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Battery storage

Welcome to Chiltern Solar. We specialise in installing solar battery storage systems tailored for your home. With recent VAT reductions by the UK Government, now is the time to save on battery storage, even if you don’t have solar panels installed.

Our battery selection suits various budgets and requirements, offering options for integration with existing solar panels, retrofitting into your current system, or selecting a standalone setup to suit your needs.

We work with trusted brands like Tesla, GivEnergy, SolaX and Pylontech.
Begin your solar journey by requesting a quote. You can do this via our website form, phone or email.
Common questions about battery storage
What is solar battery storage?

Solar battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), is the technology for storing excess energy produced by a household’s photovoltaic (PV) solar system. It typically includes scalable, rechargeable batteries and battery management system (BMS) for monitoring and control.

Solar battery storage tracks the home’s electricity usage patterns. By analysing the data, the system intelligently manages energy flow, determining the best times to charge the battery and when to draw from it based on the household’s energy requirements.

Financial benefits: Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. Battery storage systems store this energy for future use and can enable users to use stored electricity when they might otherwise need to use the National Grid, thus lowering energy bills.

Consumers can also store inexpensive electricity generated by solar panels and sell it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Read more HERE.

Independence: While the National Grid is the primary electricity source for most consumers, it can encounter instability during high-demand periods or extreme weather. Battery storage with backup capability provides independence by offering an alternative energy source. With battery backup capability, you are not solely dependent on the grid during power outages or fluctuations. Specific* battery storage and backup systems can store energy during regular operation, so in the event of a power outage, these systems supply stored energy to essential equipment and lighting, ensuring a continuous power supply.

Global warming: Solar power produces electricity without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. By installing a battery storage system alongside solar panels, excess energy generated can be stored for later use, reducing the need for fossil fuel-based energy generation.

There are two main types of battery technologies: battery storage and battery backup. Grid-tied solar PV systems, such as those commonly offered by Chiltern Solar, require a connection to the grid for operation and are not self-sufficient. Battery storage systems store excess solar energy for later use in the household, but they do not operate during power outages.

On the other hand, battery backup systems function independently of the grid and provide power during outages. Examples include Tesla Powerwall and GivEnergy all-in-one systems offered by Chiltern Solar. These systems are more complex and require additional electrical preparation. They often incorporate a gateway option“a separate box or consumer unit connected to the supply“that enables the battery to operate without relying on grid power.

Chiltern Solar only use lithium-ion batteries although there are other options available. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular due to their efficiency, longevity, and compact size.

• AC-coupled and DC-coupled hybrid systems:

In AC-coupled systems, the solar panels generate DC (direct current) electricity, which is then converted to AC (alternating current) using an inverter. This AC power can be used to power appliances in your home or fed back into the grid. These systems use a separate charge controller for the solar panels and the battery storage. Typically, this system would be installed for people with existing domestic solar systems in place.

In DC-coupled systems, the solar panels directly charge a battery bank with DC electricity. This means that the electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in batteries without first being converted to AC. DC-coupled systems often have a single hybrid inverter which includes a charge controller to manage solar PV and battery charging. Typically, this would be the choice for people in domestic properties who do not have an existing solar system.

Some battery systems, like those from Pylontech and Giv Energy, consist of smaller modular units that can be easily installed in different locations, such as lofts or utility rooms. These modular units can be stacked together to increase storage capacity and provide flexibility in installation.

Other battery systems, like those from Tesla and Solar Edge come as larger units designed for installation in utility rooms, garages, or outdoor locations. These units typically have higher storage capacity and are suitable for larger energy storage needs.

Battery systems like the *Tesla Powerwall offer backup power capabilities, providing electricity to your home during power outages. This feature is valuable for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply and increasing energy resilience.

The amount of solar battery storage you need depends on your energy usage, the size of your solar panel system and your goals for energy independence. A typical home may require a battery capacity of 4-9 kWh to cover evening use. Our solar experts will consider how much solar energy your PV system generates and your annual electricity usage when producing your quote.

No, you do not necessarily need solar panels to install a battery. Batteries can also store electricity from the National Grid, allowing you to take advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates or provide backup power during outages. However, pairing batteries with solar panels maximises benefits and sustainability.

The cost of a solar battery system depends on its capacity, technology and brand. Prices range from £2,500 to £10,000. Installation and additional components may incur extra costs. Prices are slowly coming down making solar batteries more accessible. Take advantage of the recent reduction in VAT rates by the UK government, which dropped from 20% to 0%, resulting in substantial savings on battery storage systems.

Solar batteries are typically guaranteed for between 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of battery and manufacturer. Usage patterns will also have an impact on the life of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries have a greater depth of discharge which can vary between 80 – 100% together with a longer lifespan.

Why choose Chiltern Solar?
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