Solar panels are a fantastic start in making the most of renewable energy, but if you really want to maximise the benefits of solar energy, you need to know about solar batteries.
Solar battery storage allows you to store excess solar energy for later use, and is one of the key advantages of solar energy systems. As the sun's energy powers up your solar panels to generate electricity, some of that electricity generated will be stored by state-of-the-art battery technology.
In this blog, we’ll go over the benefits of this revolutionary technology for residential solar energy systems.
Learn more about the environmental benefits of solar, their impact, and why renewable energy is the future.
What Are Solar Batteries?
A solar battery is simply a device that stores energy collected from solar panels. Think of it like a giant rechargeable battery, but instead of plugging it into an electrical outlet, it’s charged by the sun. These batteries store the excess energy produced by your solar panels during the day and save it for later use, especially during the night or cloudy days.
Solar panels work brilliantly as a renewable energy source and there are many solar energy advantages such as cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions the world over. Their energy production leads to lower electricity bills and clean energy for your home or business.
If you have solar panels installed or are considering installing solar panels, upgrading your solar PV system to include a solar battery is the next logical step.
Solar batteries come in various types, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice today (as opposed to lead acid batteries) due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
How Can A Solar Battery Benefit You?
1. Saves You Money
One of the biggest perks of solar batteries is their ability to reduce your energy bills. Instead of letting any excess energy your solar panels generate go to waste, you store it in your solar battery. Then, in the evening or during peak usage times when grid power is more expensive, you tap into your stored energy.
In terms of savings, this is known as “peak hours”, and it helps you avoid high utility rates and ensures you have a steady, cost-effective energy supply all day long.
In general, electricity generated by solar or battery is cheaper, meaning you save money whether you produce electricity for daily use or store energy to sell back using the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows you to sell power back to the power grid as per guidelines set by the UK government.
2. Gives You Energy Independence
Power outages are always a pain, especially when they strike unexpectedly. But with solar batteries, you don’t have to worry about them. When the grid goes down, your energy storage system kicks in, keeping your essential appliances working properly.
Whether it’s your fridge, lights, or even your Wi-Fi router, when you generate electricity and store it, your appliances keep running as if nothing happened thanks to your solar system. This is especially invaluable if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or grid instability!
3. Hassle-Free and Low Maintenance
If you’ve ever dealt with a traditional backup generator, you know it can be a hassle. Fuelling, maintaining, and servicing it can be a real pain. Solar battery systems, on the other hand, offer a far more convenient and low-maintenance solution. Since solar batteries are powered directly by the sun, once the sunlight hits, they are self-sustaining, requiring minimal upkeep once installed but providing all the energy you need.
This is a great benefit, as it means that you don’t need to worry about constant maintenance and operational challenges that may arise when using grid electricity.
4. Better For The Environment
Unlike fossil fuel-powered generators, solar battery systems don’t produce harmful emissions or contribute to air pollution. Solar panels rely on direct sunlight, as the solar cells suck up free energy from the sun's rays, providing direct current electricity.
Standard power plants provide alternating current electricity, which can still be harnessed with a solar inverter.
Among their many advantages, solar panels harness clean, renewable energy from the sun, reducing your home’s carbon footprint and supporting a sustainable future, as well as extra energy generated for later use.
Plus, modern solar batteries are built to last, often having lifespans of 10 years or more, outweighing the initial cost of installing solar panels.
5. Increases Your Property Value
Solar batteries can give your property value a significant boost. In today’s real estate market, homebuyers are increasingly on the lookout for properties equipped with renewable energy and backup power systems. By adding a solar battery system (especially on flat roofs), you make your home more appealing and desirable, potentially leading to a higher selling price.
Studies have shown that homes with solar power and battery storage can command a premium of up to 4.1% compared to similar homes without these features. This added value not only benefits you in the present but also serves as a valuable long-term investment in your home's future. Make solar systems work for you!
6. Noise-Free Operation
One often overlooked benefit of solar batteries is their silent operation. Traditional generators can be loud and disruptive, but a solar panel system runs quietly, ensuring a peaceful living environment for you and your neighbours while you generate energy.
Whether you're trying to work from home, enjoy a quiet evening, or get a good night's sleep, solar power systems provide the reliable power you need without the intrusive noise that can accompany other backup solutions.
7. Easily Adaptable
As your energy needs evolve over time, solar battery systems offer remarkable flexibility and scalability. Whether you’re expanding your home, adding new appliances, or simply adjusting your lifestyle, your solar battery system can easily adapt. Many modern systems from the solar industry are designed with modular components, allowing you to increase your storage capacity seamlessly as how much electricity you need grows.
This adaptability ensures that your solar energy system remains a reliable and efficient solution, no matter how your household’s energy demands change over time.
PHS: Your Partner in Solar Power
If you have solar panels, or are interested in renewable energy solutions, solar batteries are a brilliant investment to consider. Ultimately, the overarching benefit of solar batteries is the sense of reliability and peace of mind they provide.
With a robust, self-sustaining energy system in place, you can rest assured that your home’s power needs will be met, regardless of external factors or grid disruptions.
At PHS, we have a range of the best solar batteries from a variety of known solar battery brands that are renowned for their lasting nature, efficiency and impressive performance. Our solar experts can closely work with you to tailor a solar battery system that works for your home or business.
We couldn’t recommend this clean energy source technology enough - get in touch with us if you have any questions or want to get started!
Learn more about the environmental benefits of solar, their impact, and why renewable energy is the future.