What size are solar batteries?

Solar batteries come in many sizes. The storage capacity of the battery generally correlates with its size.

How many solar batteries will I need?

Knowledge of your energy requirements and consideration of storage limits and maximum power outputs will inform how many batteries you need to be added to your configuration.

Where can the battery be placed?

The best location for solar batteries is in a garage space, however, given that many people do not have access to a garage, AW Electrics also install batteries in loft spaces. Smaller systems can be wall mounted, whilst larger systems sit on the floor.

How long do solar batteries last?

Just like your phone’s battery, your solar battery will charge and drain in cycles, which eventually means they wear out. The lifespan of a solar battery is between 5 to 15 years, with the battery often running at a somewhat lowered capacity for the last five years. You’ll often find they come with a 10 year warranty.

What are the advantages of having a solar battery?

YThere are many advantages to installing solar panel batteries, also called energy storage systems, or home energy batteries. • Solar panels produce electricity, but this energy must be used straight away, or it is lost. Solar batteries charge during daylight hours and store excess electricity your panels produce. When solar panels stop generating electricity, the charged batteries discharge energy. This means you can continue to use your renewable, clean energy during non-daylight hours, maximising the quantity of green energy you use, and reducing the amount of electricity you use from the grid. • If you have excess stored energy, there are options to sell this back to the grid, making more money • Solar battery systems are especially important if you are often at home more in the early morning and evenings, as you will likely use more electricity during non daylight hours. Battery storage allows you to manage your home energy use more effectively. For example, if you own an electric vehicle, you will most likely wish to charge your vehicle overnight, making a solar battery a necessary investment • Solar panels work on cloudy days, however, they are not as effective. As the UK is not particularly renowned as a sunny country, solar battery storage increases the advantages from your solar panels whatever the weather • When your panels stop generating power after the sun goes down, your battery system will seamlessly begin discharging. You don’t have to monitor the change over or take any action • Sealed batteries do not require regular maintenance servicing; the initial cost is often the only cost associated with them • Relying more on your solar energy and less on the grid may help reduce the current worries of upcoming energy price increases https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/aug/09/uk-energy-bills-forecast-to-hit-4266-from-january • Reducing your reliance on non green, finite fuels is another huge advantage of fitting solar batteries. Storing green, renewable energy to use after daylight hours lessens the requirement to access electricity from the grid, which lowers your carbon footprint

Published on Thursday March 16, 2023

Author: AW Electrics

Understanding Your Options for Solar Panels With Battery Storage

Are you looking to invest in solar energy? Are you unsure of what the right solar power system would be for you?

At AW Electrics we appreciate that understanding solar panel and battery storage options can be overwhelming.

To simplify things, we have created this comprehensive guide to help you get to know your solar panel and battery storage options and learn how to maximize efficiency for maximum savings!

Step One – Determine Your Energy Needs

Before you begin shopping around for solar panels and battery storage, it’s important to determine your energy needs. First, calculate the total watt-hours required per day from the watts of appliances used daily.

Then, add up the estimated watt-hours from all sources over a given period of time. This will give you an idea of how much energy you need and make it easier to choose an appropriate solar panel and battery solution.

Step Two – Understand Battery Storage Options

Battery storage is an important part of any solar panel setup. It helps store the energy you collect during the day and use it at night or on cloudy days.

Knowing which batteries to pick can be difficult, so it’s important to understand your options first.

Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most popular choice, due to their long lifespan, high capacity, and excellent efficiency.

Once you know what type of battery you need, compare different models in terms of capacity and energy output.

Step Three – Consider the Tax Incentives

In March 2022, the government announced 0% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the installation of specific Energy Saving Materials (ESM), including solar PV panels until 2027.

Battery storage is also eligible for 0% VAT when bought at the same time as your panels. If you decide against a battery, then change your mind later down the line, you will pay 20% VAT on a battery for a retrospect fit.

Step Four – Choose the Location for Your Battery

Solar batteries are typically installed in a garage or loft space. For households that do not have these locations as options, other watertight, cool, well ventilated indoor spaces can be considered.

Location factors include:

Accessibility: The area should also be easily accessible for maintenance and monitoring.
Near your solar panels: The battery should be installed as close as possible to your solar panels to reduce the length of the cables required and minimize energy loss during transmission.
In a safe and secure location: The location should also be safe from potential damage, such as flooding or fire.
Away from direct sunlight: Although solar batteries are designed to store energy from the sun, they should be kept away from direct sunlight to avoid overheating and damage to the battery.

How to get the Most Out of Your Panels & Battery

Once you have taken the plunge and committed to the financial and environmental benefits of green, clean solar energy, you’ll want to get the most out of them!

Optimise your solar panel system for the maximum energy output: This can be achieved by installing the panels at the correct angle and direction, keeping them clean, and removing any shading that may affect their performance.
Use energy-efficient appliances: This will reduce your overall energy consumption, which will help to maximise the amount of excess energy that can be stored in the battery.
Plan and monitor your energy usage: Keep track of your energy usage to identify any patterns or trends and adjust your usage habits to reduce your overall consumption.
Maintain your battery: Regularly maintain your battery, including cleaning and inspecting it for any signs of damage or wear. This will help to ensure that it operates efficiently and has a longer lifespan.

At AW Electrics, our qualified solar installers ensure that your system is properly installed and configured to meet your specific needs and to maximise its performance.

Want to Know More?
Call AW Electrics today!
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

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Understanding Your Options for Solar Panels With Battery Storage

Step One – Determine Your Energy Needs

Step Two – Understand Battery Storage Options

Step Three – Consider the Tax Incentives

Step Four – Choose the Location for Your Battery

How to get the Most Out of Your Panels & Battery

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Understanding Your Options for Solar Panels With Battery Storage

Step One – Determine Your Energy Needs

Step Two – Understand Battery Storage Options

Step Three – Consider the Tax Incentives

Step Four – Choose the Location for Your Battery

How to get the Most Out of Your Panels & Battery

Search

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