Home solar batteries work as an energy storage unit that is used to store surplus energy generated from solar panels. The battery is commonly used in stand-alone and hybrid solar systems. So, how does it work?
Here is a basic guide for anyone looking for solar batteries for their home!
Solar batteries store solar energy
A solar battery works by storing surplus solar energy produced by your solar panels throughout the day. Energy transported to the grid earns you a feed-in tariff. This is if you have a grid-connected system without a home solar battery.
The best idea is to use the solar energy your system produces rather than selling it through the grid, as the feed-in tariff is lower than the electricity prices.
During the day when the sun is shining is the best time to use your appliances with the energy your solar panels produce. If you are not at home during the day, solar panel systems with batteries might be beneficial.
If the system produces more energy than you use, the battery stores the excess energy. During the night, when your system no longer produces electricity, you can use the energy stored in your battery rather than buying electricity from the grid.
An overview
How do home solar batteries work, step by step?
- Your solar panels will convert solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity when the sun is shining.
- The system’s inverter will then convert the energy to usable alternating current (AC) electricity.
- If you have home appliances that require electricity during the day, these appliances use the electricity directly from the switchboard.
- Excess DC energy from your solar panels goes to the home battery system via the inverter.
- If you need electricity during the night, the battery will transfer DC energy to the battery inverter. The inverter converts DC energy to usable AC energy.
- The solar energy stored in the battery will be directed to your home appliances through the switchboard.
- If the battery gets completely discharged, you can import (buy) electricity from the connected grid.
Is a battery a good investment?
Both yes and no. “No” because it might be very expensive, and sometimes it will not pay off because of a relatively short battery lifespan. At the same time, the way home solar batteries work can also be very beneficial.
You receive a feed-in tariff for any excess power transferred to a grid-connected system with no battery. The feed-in tariff is normally somewhere between 8 and 13 c per kWh.
During the night, you will have to buy electricity through the grid. You can expect to pay around 30c per kWh (depending on your power retailer and plan).
With a battery solar panel system, you might forgo parts of (or even all of) the feed-in tariff. But at the same time, you will not have to buy the expensive grid electricity. In other words, you might save around 20c per kWh (assuming a feed-in tariff of 10c/kWh and an electricity price of 30c/kWh).
If you want to increase your self-consumption rate, a home battery system might be a great choice. If you have access to a battery rebate scheme where you live, the investment will be even more beneficial.
What types of home solar batteries exist?
There are mainly four different types of home solar batteries, including the lead acid solar battery, the lithium-ion solar battery, the sodium nickel chloride solar battery and the flow solar battery.
In Australia, the lithium-ion battery is the most common type for residential solar systems. This battery type is well-known, effective and durable. If you want a more budget-friendly home solar battery, the lead acid battery might still be a better option.
Different types of home solar batteries can work slightly differently, but they all let you store excess solar power effectively.
What solar panel system is your best choice?
When considering going solar, you are able to find solar systems with or without home solar batteries. Most Australians have a grid-connected solar system, and in recent years more and more people have invested in battery-based systems.
Consider your power usage pattern, budget and energy consumption when deciding which is the best system for your home. Your solar installer will usually help you find the best solution for your household, with or without a home solar battery.
However, if you want to increase your independence and self-consumption rate, a solar system with a home solar battery will be a great choice. Solar panel systems with batteries are normally very beneficial for anyone who uses more electricity during the night. Make sure you use a CEC-accredited installer for obtaining quotes.