Battery storage has revolutionised the use of solar panels in domestic properties. However, as with all choices, it comes with pros and cons. Here, we look at the pros and cons of battery storage and how you can use it in your home. Households with solar panels don’t just use battery storage but can also use it as a standalone energy-saving solution. A storage battery can store the energy produced by your solar panels during the day for you to use in the evening after the sun has dipped below the horizon. Equally, it can be used to store energy purchased from the National Grid at off-peak prices, usually overnight, before being used during peak hours, such as the evening. Both applications bring many benefits to a household.
The Pros of Solar Battery Storage
Home battery storage can be used to store energy generated through solar panels; however, this is not its only use; it can also be used to power from the grid and save until needed. There are benefits to both of these systems. Many households start by investing in solar panels or a home battery storage system. While investing in the home battery first may seem counter-intuitive, you will see the benefits it brings even without the solar panels.
Pros of battery storage with solar panels
This enables you to maximise the use of your solar panels. Storing the energy generated during daylight until evening makes solar panels a practical and economically sensible decision for most households. Storing your energy reduces your reliance on the grid, which can be especially useful in power cuts. You can substantially reduce your carbon footprint by successfully storing your solar energy. It will save you money on your energy bills by massively reducing the energy you need to pull from the grid.
Pros of battery storage without solar panels
For those without solar panels, battery storage is still a sensible option. On a variable energy tariff, you can buy your energy at off-peak prices, usually overnight, and then store it until you want to use it. The peak rate for energy prices is in the evening when the demand rises. With battery storage, you can save energy until needed, saving you money on your electricity. Notably, off-peak energy is often greener than peak energy, as the grid is under more pressure during peak times. This system also protects you during a power cut, giving you greater energy independence.
The Cons of Solar Battery Storage
Considering buying a battery storage system, weighing up the pros and cons of any investment is always sensible. Calculate your household energy consumption and determine how much you could save by investing in a battery storage system.
Cons of battery storage with solar panels
The price can be a barrier to some people, especially if it is combined with the cost of installing solar panels. Compared to solar panels, which have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, batteries only last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, which means that your battery will need to be replaced during the lifespan of your solar panels. If you already have solar panels and have been selling your surplus energy back to the grid, you will stop getting this payment. However, you should more than gain with the money saved by not having to buy energy off the grid during peak hours. Lastly, a battery storage system may not be as beneficial if you are at home all day and use most of your energy directly from your solar panels.
Cons of battery storage without solar panels
This system only works on a variable energy tariff. You must be extremely careful to buy your energy at the right time. Again, it is a significant investment and may only be the right choice for some, depending upon your circumstances. It can be hard to calculate the return on investment time on a home battery, so make sure you choose one from a reliable company with a good warranty on the battery. You may find that your battery degrades over time, so the storage capacity will reduce, making it a less effective solution for your energy system.
Get a Quote for Battery Storage Today
Duracell Energy home batteries are designed and manufactured by industry experts with many years of experience. As our green energy requirements grew, it became increasingly clear that in order for homeowners to embrace all the benefits of solar power, they needed an affordable and practical way to store the energy produced. We have designed and developed a sleek, ergonomic home battery using the latest lithium-ion technology, which gives a far greater storage capacity for the volume than its older counterparts. This allows batteries to be installed in homes, without taking up too much space or being an eyesore. Households can save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and have greater energy independence. Our home batteries, EV chargers, and inverters all work together with our impressive app to give you complete control of your entire household energy system. Embrace a greener tomorrow by simply using our online quote calculator to help you choose the best solar battery storage set-up for your home.