for additional expansion in storage power.
Look into different types of batteries.
There are several different types of batteries available to store solar energy, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Lead-acid batteries are the most common and have a long lifespan but require frequent maintenance. Sealed Lead-acid batteries are another version that require very minimal maintenance, Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and safe but more expensive, while rechargeable flow batteries have a large storage capacity but also come at slightly higher price. Research which type of battery best meets your needs and suits your specific price tag.
Determine the right size and capacity of your battery storage for solar panels system.
The size and capacity of your battery storage for solar panel system should depend on the amount of energy you expect to use. Solar batteries are typically rated in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which measures the total amount of electricity stored. To determine how much energy your solar panel system generates, multiply its wattage by the number of hours it generates sun each day. Once you have that figure, multiply it by the number of days or weeks for which you want to store energy to determine the size and capacity of your battery storage system. You will also want to take into consideration what will be using the system to determine what is the correct storage size for you.
Evaluate battery storage for solar panels system installation options.
Once you have identified the size of your home battery storage for solar panels system, it’s time to evaluate your installation options. Battery storage can be installed either inside or outside of the home, depending on your needs and preferences. Be sure to take into account the size of the area where you plan to install your batteries, as well as any potential restrictions on how close they must be to other appliances or areas in your home. Ensure that you research any regulations related to installing a battery storage system before attempting to do so yourself.
We have team that does installations that can be visited by going to callidus.co.uk
Battery Storage For Solar Panels FAQ
Are solar panels with battery storage worth it?
Battery storage from solar panels can be a worthwhile investment if you’re trying to store energy to use at evening, night or a later date. If your solar panels can produce enough energy and your batteries have a large enough storage capacity it can be possible to run your house entirely on renewable energy.
Can I add battery storage to my solar system?
A common question we get asked is can I add battery storage to my existing solar panel system and the answer is, yes. The specific setup you will need is entirely dependent on your existing solar panel system, how much storage you need and roughly what you intend to power with it. Adding batteries to compliment your existing solar system helps you get the most out of your system but storing anything extra rather than sending it back to the grid.
What is the best battery for solar storage?
What is the best battery storage from solar panels? Different batteries have different pro’s and con’s and this will differ based on your individual circumstances and needs. Our install team’s advice is to use deep cell batteries which are designed to handle the regular deep discharges that happen with a solar PV system. The one’s our install team uses are sealed lead acid batteries. They have a good storage capacity, require minimal maintenance (referred to by some as “maintenance free”) and only cost slightly more.
How much battery storage does a solar PV system need?
Home battery storage for solar panels come in a range of sizes usually rated in kWh. It is best to work out your individual needs and build a storage solution that matches those needs. However our systems range from 4.8 kWh to larger systems of 18.4 kWh.
Can I charge my battery storage for solar panels system from the grid?
Yes. An example of when you might want to do this is if you have an electricity tariff that offers a better price at night or “off-peak”. You may want to charge your batteries during the off peak when the rate is cheaper to be used during peak hours when the rate is higher.
Is solar battery storage expandable? (I want to add additional capacity later)
Yes. Battery storage for solar panels are expandable. It’s possible to connect more batteries to your system later on if you wish.