The many benefits of installing solar panels to your roof to help power your business or home are well known. From lower energy bills to less reliance on the National Grid, having the capacity to generate your own electricity is advantageous in so many ways. However, these benefits can only increase when you start to consider adding solar battery storage options to the mix.
- Why add a solar battery to your photovoltaic panel system?
When you install a solar battery, this gives you the capacity to store unused electricity generated by your solar panels until it is needed. This could be at night, or when the day is especially overcast or dull. Solar generated electricity can be used to complement power drawn from the National Grid, or to replace it altogether. You can even sell unused electricity back to the Grid in certain cases. This can help add to your household or commercial income and support a greener, more sustainable way of power generation.
The move also helps you achieve energy independence. In the event of a national, regional or local power outage, you can keep going using your own solar generated electricity supply. By installing one or more home solar storage solutions, this can be the case whatever the time of day an outage or disruption occurs – even in the middle of the night.
Finally, choosing from the best solar batteries on the market can support a move to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the wider environment. It means you can store electricity generated from renewable energy sources and use it when you like, instead of falling back on finite, fossil fuels to light and heat the building.
- How to choose the best solar batteries
There are several different home solar storage options out there to choose from. However, the choice need not be difficult if you consider a number of questions about your set-up in advance. There are various battery types that suit different situations. Lithium-ion batteries last longer and offer better performance and efficiency over other alternatives. They also weigh less, making them a great choice for most solar power systems in the home. Lead-acid batteries are another alternative. These are a less expensive option that is easy to install and quick to recharge. However, they do not last as long as lithium-ion batteries, nor do they hold as much power.
Another key aspect to consider when comparing solar battery storage options is how large the battery capacity is. In other words, how much electricity can you store in one go? Your chosen capacity should ideally align with the amount of electricity you consume and the size of your solar photovoltaic panel system. This will ensure you gain optimum use from the battery and not install something that is too large or too limited for your needs.
Thirdly, it is vital to select a battery that is compatible with your system’s inverter and panels. Otherwise, you may find that the storage simply does not work, or performance is patchy. It is also essential that your system is safe and will not malfunction or pose a risk to your property, such as overheating.
- Extend the life of your best solar batteries
Once your batteries are installed, you will want to keep them in optimum condition for as long a possible in order to extend their useful working life. This can be done by following a few rules of best practice. Have the battery installed by an expert to ensure maximum efficacy from the start. You will also have the peace of mind that it has been fitted correctly and safely. Once the battery is in operation, monitor it carefully You can do this yourself, or book a regular servicing appointment as part of your maintenance agreement for the whole solar power system. This allows you to spot any emerging problems quickly and deal with them straight away.
Keep a close eye on battery temperature. Again, this keep the system – and associate property safe as well as extending the life of the battery itself. Make sure the battery is fitted in a well ventilated area with lots space around it to prevent it overheating. Don’t let the battery get damp or rusty, as this will also affect its lifespan and how well it works.
