If you’re considering installing solar panels in your home in the UK, then it’s essential to consider installing a solar battery.
Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels, meaning you can access this energy source at night or when your solar panels may not produce enough power for your needs.
So what do you need to know about solar batteries?
What is a Solar Battery and How Do They Work?
As previously stated, solar batteries store excess energy. They do this by holding the excess energy your solar panels generate in a chemical form until needed.
This means you can use the energy when your panels are not generating enough to power your entire home or during peak energy usage times when electricity is more expensive – saving you money!
Why Should I Get a Solar Battery?
Apart from helping the environment, reducing your carbon footprint, and being cautious about protecting the world around you, the government also offers some great incentives that make getting solar panels and solar batteries so tempting!
These include the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the ECO4 scheme, which allows some homes access to free solar installations through certain energy companies.
The 3 Most Common Types of Solar Batteries
Each form of common solar batteries in the UK has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to research and make sure you choose the one that best suits your needs!
There are a few different elements to consider, so we’ve compiled a list for you to check off while browsing the solar battery UK market:
- Know your energy needs: Before buying a solar battery, you must know how much energy you use daily. This will help you determine the size of the battery you need.
- Check your eligibility for incentives: The UK government offers incentives to homeowners who install solar panels and batteries. Check to see if you’re eligible for any of these incentives.
- Research different brands: Several brands of solar batteries are available in the UK. Research other brands to find one that meets your needs and budget.
- Consider the installation process: Installing a solar battery can be complicated, so ensure you understand the installation process and whether you need to hire a professional.
- Look for warranties: Solar batteries can be expensive, so looking for a warranty that will protect your investment is essential.
- Compare prices: Solar batteries can vary, so compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
- Consider the battery’s lifespan: Solar batteries have a lifespan, so consider this when purchasing.
Lead-Acid Battery
Lead-acid batteries are one of the most common types of batteries used in solar energy systems. They have been used for many years and have proven reliable and cost-effective.
Advantages:
- Lead-acid batteries are relatively cheap compared to other types of batteries, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to install a solar energy system on a budget.
- These batteries are durable and can last for several years with proper maintenance.
- Lead-acid batteries are widely available, and you can purchase these from many different manufacturers.
- These batteries are easy to maintain, and their maintenance requirements are simple.
Disadvantages:
- Lead-acid batteries have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every few years. This can add to the overall cost of a solar energy system.
- Although lead-acid batteries are easy to maintain, they require periodic maintenance, including checking the water levels and ensuring the terminals are clean.
- Lead-acid batteries are less efficient than other types of batteries, and they can lose a significant amount of energy during the charging and discharging process.
- These batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, which can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
Lead-acid batteries can be a good choice for homeowners who are on a budget and want a reliable battery for their solar energy system. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider other types of batteries before deciding!
Lithium-Ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly popular for solar energy systems in recent years due to their high energy density and a longer lifespan than other battery types.
Lithium-ion batteries can be a good choice for homeowners who want a high-performance, long-lasting solar energy system battery. It’s important to note that these solar batteries do have some limitations, including their high cost, safety concerns, and potential environmental impact.
Safety Concerns of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Although generally reliable and safe to use, lithium-ion batteries, when damaged, can raise the risk of explosion or fire hazard. Lithium-ion batteries are very sensitive to higher temperatures, and if they overheat, they can demonstrate the chain reaction thermal runaway.
When thermal runaway occurs, the battery is in a self-heating state and is erratic and uncontrollable. This can result in the ejection of particulates, shrapnel or gas.
Flow Battery
Flow batteries, also known as redox flow batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery that use two liquids to store and release energy.
Flow batteries have a longer lifespan compared to other types of batteries, can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance, and are easily scalable, which means you can use them for both small and large solar energy systems and are generally safer than other types of batteries, as they use non-flammable electrolytes.
Though these benefits do not come without a cost, flow batteries are more expensive than other types of batteries, which can add to the overall cost of a solar energy system.
Flow batteries are still a relatively new technology and may not be as widely available as other types of batteries. They have a complex design, making them more challenging to install and maintain.
They also require a considerable amount of space compared to other batteries, which may be an issue for homeowners with limited space.
All these disadvantages mean that it may not be practical or possible to use.
How to install a Solar Battery UK?
Installing a solar battery can be complicated, so it’s crucial to hire a professional to do the installation for you.
Make sure you choose a professional that has experience with solar batteries and a good reputation. This means considering their accreditations, reading customer reviews, and comparing their ratings to other companies.
Solar batteries are an excellent investment for UK homeowners looking for new ways to save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Visit this article for more information on solar panels, solar batteries, and prices!
Article written by GreenMatch.
