Table of Contents
Battery storage systems are the first step towards energy independence allowing you to store electricity generated by a power source, preferably renewable energy such as solar or wind, for later use.
While batteries have been around for quite some time, battery storage systems are a fairly new concept and one that the UK is very eagerly adopting.
Reports show massive growth in battery storage projects around the country. The UK government recently announced the removal of planning barriers to building energy storage projects over 50MW in England and 350MW in Wales, enabling the country to reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Read on to find out all there is to know about battery storage systems and why you should have one installed on your property ASAP.
The rise in the popularity of battery storage systems and the significant reduction in their cost in recent years has made installing them a viable option for many homes and businesses.
They work great with renewable energy sources and can also be installed on properties with no solar panels/wind turbines. In this article, we will be discussing the benefits and the process of installing a battery storage system in conjunction with a renewable power source to promote clean energy, because that is what the government of UK encourages as well.
Battery storage systems allow you to store electricity for later use by using a chemical process that saves the electrochemical energy generated by a renewable power source. This saved energy that is made during the day can be used later in the night.
There are three main types of battery storage installations:
DC batteries are directly connected to the power source, i.e. the solar panels or wind turbines, and do not require another inverter.
The system saves on unnecessary conversions later on by storing the power in the batteries before it is converted into AC. This is a cost-effective and efficient system that is easy to install into existing systems.
The downside is that it can’t draw power from the grid to charge and also can’t be configured to provide electricity in the event of a grid outage.
AC batteries are the most common battery storage system and are connected after the battery controller/meter.
They can draw power directly from the grid, ensuring it isn’t done at peak times so that home and business owners can save as much as possible. They can also be used as a backup system and can draw on other energy sources as well.
The downside is that they are not as cost-effective and efficient as DC batteries.
Made specifically for solar battery storage solutions, hybrid batteries are DC and AC coupled solutions providing the best of both worlds.
You can store power in the battery before it is converted into AC and do so during cheaper times. The system can also be used as a backup power source.
Hybrid battery systems are becoming more popular as people are becoming more aware of the technology. They are a great fit for both residential and commercial use.
We are seeing a huge rise in the popularity of battery storage systems and for all the right reasons.
Here are all the benefits you can get by installing them on your residential or commercial property:
Battery storage systems help you save money on your electricity bills, and if you already have a renewable energy source installed on your premises, battery storage can maximize your savings.
Renewable energy can at times be inconsistent if there’s not ample sunlight or wind power to generate enough electricity. With battery storage, you can bid farewell to this problem. The battery will charge when the sun is out or when it is windy for you to use the energy produced later when there is neither.
Battery storage systems help reduce your dependence on power generation companies and if you have a big enough renewable energy setup and battery storage, you have the power to be completely self-sufficient.
With solar panels and wind turbines, you have to use the electricity while it is being generated or else it is sent to the grid. Battery storage gives you added convenience and flexibility to use the power any time you wish to.
How many of you know how your electricity is generated and what negative impact it has on the environment? Sadly, a huge chunk of electricity in the UK is made through non-renewable sources amounting to a massive carbon footprint.
The trend, however, is now changing with the UK government encouraging more battery storage installations in residential and commercial properties. Used in conjunction with renewable energy sources, battery storage systems can help work towards a greener and cleaner environment.
With the current shortfall in the generation of electricity, battery storage systems can be a lifesaver since most can be used as a backup source in the event of a power outage. This guarantees minimal disruption and maximum comfort.
Not all systems offer this feature, which is why it a good idea to discuss it with a professional electrician before you have one installed.
Battery storage gives you the option to trade electricity produced at your property and helps reduce price spikes and demand surges.
With the majority of non-renewable power plants being shut down in the country, there is a serious risk of a supply gap in the energy market. If more and more people jump on to the trend of trading energy stored in their batteries, the energy demand could be balanced on a national level.
There are a few things that you need to consider when deciding on a battery storage system for your property. Some important questions to give a serious thought are:
The first point stated above is a crucial determining factor in choosing a battery storage system and the type and capacity of your system will depend heavily on whether you want the system to:
If your main purpose is to cut costs, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to use the system as a backup power source, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to power your entire premises, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to help save the environment, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
A battery storage system’s capacity, or how much energy is stored and then used, is generally measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) similar to the way your energy consumption is charged on your electricity bill.
Storage capacity refers to two things: the total capacity and usable energy, and the latter is detrimental in choosing and comparing batteries.
Most battery storage systems can’t draw 100% of the stored energy and have a depth of discharge (DoD), which is an indicator of how much of the total stored energy on the system can be used and is expressed as a percentage.
For example, if a 10-kWh battery storage system has a DoD of 80%, it will provide 8-kWh of usable energy.
If you’re investing in something, quite obviously you’d want to know how long it would last. Product warranties on battery storage systems vary according to different manufacturers and can be anywhere between 2-10 years.
The lifespan of the battery is usually calculated using the life cycle. The more cycles a battery can provide, the longer it can operate. Another important thing to note here is that, as is with everything else, the system’s ability to store energy will reduce over time, which is why it is important to have it regularly maintained and checked.
Apart from the product’s warranty, retailers also sometimes offer a retailer warranty, which varies considerably from vendor to vendor.
While some retailers offer warranties based on a lifetime in years, others are based on usage rather than time. They offer a guarantee based on a given amount of energy, regardless of how soon or late that limit is reached.
On average, a lithium-ion battery ranges from 4000-6000 cycles at an 80% DoD, which means that their expected life is of more than 10 years for high-performing battery storage systems.
If installed incorrectly, battery storage systems can pose a serious threat to residential and commercial properties in terms of electric shocks, fires, burns, and explosions, which is why they must always be installed by a certified professional who knows their job well.
The systems can either be mounted on a wall or kept standing on the floor, and they can either be placed inside or installed outside. Multiple batteries can also be installed for added storage capacity, and naturally for extra batteries, extra storage space would be required.
If the system is designed to be installed outside, it needs to be weatherproof and able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heat, rain, and snow. Outside installation includes access for electrical wiring to be laid out and an area not under direct sunlight or near heat or such sources to avoid the system from overheating.
Ventilation is a major factor to consider when installing both inside or outside, and it is recommended that the system not be placed in a habitable room such as a bedroom or living room, and areas of work such as offices in a commercial setting.
It is best to discuss these key installation points with your certified electrician to get a professional opinion based on your particular requirements.
Just like it is possible to move solar panels or wind turbines if you change your location, it is also possible to move battery storage systems.
One thing to consider, however, is that in the event of the product standards changing and your existing system not meeting those requirements, you won’t be able to re-install it on a new location.
Also, if you do decide to have your system moved someplace else, make sure the job is carried out by an accredited installer to ensure all safety regulations and best practices are followed.
In today’s world, we are always trying to find new ways to reduce our energy consumption to help us lower our bills whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.
One of the best ways to do this in a domestic or commercial environment is to look at ways to reduce electricity and gas usage.
This could be done either by installing smart systems for lighting and heating or installing less energy-consuming lighting or electrical heating products such as LED Lighting.
Other than battery storage systems, our energy-saving solutions include:
If you are looking to install a smart heating controller such as a Nest, Hive, Honeywell Evohome, Drayton Wiser, or a wireless thermostat to help manage your heating and hot water, we can help you choose the best system for your needs.
We can design, plan, and install a smart home system that will control the lighting, power, audio, and visuals with systems such as Loxone, Lutron, Control4, and KNX allowing you to take control of your property from anywhere in the world.
LED bulbs already provide considerable savings due to their great energy-saving technology, and we can help lower the maintenance cost even further by offering fittings with 3-5+ year warranties.
We offer both LED installation and LED lighting upgrade services and our team of experts can survey and assess your property to create a lighting design to see how we can make the installations more efficient so that the lighting level is comfortable and best suited to your needs, normally aiming for a 40% saving.
If you would like any more information on our energy-saving solutions for your home or business, please get in touch with our team of experts.
Battery storage systems are the first step towards energy independence allowing you to store electricity generated by a power source, preferably renewable energy such as solar or wind, for later use.
While batteries have been around for quite some time, battery storage systems are a fairly new concept and one that the UK is very eagerly adopting.
Reports show massive growth in battery storage projects around the country. The UK government recently announced the removal of planning barriers to building energy storage projects over 50MW in England and 350MW in Wales, enabling the country to reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Read on to find out all there is to know about battery storage systems and why you should have one installed on your property ASAP.
The rise in the popularity of battery storage systems and the significant reduction in their cost in recent years has made installing them a viable option for many homes and businesses.
They work great with renewable energy sources and can also be installed on properties with no solar panels/wind turbines. In this article, we will be discussing the benefits and the process of installing a battery storage system in conjunction with a renewable power source to promote clean energy, because that is what the government of UK encourages as well.
Battery storage systems allow you to store electricity for later use by using a chemical process that saves the electrochemical energy generated by a renewable power source. This saved energy that is made during the day can be used later in the night.
There are three main types of battery storage installations:
DC batteries are directly connected to the power source, i.e. the solar panels or wind turbines, and do not require another inverter.
The system saves on unnecessary conversions later on by storing the power in the batteries before it is converted into AC. This is a cost-effective and efficient system that is easy to install into existing systems.
The downside is that it can’t draw power from the grid to charge and also can’t be configured to provide electricity in the event of a grid outage.
AC batteries are the most common battery storage system and are connected after the battery controller/meter.
They can draw power directly from the grid, ensuring it isn’t done at peak times so that home and business owners can save as much as possible. They can also be used as a backup system and can draw on other energy sources as well.
The downside is that they are not as cost-effective and efficient as DC batteries.
Made specifically for solar battery storage solutions, hybrid batteries are DC and AC coupled solutions providing the best of both worlds.
You can store power in the battery before it is converted into AC and do so during cheaper times. The system can also be used as a backup power source.
Hybrid battery systems are becoming more popular as people are becoming more aware of the technology. They are a great fit for both residential and commercial use.
We are seeing a huge rise in the popularity of battery storage systems and for all the right reasons.
Here are all the benefits you can get by installing them on your residential or commercial property:
Battery storage systems help you save money on your electricity bills, and if you already have a renewable energy source installed on your premises, battery storage can maximize your savings.
Renewable energy can at times be inconsistent if there’s not ample sunlight or wind power to generate enough electricity. With battery storage, you can bid farewell to this problem. The battery will charge when the sun is out or when it is windy for you to use the energy produced later when there is neither.
Battery storage systems help reduce your dependence on power generation companies and if you have a big enough renewable energy setup and battery storage, you have the power to be completely self-sufficient.
With solar panels and wind turbines, you have to use the electricity while it is being generated or else it is sent to the grid. Battery storage gives you added convenience and flexibility to use the power any time you wish to.
How many of you know how your electricity is generated and what negative impact it has on the environment? Sadly, a huge chunk of electricity in the UK is made through non-renewable sources amounting to a massive carbon footprint.
The trend, however, is now changing with the UK government encouraging more battery storage installations in residential and commercial properties. Used in conjunction with renewable energy sources, battery storage systems can help work towards a greener and cleaner environment.
With the current shortfall in the generation of electricity, battery storage systems can be a lifesaver since most can be used as a backup source in the event of a power outage. This guarantees minimal disruption and maximum comfort.
Not all systems offer this feature, which is why it a good idea to discuss it with a professional electrician before you have one installed.
Battery storage gives you the option to trade electricity produced at your property and helps reduce price spikes and demand surges.
With the majority of non-renewable power plants being shut down in the country, there is a serious risk of a supply gap in the energy market. If more and more people jump on to the trend of trading energy stored in their batteries, the energy demand could be balanced on a national level.
There are a few things that you need to consider when deciding on a battery storage system for your property. Some important questions to give a serious thought are:
The first point stated above is a crucial determining factor in choosing a battery storage system and the type and capacity of your system will depend heavily on whether you want the system to:
If your main purpose is to cut costs, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to use the system as a backup power source, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to power your entire premises, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
If your main purpose is to help save the environment, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
A battery storage system’s capacity, or how much energy is stored and then used, is generally measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) similar to the way your energy consumption is charged on your electricity bill.
Storage capacity refers to two things: the total capacity and usable energy, and the latter is detrimental in choosing and comparing batteries.
Most battery storage systems can’t draw 100% of the stored energy and have a depth of discharge (DoD), which is an indicator of how much of the total stored energy on the system can be used and is expressed as a percentage.
For example, if a 10-kWh battery storage system has a DoD of 80%, it will provide 8-kWh of usable energy.
If you’re investing in something, quite obviously you’d want to know how long it would last. Product warranties on battery storage systems vary according to different manufacturers and can be anywhere between 2-10 years.
The lifespan of the battery is usually calculated using the life cycle. The more cycles a battery can provide, the longer it can operate. Another important thing to note here is that, as is with everything else, the system’s ability to store energy will reduce over time, which is why it is important to have it regularly maintained and checked.
Apart from the product’s warranty, retailers also sometimes offer a retailer warranty, which varies considerably from vendor to vendor.
While some retailers offer warranties based on a lifetime in years, others are based on usage rather than time. They offer a guarantee based on a given amount of energy, regardless of how soon or late that limit is reached.
On average, a lithium-ion battery ranges from 4000-6000 cycles at an 80% DoD, which means that their expected life is of more than 10 years for high-performing battery storage systems.
If installed incorrectly, battery storage systems can pose a serious threat to residential and commercial properties in terms of electric shocks, fires, burns, and explosions, which is why they must always be installed by a certified professional who knows their job well.
The systems can either be mounted on a wall or kept standing on the floor, and they can either be placed inside or installed outside. Multiple batteries can also be installed for added storage capacity, and naturally for extra batteries, extra storage space would be required.
If the system is designed to be installed outside, it needs to be weatherproof and able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heat, rain, and snow. Outside installation includes access for electrical wiring to be laid out and an area not under direct sunlight or near heat or such sources to avoid the system from overheating.
Ventilation is a major factor to consider when installing both inside or outside, and it is recommended that the system not be placed in a habitable room such as a bedroom or living room, and areas of work such as offices in a commercial setting.
It is best to discuss these key installation points with your certified electrician to get a professional opinion based on your particular requirements.
Just like it is possible to move solar panels or wind turbines if you change your location, it is also possible to move battery storage systems.
One thing to consider, however, is that in the event of the product standards changing and your existing system not meeting those requirements, you won’t be able to re-install it on a new location.
Also, if you do decide to have your system moved someplace else, make sure the job is carried out by an accredited installer to ensure all safety regulations and best practices are followed.
In today’s world, we are always trying to find new ways to reduce our energy consumption to help us lower our bills whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.
One of the best ways to do this in a domestic or commercial environment is to look at ways to reduce electricity and gas usage.
This could be done either by installing smart systems for lighting and heating or installing less energy-consuming lighting or electrical heating products such as LED Lighting.
Other than battery storage systems, our energy-saving solutions include:
If you are looking to install a smart heating controller such as a Nest, Hive, Honeywell Evohome, Drayton Wiser, or a wireless thermostat to help manage your heating and hot water, we can help you choose the best system for your needs.
We can design, plan, and install a smart home system that will control the lighting, power, audio, and visuals with systems such as Loxone, Lutron, Control4, and KNX allowing you to take control of your property from anywhere in the world.
LED bulbs already provide considerable savings due to their great energy-saving technology, and we can help lower the maintenance cost even further by offering fittings with 3-5+ year warranties.
We offer both LED installation and LED lighting upgrade services and our team of experts can survey and assess your property to create a lighting design to see how we can make the installations more efficient so that the lighting level is comfortable and best suited to your needs, normally aiming for a 40% saving.
If you would like any more information on our energy-saving solutions for your home or business, please get in touch with our team of experts.
