How it works
What is solar battery storage and how does it work?
Solar battery storage is a huge step towards energy independence. It gives you the ability to store up electricity to use in your home when you really need it.
For example, you could store electricity generated via your solar panels during the day to use at night. If you haven’t got a battery, the electricity you don’t use during the day would be wasted – although you could sell it back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
With a battery, the electricity you don’t use will be stored in the battery, ready to use in the evening when your solar panels aren’t generating.
We offer a solar battery as part of a solar system package or you can opt to add a battery at a later stage.
1 : When the sun is shining, your solar PV panels will start generating electricity into your “Inverter”, this is the heart of the whole system.
2 : The electricity being generated will prioritise your “Home Load” first (e.g lighting, fridge, freezer, TV etc) typically 300w-500w continues.
3 : Once your home load has been taken care of, the remaining generated electricity is then used to charge your battery storage!
4 : Once your batteries are fully charged you have two further options, send the remaining energy to heat up a hot water cylinder if you have one, and/or start selling the remaining electricity back to your energy provider.
5 : The best part!.. Once the sun stops shining, it’s time for the battery to take centre stage. The system automatically recognises there is no longer any electricity being generated from the sun and will start drawing energy from the battery storage to run your home.
The length of time your battery storage system will last for can vary considerably depending on your power usage. On average a 10kw battery storage system would be able to power an average 3 bed UK home for 1 day, assuming the power consumption isn’t excessive.
What if there’s no sun?
During the winter months in the UK we find there are insufficient sunlight hours to fully charge the batteries, but fear not there are still great savings to be made with your battery storage system.
Most electricity distribution network operators offer an “Off-Peak tariff”. The cost of electricity at off-peak times (usually between 1am – 5am) can be significantly lower, and when there is a lack of sun using an Off-peak tariff to charge your batteries is the second best option. Simply charge your batteries during the overnight tariff rate, then use the stored energy throughout the day!
What happens during a power cut?
Ever been in the middle of something important and the power cuts out? Not any more, in the event of a power cut the battery storage will automatically continue to supply your home with its “essential load power”, so your lighting / security systems / plug sockets will remain on even during a complete blackout!
How long does it take to install?
On average, a Solar PV and battery storage system takes around 4-6 working days to install from start to finish. Scaffolding will need to be erected in order for us to access your roof.
How much will it cost me?
Every installation is different, and each customer has different requirements. On average a typical 10x panel and 5kw battery storage system can start from as low as £11,000 supply & fit.
Blue Electric Contractors complete an in-depth survey of your property prior to producing a proposal, this ensures the quotation provided is accurate and there are no hidden costs when it comes to installation.
Please contact us for your FREE solar PV & battery storage proposal.
Further questions?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions regarding solar PV & battery storage, our dedicated team of solar panel and battery storage experts will provide information and advice to help you choose the right system for you.
