What is battery storage?
Battery storage systems may be charged using grid electricity, but normally they are charged using renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. Batteries that are charged using the grid harvest power at night when it is less used and more affordable, and they discharge their stored energy during the day when more people are using the grid.
This type of battery storage makes energy efficiency and less reliance on the grid an option for everyone, even those who do not have the space or ability to house solar panels.
Battery storage is a very common add-on to solar panels. On bright and sunny days, solar panels sometimes cannot be used to their full potential. Without a battery, this surplus energy would be wasted or sent to the grid. However, the extra energy produced may be saved for later use with the installation of a battery storage device.
How do battery storage systems work?
A battery storage system is a collection of hundreds or even thousands of separate batteries joined together to form a single device that can function without the primary power source in your house.
Batteries’ underlying concept is rather straightforward: through an electrochemical process involving two electrodes, chemical energy contained in the batteries is transformed into electrical energy (a cathode and anode).
However, if you charge them too much, they’ll overheat. When they are charged, they release this stored power as needed, depending on what circuit in your property it is hooked up to. For example, the surplus energy could power your heating, hot water, lights, or sockets, depending on your needs and energy generated.
Is battery storage right for me?
Battery storage is an excellent choice for you if you want to lower your energy costs, become less dependent on the grid, and be more self-sufficient. You may benefit from the price differential between off-peak and peak power by using battery storage.
Additionally, if you have solar panels, the solar energy you produce is free. This implies that during off-peak hours, when demand is low and costly electricity from fossil fuel generators isn’t as necessary, your house will be powered by less expensive, cleaner energy. You can even store power to run your home from the solar power generated on a previous sunny day, to use on an overcast or wet day.
In Ireland, it is rare that all of the power generated by solar is used to power the home. On bright and efficient days, you will likely generate more power than you can consume. This power is typically wasted or sold back to the grid, but it does mean your panels become less effective. Battery storage allows you to maximise your solar power potential.
What size home battery do I need?
Thinking about how much energy you want to store and how much money you have to spend on it can help you choose the battery system that is best for you. Along with the power requirements of your house or place of business, you should also think about how much energy you already use.
You can use the following questions to help guide your decision:
- How much energy do I need to power my home?
- What is my current energy usage?
- What is my budget for battery storage?
- Do I have solar now, or am I considering it in the future?
- How long do I plan to stay in this home?
- Are my energy requirements likely to change?
To conclude
The reliance on means of powering our homes the reliable, clean, and efficient way is becoming more popular. It is suggested that to protect our power supplies and help reduce costs in the long term, all households (where possible) should be seeking ways of generating and storing their own power.
The perfect combination of solar and battery storage will ensure you’re on the right track to full self-sufficiency.
