Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)
If you have a renewable energy system in your home, such as Solar PV, any excess electricity you produce (and don’t use) is returned to the National Grid. UK households tend to consume more electricity in the morning and evening, therefore you can lose a lot of the energy you generate during the day. An electrical energy storage system, in the form of a battery, allows you to save that excess energy, so you can use it when you need it. It’s a way of increasing your self-consumption and reducing your reliance on the grid.
But batteries are getting ‘smart’ – they can now charge themselves when electricity is cheap, then either use it in the home when electricity is expensive, or feed it back to the National Grid to make a profit, increasing savings and even earning an income.
Types of Battery Storage available
There are several types of battery storage on the market, but Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are the main type for domestic use. In general, lithium-ion batteries are regarded as the most cost-effective option. They can be more efficient than lead-acid batteries, weigh two thirds less, can discharge more stored energy, have a longer expected lifetime, and are more environmentally friendly. Although lithium-ion batteries could have a greater upfront cost than lead-acid batteries, they could offer greater long-term savings.
FAQs
These are the questions we are most frequently asked about battery storage.
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What are the benefits of battery storage?
Lower Energy Bills
Home energy storage gives you the ability to store electricity when your household demands are low. You can then use it when your energy needs are higher, instead of buying energy from your supplier. If you have Economy 7 meter, certain energy storage products can also charge from the grid and store cheap off-peak electricity.
How much you can save depends on how much energy you generate, the size of your battery, your energy consumption, and your energy supplier’s fees.
Greener Energy
Energy storage enables you to be a more responsible energy user by reducing the demand for energy from non-renewable energy sources and reducing your carbon footprint.
Will a battery save me money?
According to Ikea, a typical UK home with solar panels uses just 40% of the energy it generates. The rest is sent back to the National Grid. With an energy storage system installed, households with solar panels could maximise the electricity they generate, therefore reducing electricity bills. So, whilst energy storage set-up fees may appear significant, there could be long-term savings to be made.
How much should a battery installation cost?
You can expect to buy an energy storage unit for between £2,000 and £6,000, depending on the system you choose. Installation could cost a minimum of £500 labour. You may need to pay an additional £1,000 – £2,000 depending on the system, where you want it installed and whether you are fitting batteries to an existing solar power system. Many UK installers offer deals for combined solar panel and battery installation.
Renewable energy and energy storage are still relatively new forms of technology. The price of energy storage systems and their running costs is likely to reduce as the technology develops and demand increases.
Are you looking for a Battery Installer?
By choosing a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer you can be confident in the knowledge that your installation will be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional who has undergone rigorous training and assessment to meet our exacting standards.
Plus, all our certified installers are reviewed regularly and have appropriate insurance and warranties in place to protect you and ensure peace of mind.
Don’t settle for less… choose a Flexi-Orb Certified Installer!
