Solar PV battery storage systems are becoming increasingly popular as a way to maximise the benefits of solar energy. They allow you to store excess solar PV electricity generated during the day, reducing your reliance on the grid and potentially saving you money on your energy bills day and night.
How Solar PV Battery Storage Works
A solar PV battery storage system typically consists of the following components:
- Solar panels: These panels convert sunlight into DC electricity.
- Hybrid Inverter: This device converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by household appliances, if not used stores it in the battery.
- Battery: This stores the excess electricity generated by the solar panels for later use in the day or night-time.
- All-In-One (AIO) A battery and Inverter combined, either AC or DC
- Gateway, EPS or EMS: A supply for the electricity when the National grid fails to provide electric.
During the day, your solar panels will generate electricity. Any excess electricity that is not used immediately is stored in the battery. When the sun goes down or on cloudy days, the stored energy can be used to power your home.
Feed In Tariff Adding Battery Storage
The most asked question, Can I add battery storage and keep my Feed In Tariff? Yes you can ! However you need to do it correctly by using an MCS certified installer who can sign off the installation for the FITs provider. There are also a number of compliant measures that need to be addressed. Rest assured at Mr Solar we can guarantee that the FITs will be good to go and you will still get paid for all the produced electricity from the Solar Panels. 
Benefits of Solar PV Battery Storage
- Reduced reliance on the grid: By storing excess solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, especially during peak demand times.
- Lower energy bills: Using stored solar energy can help you save money on your electricity bills, especially if you have time-of-use tariffs.
- Increased energy independence: Having a solar PV battery storage system can give you greater control over your energy supply and reduce your vulnerability to energy price fluctuations.
- Backup power: In the event of a power outage, your battery can provide backup (Gateway) power to your home.
- Environmental benefits: By reducing your reliance on fossil fuels, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint.
Choosing the Right Solar PV Battery Storage System
When choosing a solar PV battery storage system, there are a few factors to consider:
- Battery capacity: The size of your battery (KWH) will determine how much energy you can store.
- Battery type: There are different types of batteries available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Inverter compatibility: Your battery must be compatible with your solar inverter.
- Installation cost: The cost of installing a solar PV battery storage system can vary depending on the size and type of system you choose.
Popular Battery & Hybrid Inverter Brands From Mr Solar
- Tesla Powerwall: One of the most well-known battery storage solutions, the Tesla Powerwall offers high energy density and a sleek design.
- LG Chem: A leading battery manufacturer, LG Chem offers a range of high-quality lithium-ion batteries for solar storage
- GivEnergy is a British-based manufacturer of battery storage systems. They are known for their innovative and high-quality products, which are designed to help homeowners and businesses reduce their reliance on the grid and save money on energy costs
- Sunsynk is a reputable brand in the solar inverter market, known for their high-quality hybrid inverters. These inverters are designed to efficiently integrate power from solar panels, batteries, and the grid, offering seamless energy management and optimisation.
Battery Systems are a great way to maximise the benefits of solar energy. By storing excess solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, save money on your energy bills, and help the environment. If you’re considering installing a solar panel battery storage system, be sure to do your research and choose a system that is right for your needs
