If you have solar panels, make a New Year resolution to buy a solar battery
One New Year’s resolution you should be making is that if you have solar panels you should also buy a solar battery.
That’s the advice of Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox who said although it is an optional extra, it’s a wise investment as you can store your solar panel’s excess energy once the sun goes down.
Unfortunately, if you install a solar panel energy system without a battery, he said you’ll have to use any energy you generate immediately or sell it back to the National Grid. Also, you won’t be able to use solar-generated energy in the evening, which is when you will likely use it the most.
“Plus, you’ll be missing out on the environmental benefits of the continuous use of renewable energy to power your home, instead of having to switch to external energy sources powered by fossil fuels,” he added.
The price of a solar battery, which has continued to drop over the years, is determined by several factors, including the quality and brand and size of the home or office. However, you will also need to buy a lithium-ion battery, which is the most used and cost effective one in domestic solar energy systems. It should last for 12 years and is easily maintained.
“It’s not a particularly expensive addition to a solar energy system,” said Ron, “but it can save you money in the long run and you should get a return on your investment within three or four years with the average home saving around £665 a year on their energy bills.”
Also, he said, signing up for an SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), which is a government-backed initiative that pays small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity they export to the National Grid, will allow you to charge your battery cost-effectively.
He said a solar battery is particularly useful for those who use most of your energy in the evening. It works at peak level during the daytime, so while you’re out and about, your battery can store this generated energy for you to use when you need it.
They are also very good for people who spend a lot of time at home or who work from there.
Finally, Ron said one of the other benefits of a solar battery is that it is compact in size and can be stored in a garage. If you don’t have this type of space readily available, there’s always the option of a freestanding waterproof cabinet to shelter the battery outside your home.
Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park, said the best way for those interested in having a solar battery was to contact Noreus on 0845 474 6641 to ask them to send an expert to your home or business to give a free quote.
Caption: Shining brightly – a solar battery.
