As students, you're likely curious about the latest developments in renewable energy technology. One burning question that often arises in the context of solar panels and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is, "where does the excess energy go, and is it wasted?" Let's dive into this two-fold question and explore the game-changing benefits of solar battery storage systems.
Understanding Excess Energy: If left unattended, excess energy generated by solar panels is fed back into the national grid. However, with the integration of a solar battery storage system, this surplus energy can be harnessed and stored for later use during cloudy days or evenings, maximizing the efficiency of your solar setup.
Why Combine Solar Panels with Battery Storage: While solar panels alone can reduce your energy bills through self-consumption, pairing them with solar battery storage takes your energy independence to the next level. By storing unused electricity gathered during the day, you can fully capitalize on every kilowatt your panels produce, ensuring you make the most of your investment.
Retrofitting Existing Solar PV Systems: For those of you with existing solar panels, the good news is that you can easily retrofit a solar battery storage system to your setup. Whether AC-coupled or DC-coupled, a qualified installer can assess your needs and seamlessly integrate the battery storage solution into your current solar PV system.
Is It Worth the Investment? With around 10,000 homes in the UK already benefiting from solar storage systems, the question of whether it's worth the expense is crucial. While costs vary, a survey conducted by Which? revealed that nearly 75% of 119 solar battery owners reported saving money with their systems. Considered a sound investment, choosing the right setup tailored to your needs is essential, and consulting with a battery storage specialist can guide you in making an informed decision.
Installation Possibilities: Wondering where you can install a solar battery storage system? The flexibility of these systems allows for installation in various spaces, be it indoors or outdoors, attached to a wall, or positioned on the ground. This adaptability ensures that you can find a suitable location for your solar battery storage system based on your specific requirements.
As aspiring electrical professionals, staying informed about advancements in renewable energy is crucial. The integration of solar panels with battery storage systems presents a compelling solution to optimize energy usage and reduce reliance on the grid. Whether you're considering retrofitting an existing solar PV system or evaluating the worth of the investment, exploring solar battery storage opens up new avenues for sustainable energy practices.
For home use, for instance, the ideal placement would be in a hall cupboard, an understairs cupboard, or a utility room. Viable alternatives would be a garage or loft.