Best Solar Battery Storage Systems In Essex, UK
Use stored energy to power
your home during an outage
Recharge with clean energy
when paired with solar
Keep appliances running
with little interruption
A solar battery is like a smart energy-saving box for your solar panels. It stores the extra electricity they make, so you can use or even sell it later. Without a solar battery, about half of the electricity your solar panels generate might go to waste when no one is using power at home. But with solar battery storage, you can keep and use all that extra energy whenever you need it.
Our cutting-edge solar battery storage solutions revolutionise the way you utilize the electricity generated by your solar panels. With conventional systems, nearly half of the energy produced goes unused when no one is actively consuming power. However, with Solar Steve’s innovative solar battery technology, you can now capture and store this excess energy, ensuring that none of your valuable solar power goes to waste. Experience efficiency, sustainability, and independence like never before with Solar Steve Limited’s Solar Battery Storage services.
Store solar energy to save money.
Unlock off peak energy storage.
Modular design to match your needs.
Intuitive portal for monitoring.
Protection against power cuts.
How Does A Solar Battery Storage Work?
A solar battery storage system functions as an auxiliary storage unit for surplus energy generated through solar panels. When sunlight interacts with the solar panels, it is initially converted into direct current (DC) electricity, subsequently transformed into alternating current (AC) electricity to power residential homes. In the event that the home is adequately powered, any excess solar energy is redirected to charge the battery, analogous to the charging process of electronic devices.
Consumers can opt for either a lead acid battery or a lithium-ion model, with the latter offering advantages such as faster charging times and increased capacity. Following sunset, when solar panels cease energy production, the solar battery storage system seamlessly takes over, supplying accumulated energy to meet household requirements. This transition occurs automatically, eliminating the need for constant system monitoring.
Given the misalignment between the sun’s presence in the sky and typical household energy consumption patterns, a solar battery addresses this discrepancy by storing excess energy for later use. It is imperative to ensure the inclusion of a solar charge controller within the system to prevent overcharging and the potential flow of current in reverse.
Lead acid Vs Lithium-ion
There are two main types of lead acid batteries: flooded and sealed.
Flooded lead acid batteries generally have a longer lifespan compared to sealed ones, lasting around 5-7 years as opposed to 3-5 years. However, they require more maintenance. If you’re aiming for the most cost-effective solar energy storage system, the flooded lead acid battery is the preferred choice.
On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries represent the pricier option for solar battery storage. Despite the higher cost, they offer several advantages, including a more compact size (approximately half that of a lead acid battery) and a typical lifespan exceeding 10 years. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries boast higher efficiency, faster charging capabilities, and significantly greater capacity. Opting for a lithium-ion battery ensures you receive value for your investment.
AC Vs DC
When installing a solar battery storage system simultaneously with solar panels, it's advisable to choose a DC (direct current) battery. This type directly connects to the panels without the need for an additional inverter. In the case where you already have solar panels in place, opting for an AC (alternating current) battery is the preferred option. Retrofitting to an existing system is more straightforward, as it connects through the electricity metre, but it does require an additional inverter. Professional assistance is crucial when selecting and installing a solar battery storage system. Ensure that your chosen installer possesses the expertise and professionalism necessary for the task.
Solar Battery Storage Price
Presently, solar batteries with the highest popularity typically fall within the price range of £4,700 to £14,800. The variations in cost stem from factors like capacity, battery type, and chemical composition. While there have been some fluctuations in pricing, the overall trend for cost of solar battery storage indicates a decrease. This mirrors the scenario observed during the early days of photovoltaic systems. As technology advances and solar batteries gain more widespread adoption, costs are expected to naturally decline. Hence, the current prices are anticipated to see further reductions in the future.
Solar Steve For Your Home & Businesses
Enjoy seamless integration of renewable energy into your home with Solar Steve Limited. The solar battery storage systems in our range capture and store excess energy from your solar panel system or wind turbine, ready to be used when you need it. Our intelligent energy storage systems can help businesses manage their energy consumption more effectively, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.
Our team of UK energy experts are here to help. Contact us to learn how to customise your personal storage solution using Solar Steve Limited.
FAQs For Solar Battery Storage
The average three-bedroom household will save £669 per year with a solar battery storage. This is 30% more money than the same household would save with solar panels alone. However, the initial cost of a solar battery – £4,500, on average – means you’ll end up saving less than you would if you just bought solar panels.
The average three-bedroom household needs an 8 kWh solar battery. If you live in a house with one or two bedrooms, you’ll likely need a battery with 2-4 kWh of capacity. And if your household has four or five bedrooms, start by looking at 9.5 kWh solar batteries.
Solar batteries usually last for 15 years and come with a 10-year warranty – though their capacity might decline in their later years. They have to perform repetitive, daily charging and draining cycles, and just like your phone’s battery, this eventually wears them out. If you buy a top-quality model, the chances are higher that it’ll last beyond its 10-year warranty.
Depth of Discharge (DoD) is a measure of the maximum amount of a battery’s capacity you should ideally use. For example, if you own a battery with a total capacity of 10 kWh and a maximum DoD of 85%, you should only use a maximum of 8.5 kWh. Although you may be able to use more, if you repeatedly do so it’ll wear away the battery much more quickly. Thankfully, technological advances are continually increasing the lifespan and performance of solar batteries, which means they’ll only improve.
Lithium-ion batteries are the best choice for a home with solar panels.
They’re more efficient, faster at charging up, and come with more capacity than lead acid batteries, as well as lasting for 10-15 years – about twice as long. They’re also more expensive, but they’re worth it.