Solar Batteries

About Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are innovative devices that store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use. These batteries work in conjunction with solar panel systems, allowing homeowners and businesses to harness and store the energy produced during daylight hours for nighttime or times of high energy demand. By storing surplus energy, solar batteries provide a reliable and sustainable power source, enhancing energy independence and reducing reliance on the electrical grid. With the ability to maximise self-consumption of solar energy and optimise energy usage, solar batteries are revolutionising the way we harness and utilise solar power.

The Role of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries, often referred to as energy storage systems or solar storage batteries, are essential components of a modern solar power setup. They play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems. Here’s a closer look at their functions and benefits:

Energy Storage

One of the primary functions of solar batteries is to store excess electricity generated by solar panels. Solar panels produce the most electricity during sunny daylight hours when energy demand is often lower. Without storage, this surplus energy would go unused or be fed back into the grid. Solar batteries capture this excess energy and store it for later use, such as during the evening or on cloudy days.

Energy Independence

Solar batteries provide homeowners and businesses with a degree of energy independence. By storing energy, they reduce reliance on the electrical grid, especially during peak demand periods or power outages. This added resilience can be invaluable in areas with unstable grid infrastructure.

Maximising Self-Consumption

Solar batteries enable users to maximise self-consumption of the electricity their solar panels generate. Instead of exporting excess energy to the grid and earning a feed-in tariff, users can use this energy themselves. This can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid.

Time-of-Use Optimisation

In regions with time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where electricity costs vary throughout the day, solar batteries can be programmed to discharge stored energy during peak rate periods. This strategic use of stored energy can result in even greater savings on electricity bills.

Grid Support and Stability

Solar batteries can also provide grid support services. In some cases, surplus stored energy can be fed back into the grid during periods of high demand, helping to stabilise the grid and reduce strain during peak usage times.

Environmental Benefits

By storing excess solar energy and reducing the need to draw from the grid, solar batteries indirectly contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with the broader goal of combating climate change by promoting clean energy usage.

Solar Batteries in Canberra and Beyond

In Canberra, where sunlight is abundant, solar batteries are a must. You can benefit from the combination of efficient solar panels and advanced solar battery technology to ensure a steady and reliable power supply, even during adverse weather conditions.

The Future of Solar Energy

As solar technology continues to advance, the integration of solar panels and batteries is expected to become even more widespread. These innovations not only make renewable energy sources more accessible but also help create a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. By capturing, storing, and utilising solar energy efficiently, solar batteries are revolutionising the way we harness and maximise the benefits of solar power, ushering in a greener and more energy-independent future.

How Batteries Work

When solar panels produce more electricity than is immediately needed, the excess power is stored in the solar battery.

The solar battery charges and stores the excess energy for later use, typically during periods when solar production is low or when energy demand is high.

When solar production is insufficient to meet the demand, such as at night or during cloudy weather, the stored energy in the battery is discharged.
The discharged energy is converted back into AC electricity and used to power electrical devices and appliances.
By utilising solar batteries, homeowners and businesses can optimise their solar energy usage, increase self-consumption, and reduce reliance on the traditional electrical grid. The integration of solar panels with battery storage systems allows for greater energy independence and resilience, promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing carbon emissions. Through this process, solar batteries enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of solar energy systems.

Why Use Batteries

There are several compelling reasons to consider using solar batteries as part of your solar energy system:

Energy Independence: Solar batteries provide the ability to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during the evening or when energy demand is high. By storing and utilising this stored energy, you can reduce your reliance on the electrical grid and increase your energy independence.

Maximising Solar Energy Utilisation: Solar panels often generate more energy than is immediately needed. Without a battery, this excess energy would be sent back to the grid. By using a solar battery, you can capture and store this surplus energy for later use, ensuring that you make the most of the solar energy you generate and reducing wastage.
Power Resilience: During power outages or grid failures, solar batteries can provide a reliable backup power source. By having stored energy available, you can continue to power essential appliances and devices, ensuring comfort, safety, and functionality during unforeseen disruptions.

Cost Savings: Solar batteries allow you to offset high energy costs during peak demand periods. Instead of purchasing electricity from the grid when prices are high, you can rely on the stored energy in your battery, saving you money on your energy bills over time.

Environmental Benefits: Solar batteries contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. By storing and utilising solar energy, you reduce your reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity and help decrease carbon emissions, mitigating the impact of climate change.

Solar Battery Products

Tesla Powerwall
  • Tesla Powerwall is a fully-integrated AC battery system for residential or light commercial use. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack provides energy storage for solar self-consumption, time-based control, and backup
  • Usable Energy Capacity – 13.5 kWh
  • Warranty – 10 years

View Data Sheet

Sungrow High Voltage LFP Battery
  • High Performance – 100% usable energy, 30 A continuous charging and discharging current.
  • Easy Installation – Compact and light, single person installation, plug and play, wire-less connection between modules, seamless integration with hybrid inverter
  • Usable Energy
  • Warranty – 10 years

View Data Sheet

SolarEdge Energy Bank 10kWh Battery
  • Maximised system performance, gaining more energy to store and use for on-grid and backup power applications
  • Includes multiple safety features for battery protection at all times
  • Usable Energy Capacity – 9.7kWh
  • Warranty – 10 years

View Data Sheet

Solar Batteries Rebates and Incentives

The ACT Government Interest Free Loan

The ACT Government’s Interest-Free Loan Program, part of the Sustainable Household Scheme, aims to support residents in making sustainable upgrades to their homes. This program provides interest-free loans to eligible homeowners to finance the installation of energy-efficient and renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and energy storage solutions. The loans are designed to assist residents in accessing affordable financing options for sustainable home improvements, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Case Studies

TESLA POWERWALL 2 INSTALLATION IN HOLT ACT

The successful installation of the Tesla Powerwall battery by Select Electrical reaffirms their expertise in delivering reliable renewable energy solutions. The customer’s glowing review, praising the staff’s professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction, reflects Select Electrical’s commitment to providing top-notch service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use solar batteries with my existing solar panel system?

Yes, solar batteries can be added to an existing solar panel system. However, compatibility and proper integration should be ensured, send us an enquiry for a free consultation.

How long do solar batteries last?
The lifespan of solar batteries typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of battery and usage patterns. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, tend to have a longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries.
Can solar batteries save me money on my electricity bills?
Solar batteries can potentially save you money on electricity bills by reducing your reliance on the grid during peak demand periods. This helps avoid purchasing electricity at higher rates.
What size solar battery system do I need for my home?
The size of the solar battery system you need depends on factors such as your energy consumption, the capacity of your solar panels, and your desired level of energy independence. Send us an enquiry and we will help determine the appropriate size for your needs.
Do solar batteries require maintenance?
Solar batteries typically require minimal maintenance. However, regular monitoring, occasional cleaning, and firmware updates may be necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Can solar batteries be charged by the grid?
Yes, solar batteries can be charged by the grid during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This allows you to store grid electricity for later use when rates are higher.
Can solar batteries be used in conjunction with a solar panel system for off-grid living?
Yes, solar batteries can be combined with a solar panel system to provide power for off-grid living. This setup allows you to rely solely on solar energy and be independent of the electrical grid.
How long can a solar battery power my home during an outage?
The duration of backup power provided by a solar battery depends on factors such as the battery’s capacity, the amount of stored energy, and your energy consumption. Larger capacity batteries can provide power for a longer duration.
Can I expand my solar battery storage capacity in the future?
Yes, in many cases, solar battery storage capacity can be expanded by adding additional batteries to the system. It’s important to consider the compatibility and capacity of your existing system when planning for expansion.
Are solar batteries environmentally friendly?
Solar batteries contribute to a greener and more sustainable energy future. By storing and utilising solar energy, they help reduce dependence on