In today's energy-conscious world, many of us are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and reduce our bills. Whether or not to upgrade their solar panel system with a battery is a significant consideration for many homeowners.
In this blog, we'll explore to combine solar panels with battery storage, the advantages it offers, and the considerations you need to keep in mind.
From ensuring energy availability even when the sun isn’t shining to possibly saving on electricity costs in the long run, we’ll cover all the angles to help you decide if this green energy solution fits your lifestyle, budget, and energy goals.
What is Solar Power and How Battery Storage Works?
Let's make it easy to understand how solar panels and batteries can work together in your home and take a look at the types of batteries you might think about using.
How do solar panels and batteries work as a team?
Solar panels take sunlight and change it into electricity, which is perfect when the sun is out. But what about at night or when it's cloudy?
This is where batteries come into use. They keep the extra electricity that your solar panels make during the day so you can use it later. This way, you can still have power for your house even when the sun isn’t shining.
What are the types of solar batteries for your home?
When it comes to choosing a battery for your solar energy, here are the main types you'll find:
Lead Acid: These batteries are the most wallet-friendly and good for when you need a lot of storage. However, they don't last as long as other types and need to be looked after more.
Lithium-Ion: These are a bit pricier but last longer and can hold more energy in a smaller space. They don’t need much looking after, making them a popular choice for many homes.
Saltwater: These are the newest type of battery and are good for the environment because they don’t use heavy metals. They might not hold as much power as lithium-ion batteries, but they are a great green option.
Picking the right battery comes down to how much energy you use, how much you want to spend, and if being eco-friendly is important to you. Each type has its own benefits, and what works best can vary from home to home.
Understanding these basics helps you get closer to deciding if adding a battery to your solar system is the right move. Having both solar panels and batteries means you can use clean energy all day and night.
Should I Get Solar With a Battery?
Deciding whether to add a battery to your solar setup can be a big decision.
When thinking about adding a battery to your solar panel system, it’s good to look at your needs and preferences to see if it makes sense. Let's go over when a battery could really help you out and what to think about before getting one.
When Solar Batteries Shine?
If you live in an area with lots of power outages, having a battery means you can keep your lights on and fridge running even when the neighbourhood goes dark. Batteries store extra power for these just-in-case moments.
A battery can save you money. By storing cheap solar power, you can use it instead of buying expensive electricity from the grid, especially during peak times when prices are highest.
What to Consider?
- Look at your energy bills to see when you use the most power. If you use a lot of electricity when there’s no sun, like in the evenings, a battery can help you use solar energy all day and night.
- If being independent and using your own solar energy is important to you, a battery is a big step in that direction. You'll rely less on utility companies and more on the sun shining above your home.
What are the Pros and Cons of Investing in Solar with Battery?
When considering adding a battery to your solar setup, weighing the good points against the bad ones helps make a clear decision.
Let’s look into the benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages of solar batteries
- Control and usage: With batteries, you can use your solar energy anytime, not just when the sun is out. This means more freedom and less reliance on the electric company.
- Safety net: Batteries are like a safety net during power outages, keeping your home running smoothly when others might be in the dark.
- Save money over time: By using stored solar energy instead of buying it from the grid, especially during peak hours when it's pricier, you could see your bills go down.
- Good for the planet: Using more solar power means relying less on fossil fuels. This reduces pollution and helps fight climate change.
Disadvantages of solar batteries
- Initial cost can be high: Adding a battery to your solar system means more money upfront. This is something to plan for in your budget.
- Battery maintenance: While not too demanding, batteries do require some maintenance to keep them working well over the years.
- Not all homes are a perfect fit: The benefits of a solar battery can depend on where you live, like how much sun you get and the cost of electricity in your area.
What are the Financial Considerations If Opting for a Solar Battery?
If you are a homeowner in Ireland and considering solar panels with battery storage make sure to explore the financial aspects, including SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) incentives, installation costs, and calculating return on investment (ROI) before you make up your mind:
SEAI incentives
The SEAI provides a Solar Electricity Grant to support the installation of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels, with grant values depending on the system's size. For a solar PV system, you can receive:
- €800 per kWp for the first 2 kWp
- €250 for each additional kWp up to 4 kWp
- The total grant is capped at €2,100 for systems of 4 kWp or larger.
It's important to note that the grant applies only to the solar panel portion of the installation, with no current grant available specifically for battery storage (PureVolt Solar).
Installation costs
Typically, a domestic solar PV system should cost around €1,500 - €2,000 per kW installed. So, a 4kW solar generation system could cost around €8,000.
A solar thermal system would cost between €2,000 and €7,500, depending on the type and number of collector panels installed.
On average, the initial upfront cost of a battery storage system (including the installation) is around €5,000 to €15,000.
Calculating ROI
Calculating the return on investment involves comparing the system's cost (after applying any grants) to your current and projected electricity bills savings.
While specific savings will depend on your household's electricity usage and the solar system's efficiency, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills.
Additionally, the ROI will be influenced by factors such as increasing electricity rates and potential additional revenues from exporting surplus electricity back to the grid.
How to Make the Right Decision?
When deciding on solar panels with battery storage, consider:
- Your household's energy consumption patterns
- The budget for upfront costs and the potential for long-term savings
- Whether your residence plans align with the expected payback period
Questions to ask potential solar providers include:
- What is the detailed breakdown of costs?
- What is the expected energy production and battery storage capacity?
- What warranties and maintenance services are offered?
Conclusion
We've gone through how solar panels and batteries work together to enhance energy reliability, enable savings on electricity costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Additionally, we outlined the benefits and considerations, helping you understand if this investment aligns with your energy needs and financial goals.
So, if you're considering installing solar panels with a battery, HP Roofing can provide the expert guidance you need.
Our team is ready to help you assess your options, understand potential costs, and maximise the benefits of your investment. Contact HP Roofing today to ensure your move to solar energy is smooth and rewarding. Let us help you use the power of the sun to its fullest potential.
