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The rising demand for clean energy has seen a surge in renewable energy sources and ways to efficiently use it. Homes and businesses all over the UK are investing in solar panels or wind turbines and are integrating them with battery storage systems for more flexibility, control, and savings.
Sustainable living has become a common topic of discussion, and chances are that you may have considered getting a battery storage system as well. With the potential of reduced carbon emissions, energy independence, and great cost savings, why wouldn’t you?
Read on for our detailed guide on battery storage systems, why you should consider getting one, choosing the best one for your energy storage needs, and everything else a beginner would want to know before investing in one:
Battery storage systems, also called battery energy storage systems (BESS), have become a cornerstone of sustainable living due to their numerous benefits. They are energy storage systems that store excess, unused energy to be used later when the need arises.
Their popularity has increased in recent years due to their ability to integrate with renewable energy sources and help property owners become more energy independent. When used with solar panels and wind turbines, both of which have seen a surge in the UK as part of the country’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, battery storage systems improve the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Both solar and wind power are incredible energy sources that produce clean energy to power homes and businesses. However, their intermittent nature makes them less reliable as a constant source of electricity. Solar panels can work efficiently only when there is ample sunlight and wind turbines need a strong wind to power them. Solar panels cease to produce sufficient electricity during cloudy or rainy days and completely stop working after sundown. Similarly, wind turbines do not work on days that aren’t windy.
Battery storage systems, with their ability to harness energy from solar panels and wind turbines and use it later, make them a key player in renewable energy generation. They allow the excess clean energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines during high productivity hours to be used at times when the panels and turbines are not working. This helps property owners overcome the inconsistencies of solar and wind power and ensure that a steady supply of electricity is supplied to the property throughout the day and night.
By efficiently storing the energy produced by renewable sources and then using them when the need arises, property owners can rely less on the grid and, in some cases, may go completely off the grid. This level of energy independence gives homeowners and businesses more control in terms of how and when they use the energy generated by their solar panels or wind turbines, how they can save money on their energy use, and the ability to power their properties with clean energy even at times when the renewable sources are not generating energy.
Battery storage can also be used for storing electricity from the grid, such as during off-peak hours, to avail cheaper electricity that is more easily available. This is a great strategy for reducing your energy bills and can lead to substantial savings over time. It also helps minimise strain on the grid during high-demand hours and the stored energy can even be used as a backup source during emergencies, such as during a power outage.
From cost savings to backup power, less dependence on the grid, and environment-friendliness, battery storage systems are becoming a highly sought-after commodity with homeowners and businesses all over the UK investing in them. They are a great solution for energy efficiency, and having them installed on your property, especially with a solar or wind system, increases the value of the property and its saleability.
As discussed, battery storage systems are great storage solutions that allow homes and businesses to be energy-independent and environmentally responsible, along with offering great cost savings. However, to reap all these benefits and to optimise energy generation and use, the choice of the battery storage system is crucial.
With several types and configurations of battery storage systems available in the market, it may be a bit overwhelming to make the right choice for your property. There are a few important things to consider to select the appropriate energy storage system for your needs and to make the process easier.
Some of the most popular types of battery storage technologies include:
Lithium-ion batteries are a leading choice for battery storage systems due to their high energy density, long lifecycle, and efficiency. Their versatility and continuous research and development make them popular in residential as well as commercial properties, and their compact size and ability to store large amounts of energy make them well-suited to applications with limited space.
Lead-acid batteries are another popular type of battery that has been used for decades in energy storage systems. They are a tried and tested technology that is less expensive than other battery options and has a proper recycling system. However, they have a lower energy density and a shorter cycle life, which makes them less popular than lithium-ion batteries.
Flow batteries are a relatively new energy storage technology that offers unique advantages. They are a scalable and long-lasting storage option that, unlike conventional batteries, uses a liquid-based energy storage method. Their scalability makes them a great choice for large-scale applications such as grid storage, but they are now also being used for residential use. However, since they are still in the early stages of development, they have a high upfront cost.
Some other battery storage options include Sodium-Sulfur batteries, Nickel-Cadmium batteries, Zinc-Bromine batteries, and solid-state batteries. The technology for energy storage is developing at a fast pace with new and better options coming into the market for the highest level of efficiency.
When choosing the right battery storage solution for your property, you need to start by assessing your energy needs. You need to pay close attention to certain terms that determine the amount of energy stored in the batteries and the performance of the system.
The capacity of a battery storage system is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and determines the amount of energy the battery can store. Power is measured in kilowatts (kW) and indicates the level of energy the battery can provide. The two need to be aligned according to your property’s needs and must meet your current energy requirements. The capacity of some batteries can be scaled to accommodate your evolving energy needs and is a great feature to make sure your investment remains viable as your energy requirements change.
Depth of Discharge (DoD) is a term used to define the percentage of the battery’s capacity used relative to its total capacity. In simple words, it refers to the percentage of the battery’s total capacity before it needs to be recharged. A higher DoD means that you can use more of the battery’s stored energy before recharging it, and it relates to the increased efficiency of the batteries and an extended lifespan.
The battery’s charging speed refers to the total time it takes to recharge the battery after every use. If your energy needs are high and you need to recharge your battery more frequently, a fast-charging battery would be best suited to your requirements. Round-trip efficiency, on the other hand, refers to the amount of energy stored in the battery to be used later. It indicates the amount of energy lost during charging and discharging, with a higher round-trip efficiency meaning less energy lost during the process. While no battery is 100% efficient, always go for batteries with a higher round-trip efficiency to minimise energy wastage.
Other than the above-mentioned terms and metrics, you need to find a battery storage solution that meets your budgetary requirements. Since battery storage systems are still a developing technology, they have a relatively higher upfront cost. There is the cost of the battery system itself, professional installation, permits, warranty, and maintenance costs to consider.
However, it is important to consider these costs as an investment that brings long-term savings as well as potential ROI with their efficiency and durability. Battery storage systems can help you save money on your electricity bills and can lead to substantial savings over time.
Another very crucial factor to consider when choosing the right battery storage system is safety and the environmental impact these systems can have. Safety is a key factor, especially when installing battery systems in homes and other residential properties. Consider investing in systems with safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit prevention, temperature regulation, and fire safety.
Also, keep in mind the environmental impact of battery systems and go for options with minimal hazardous emissions and a proper recycling system to reduce carbon emissions during production as well as usage of the system.
Last, but certainly not least, if you wish to integrate your battery storage system into your current PV (photovoltaic) panels or wind installation, make sure it is compatible with both the energy system as well as the inverter. A few key factors to keep in mind include the voltage of the systems, the power output, the inverter type, the charge controller type, and battery chemistry.
There are several components of a battery storage system which include a battery system, inverter, battery management system, environmental controls, sensors, alarms, and a fire suppressant system. Each component needs to be installed correctly by a certified professional who understands all the safety regulations and requirements, as incorrect installation can pose serious safety threats in the form of electrical shocks, burns, fires, and explosions.
The systems can be floor-standing or mounted on a wall, and they can be placed either indoors or outdoors depending on proper ventilation and the available space. For outdoor installation, the systems need to be weatherproof and be able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heat, moisture, rain, and snow. It is best to discuss these key installation points with your certified electrician to get a professional opinion based on your particular requirements.
Professional battery storage installation typically includes the following steps:
Battery storage systems can be used as a primary power source and as a backup source in case of emergencies because of which they require regular maintenance. Different types of batteries have different maintenance needs, with some options being more high maintenance than others. Regardless, all battery types need to be serviced regularly by professionals to keep the batteries running at maximum capacity and efficiency.
The biggest benefit of regular maintenance is that these checks help identify potential issues before they turn into actual problems that can affect the system’s safety, reliability, and performance. It also helps extend the battery’s life and makes it a more profitable investment for property owners.
Batteries may need replacement every few years, and if your current battery is near the end of its life cycle, the maintenance team can simply inform you of your options and help you choose the best replacement for your system.
Calder Electrical Services provides a wide range of solutions to help you play your part in making the world a more sustainable place.
If you wish to have solar panels installed on your residential or commercial property, our experts can conduct a site visit to determine your requirements and propose the best type of solar system for your needs.
We also offer battery storage installation so that you can minimise any wastage of the energy you create. This will help lower your energy bills and make you more independent from the grid.
We have been providing electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties for over 40 years and are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance, and testing.
All our work is fully insured and meets the current regulations and standards set by the NICEIC. Also, all the notifiable work is signed off by the local authorities.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 3001 to get in touch with our professional electricians for more information on battery storage systems.
