With energy prices fluctuating and sustainability becoming a priority, more households are exploring renewable technologies to take control of their energy use. One of the most popular combinations is solar panels and battery storage. But how do they work and what are the benefits of combining solar panels and battery storage?
What are solar panels and battery storage?
Solar panels are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity that can power your home. They work best during daylight hours, typically generating the most electricity between late morning and early afternoon.
However, solar panels alone can’t store electricity. This means any excess energy that isn’t used immediately is usually exported back to the grid. That’s where battery storage comes in.
A solar battery allows you to store the electricity your panels produce during the day so you can use it later, for example, in the evening when the sun has set, or at times when your household demand is higher. This means that by combining solar panels with a battery system, you can make the most of the energy you generate rather than relying solely on grid electricity.
How does a solar battery system work?
A solar battery storage system is connected to your solar panels and your home’s electrical system. When your panels produce more electricity than you use, the surplus power charges the battery.
Once the battery is full, any additional energy is either exported to the grid or, in some cases, diverted to power electric vehicle chargers or water heating systems. When your panels aren’t generating enough electricity, for instance, at night or on cloudy days, the stored energy in the battery is released to power your home.
Most systems also include smart monitoring technology that tracks your energy generation, storage levels, and usage patterns. Some even allow you to choose when to charge the battery from the grid, taking advantage of lower overnight electricity tariffs.
What are the benefits of combining solar panels and battery storage?
The combination of solar panels and battery storage offers several significant advantages for homeowners, including:
- Greater energy independence: You become less reliant on the National Grid and more in control of your energy usage.
- Reduced energy bills: By storing and using your own electricity, you buy less from your supplier.
- Protection against price rises: Using stored power during expensive peak times helps shield you from increasing energy costs.
- Efficient use of solar energy: Batteries allow you to capture energy that would otherwise be exported to the grid.
- Environmental benefits: You make fuller use of renewable power, reducing your carbon footprint.
- Backup power: Some systems can provide limited backup electricity during power cuts, depending on the model and setup.
In short, solar panels and battery storage can make your home more sustainable and self-sufficient while also reducing long-term running costs.
Do solar batteries work in winter or cloudy conditions?
A common concern among UK homeowners is whether solar batteries are worthwhile given the country’s changeable weather. While solar panels do generate less energy in winter due to shorter daylight hours and weaker sunlight, they still produce a useful amount of electricity.
Even on cloudy days, panels can generate power from indirect sunlight. With a battery in place, any surplus generated during the brighter hours can be stored for later use.
Many households find that a battery system helps even out seasonal variations, providing a more consistent and predictable energy supply throughout the year.
How much does solar panels and battery storage cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of your system, the quality of components, and the complexity of installation.
A typical domestic solar panel system ranges from £8,000 to £12,000, depending on capacity and roof size.
A battery storage unit can cost between £3,000 and £7,000, depending on capacity, brand, and whether it’s installed alongside new panels or retrofitted to an existing system.
Although this represents a substantial upfront investment, the savings on energy bills and potential income from selling surplus electricity can offset costs over time. Many homeowners see payback periods of between 8 and 12 years, depending on energy use, system size, and tariffs.
Can you add battery storage to existing solar panels?
Yes. If you already have solar panels, you can usually add a battery storage system later. Retrofitting is a common and straightforward process for most modern systems, provided your existing inverter and electrical setup are compatible.
Your installer can assess your system to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective way to integrate a battery, whether through a direct-current (DC) connection to your panels or an alternating-current (AC) connection to your home’s main supply.
How do you choose the right solar battery?
When selecting a solar battery, there are several key factors to consider:
- Capacity: Measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), this indicates how much energy the battery can store.
- Power output: Determines how much electricity can be drawn from the battery at once.
- Battery lifespan: Most systems last between 10 and 15 years, depending on usage and quality.
- Warranty and support: Look for products with strong warranties and local technical support.
- Scalability: Some systems allow you to add more storage later as your needs change.
A professional installer can design a system that matches your household energy profile, ensuring that your investment delivers maximum benefit.
Is it worth installing solar panels and battery storage?
For many households, yes. The combination of solar panels and battery storage can provide meaningful energy savings, improved energy security, and environmental benefits. While the initial cost can be significant, falling technology prices and rising electricity costs make the investment increasingly attractive.
If you use a substantial amount of electricity during the evening or work from home during the day, the potential savings are even greater. Over time, this combination can deliver both financial returns and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
For more information or advice, why not contact the experts today, here at the Eco Renewables Group? We work across the North West, from Southport to Kendal, to deliver high quality solar power solutions.
