BATTERY ASSISTED PV

What is battery assisted PV?

Combining PV with batteries enables the system to maximise 'self-consumption'. Consuming the energy you generate is the most cost effective and efficient use of a PV system as you are reducing the amount of electricity you buy from the grid.

But … solar panels generate most of their energy during the day and most energy in a typical household is consumed early in the morning and the evening when the panels are at their least effective.

Take a look at the graph below:

standard solar electricity usage

As a result, you may only use 20% of the energy you produce during the day and the surplus is fed back to the grid. If you are at home during the day, you may have the opportunity to influence the time that you use some appliances, by using the dishwasher and washing machine during the middle of the day rather than in the evening, you may improve your self-consumption to around 30%.

But for those that have busy schedules and are not at home during the day, a battery system may provide the answer. By using the surplus energy to charge batteries, the inverter can run off the battery store during the evening improving your self-consumption to at least 70%.

The graph below shows the effect of the battery assisted PV system:

effect of the battery assisted PV system

During the day, the system monitors the household consumption and delivers only what is needed to run the appliances. And instead of exporting the surplus to the grid, it is used to charge the batteries for use in the evening. When the sun is setting and there is a reduction in energy from the PV panels, the inverter draws from the batteries thereby using the energy created during the day and reducing your reliance on the grid.

Another side benefit of having a battery system is that you have the option of an emergency supply in the event of a grid failure. A dedicated socket can be used to supply essential items such as your modem/router, a freezer or maybe a beer fridge. ?

Arrange a free battery solar PV quotation

To arrange a free telephone survey and site visit, please contact one of our surveyors on our freephone number 01494 438 054 or email info@solasave.co.uk

If calling out of hours or at weekends, please leave a message on the answer phone and we will call you back at our earliest opportunity.

Please note that we offer:

  • Timed appointments
  • Appointments available out of hours and at weekends to suit your lifestyle
  • We do not 'sell' in your home – we will survey, listen carefully to your requirements, supply a tailored quote and then leave the decision to you