One of the most common questions people ask when considering investing in a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system is whether they should add battery storage to their setup. With so much misinformation surrounding this topic, it can be difficult to know what the right decision is. Some companies avoid discussing solar battery storage altogether, while others give vague advice that doesn’t explain the long-term savings available.
The reality is that adding a battery to a system can be an excellent investment for homeowners and business owners alike, future-proofing your investment. However, it’s not always a necessity, and you need to weigh up the pros and cons. In this post, we have looked into solar panels battery storage in more detail to help you decide whether it’s something you should consider for your system.
How Solar Batteries Work
A battery energy storage system is designed to capture and store electricity for later use, whether it’s from your solar panels or the national grid. In Ireland, many households take advantage of charge your battery overnight at a lower tariff and using the stored in the battery energy during the day. This can reduce reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills. Having solar PV panel battery storage system can be particularly useful in winter when solar production is lower.
The Key Benefits of Adding a Battery
Installing commercial or home solar battery alongside your solar panels power system can transform the way you manage electricity. While the upfront investment will be higher, the long-term advantages often make it worthwhile. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
Lower Energy Bills
By storing cheaper night-rate electricity and using it during the day, a battery system can significantly reduce your electricity bills per year. Depending on the storage battery capacity of your battery, you might be able to avoid drawing electricity at peak times altogether. For properties with high daytime energy usage, the cost of rechargeable battery storage system can quickly pay for itself.
Energy Independence
With solar battery storage system, you won’t be as impacted by rising energy costs or supply issues. In addition to generating your own renewable energy, you will be able to store any excess solar energy in your battery system. This independence will be beneficial during power outages to help power your home, for example, and you will have greater control over when and how you use your electricity.
Smarter Energy Consumption
Following on from above, a battery can ensure the energy generated by your solar PV panels isn’t going to waste. Instead of excess solar panels electricity being fed back into the grid, you can capture and store it, ready for use later in the evening. Your whole solar panels system will be far more efficient, and you will get the best return on your solar panels investment.
Why Some Installers Don’t Offer Batteries
When you enquire about solar panels energy, not all companies will offer battery energy storage battery systems upfront. One of the main reasons for this is cost; a system with a battery is more expensive, so avoiding this added extra will keep costs down and increase the likelihood of a quick sale. Customers are often left misinformed and unaware of the long-term benefits of solar panel battery storage system and hybrid inverter, so they can’t make a fully informed decision.
Not to mention, lots of customers miss a big opportunity to get battery storage system while it’s VAT-free. If the battery is installed at the same time as the rest of the solar panels system, it qualifies for VAT exemption, but if you choose to install it at a later date, it can cost significantly more. Unfortunately, when installers don’t offer lithium ion batteries from the outset, they are prioritising short-term sales over long-term customer value.
Can You Add a Battery Later?
It isn’t uncommon for companies to suggest that you can always add solar battery storage system at a later stage. While this is possible, it’s not always in your best interest. Retrofitting a battery involves a lot more work than installing it at the same time as the rest of your system, typically resulting in higher costs.
Of course, when you delay the installation, you will also be missing out on years of potential savings. You will be more heavily reliant on the national grid during this time, rather than being able to make the most of the battery capacity. For many customers, the most cost-effective and efficient option is to install the battery alongside the system from the beginning.
Does Every System Need a Battery?
Although a battery energy storage system is beneficial, not every property will need one. For example, homes with low energy consumption might not see a good return on investment as they won’t save much by storing energy.
However, every home and business is different. The decision to invest in solar PV panel battery storage will depend on factors such as usage patterns and long-term energy goals. So, it’s beneficial to get some tailored advice from an expert before making a decision.
Making the Right Choice from Day One
At Abhaile Solar, we believe in giving homeowners and business owners honest and impartial advice from the outset. We will explain the pros and cons of solar panel battery storage, helping you make an informed decision that’s right for your specific circumstances. Ultimately, we want your new system to benefit you long-term, not just to save you money upfront.
Generally speaking, by installing a battery alongside your system, you can future-proof your property, reduce your reliance back to the grid, and get maximum value from your investment. With some clear guidance from the very start, you can make the right choice for your needs.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about installing a solar panel, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. You can call us on 083 860 5324 or email us at abhailesolar@gmail.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help, no pressure, no jargon, just honest advice.