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Are you thinking about installing a battery storage system in your home or business? Here is a list of the top questions you probably need an answer to in order to make an informed decision about one for your needs and how it can benefit you:
The main purpose of a battery storage system is to store energy to be used later. This energy can come from different sources such as the grid, solar panels, or wind turbines, which the battery storage system stores in the form of chemical energy and releases in the form of electricity to be used to power electrical systems and appliances.
There are several components of a battery storage system which include a battery system, an inverter, a battery management system, environmental controls, sensors, alarms, and a fire suppressant system. All these components work together to direct energy from other sources and store it efficiently in the system.
Charging and discharging are two of the main processes managed by the system which are made more efficient with the use of advanced algorithms and intelligent controls. This enables better control and coordination when it comes to energy storage and to maximise the system’s benefits.
Battery storage systems come in a variety of types and configurations and there are several options to choose from based on your energy storage needs and a few other factors. Some of the most popular types of battery storage technologies include:
Lithium-ion batteries are a leading choice for battery storage systems due to the several benefits that they offer. They have a high energy density, a long lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, and a high level of efficiency of about 90-95%. Their versatility and continuous research and development make them popular in residential as well as commercial properties.
Lithium-ion batteries work by shifting lithium ions between a cathode and an anode during the charging and discharging cycles. Their compact size and ability to store large amounts of energy make them well-suited to applications with limited space.
In terms of drawbacks, lithium-ion batteries are extremely reactive and are susceptible to overheating. This turns them into a fire hazard, especially if placed in extreme temperatures. Very high temperatures can speed up the battery’s electrochemistry, while extremely low temperatures can slow it down.
Lithium-ion batteries are also not the best option when it comes to environmental friendliness. The extraction of raw materials used to make lithium-ion batteries leads to toxic waste and adversely impacts the environment. Safe disposal and recycling are also an issue with there currently being no proper recycling process to recover the raw materials in an ideal manner.
Lead-acid batteries are another popular battery type that predates lithium-ion batteries by decades. They are a reliable and inexpensive option for energy storage making them great for applications where budget is an issue.
They are also a better option when it comes to eco-friendliness since they have a proper recycling system where more than 90% of their raw materials are recovered. Also, unlike lithium-ion batteries, none of their active components are flammable, making them a much safer option.
Lead-acid batteries, however, have a lower depth of discharge, low energy density, and a shorter lifespan of only 3 to 5 years. They are also more high maintenance and require regular servicing to ensure good performance and longevity. This includes checking their electrolyte levels and cleaning the terminals.
Battery storage systems are becoming an increasingly popular commodity all over the world, and all for good reason. The UK alone has seen a surge in the use of battery storage systems with homeowners as well as businesses investing in them.
Battery storage systems give you more control over how you store and use energy and can be a great way to become energy-independent and reduce your reliance on the grid. They can store energy from different sources such as the grid or renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.
When used with energy sourced from the grid, they can store electricity during off-peak hours when supply is high to avail cheaper energy. This excess stored energy can then be used later during peak demand hours or can be sent back to the grid to earn extra revenue with net metering under the Smart Exports Guarantee (SEG).
When integrated with solar panels or wind turbines, battery storage systems can help overcome their intermittent nature and maximise their potential. The excess energy produced when the sun is shining (for solar panels) or when the wind is blowing (for wind turbines) can be efficiently stored and used when the weather or time of day is not favourable in terms of energy generation.
Battery storage can also be used as a backup power source in times when the grid is unable to meet demand or there is an unexpected power outage due to increased strain on the grid or environmental factors. These systems are perfect to use in such situations and are a great alternative to traditional backup generators that use fossil fuels.
Battery storage systems can also lead to great cost savings if they are used smartly. You can save on your energy bills by drawing power from the grid during off-peak hours and using the stored energy during peak demand hours when the electricity rates are the highest.
Last, but not least, since battery storage systems are so in demand these days, having them installed in your property increases its value. With steps being taken all over the country to reach net zero emissions by 2050, energy-efficient and environment-friendly systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems all are lucrative assets to own and can boost your property’s value in the real estate market.
The cost of battery storage systems ranges from £3,500 to £10,000 which of course is influenced by several factors. The size and capacity of the battery are the main determinants of the total cost. Here is a breakdown of the cost, with and without solar panel integration:
Cost savings is one of the benefits of installing a battery storage system on your property. By combining the batteries with solar panels or wind turbines, the cost savings can be increased even further. The total amount of savings depends on several factors such as the type and size of the battery, your energy consumption, and the energy rates.
Battery storage systems can help you cut costs by maximising the use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on the grid during peak hours. Exporting excess stored energy through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a great way to save some money using your battery storage system.
According to estimates, powering your property with a solar panel can cut down your electricity bills by 50%, while combining solar panels with a battery storage system can reduce them by around 70 to 80%. Some systems may even go up to 85%!
An average small home in the UK with an energy consumption of 1,800 kWh/year and a standalone 5-kWh battery storage system could save around £280 per year on their energy bills by charging their battery during off-peak hours and using it during peak hours, considering that their peak electricity tariff is 24.5p/kWh and the off-peak tariff is 9p/kWh.
Battery storage installation is a task best left to the professionals. Make sure you hire someone who has the required certification and licensing to work with battery storage systems and can carry out the task keeping in mind all the safety standards. Typically, a professional solar panel installer, like the ones at Calder Electrical, can install all and any type of battery storage system with ease.
The battery storage system installation process includes a professional consultation and site assessment, followed by a detailed plan that consists of all the system specifications and requirements. The installation is then carried out with expert-level care and precision and the battery storage system is seamlessly integrated with the existing energy infrastructure for optimal performance and efficiency.
To ensure that the system is working as expected, thorough testing is carried out and, if necessary, any optimisations are done to increase efficiency. Last, but not least, ongoing support and maintenance are offered to keep the battery storage system working in top condition for the entirety of its lifespan.
The lifespan of a battery storage system can be measured in two ways: years and charging cycles.
A modern battery storage system can be expected to last between 10 and 12 years, with some types and models lasting 15 years or longer with proper use, upkeep, and maintenance. When it comes to the charging cycles, an efficient battery storage system can give around 6,000 to 10,000 charging and discharging cycles before it starts to deteriorate.
The number of charging cycles is a more accurate measure of the battery system’s lifespan since it accounts for how much the batteries are used over the years. Considering an average battery storage system goes through one charging cycle per day, it should be good for 15 years or more.
The type of battery plays a huge role in how long it will last. Here are a few of the most popular battery types along with their expected lifespan:
Other factors that affect their lifespan include usage trends, depth of discharge (DoD), environmental conditions, and maintenance.
When choosing a battery storage system for your home or business, you need to keep a few features in mind so that you can make a more informed decision that supports your goal of energy efficiency, energy independence, cost savings, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Battery storage systems can be standalone systems, installed with new solar panels/wind turbines, or integrated with an existing solar/wind system.
If you already have a solar panel/wind turbine system installed on your property and wish to integrate it with your battery storage system, it is possible to do so. The only thing that you must do is check whether the battery storage system is compatible with your existing energy system.
Compatibility can often be an issue with different battery storage systems, which is why it is very important to check it beforehand. In certain cases, integration of the two systems may require upgrading, replacing, or retrofitting a few components. For this reason, it is best to get a professional to help you.
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 installing a battery storage system and answers to your top questions regarding it!
Photo by Winston Tjia on Unsplash
