Can I Add a Battery to my Solar System?

Are you thinking about boosting your solar setup with a battery? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of integrating a battery with your existing solar system.

Whether you’re looking to keep the lights on during a power outage, want to reduce your electricity bills, or simply be more energy-independent, adding a battery to your solar system could be the game-changer you’re looking for.

Key Takeaways

• Benefits of adding battery to solar system
• Why add a battery to your solar system?

Benefits of Adding a Battery to a Solar System

Adding a battery to your solar panel installation can be a smart and practical decision, as it allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use during the night or on cloudy days.

This makes your solar system more efficient and provides a continuous and reliable power supply. But how do you do it? All it takes is the right equipment and some careful planning.

DC-coupled systems

In DC-coupled solutions, your inverter will be replaced by one that works with both a battery and solar system – these are called hybrid inverters.

The solar panels are directly connected to the battery storage system and charge it by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This is generally more efficient since the electricity does not need to be converted to alternating current (AC) before being stored.

However, DC-coupled solutions are typically more expensive and complex to install as they require specialised equipment to handle the higher voltage DC power.

AC-Coupled Systems

On the other hand, AC-coupled batteries use two inverters—the standard one, and the ‘storage inverter,’ which is responsible for charging the battery.

This system involves converting the electricity from the solar panels into AC before it is stored in the battery. This allows for more flexibility as the solar panels can be connected to the existing AC electrical system.

AC-coupled solutions are generally less expensive and easier to install as they do not need specialised equipment. However, they are slightly less efficient than DC-coupled solutions due to the extra conversion from DC to AC.

Why add a battery to your solar system?

Adding a battery to a solar panel installation offers several benefits that can improve its overall performance and functionality. These include:

A battery backup

During power outages or when it’s not sunny and less energy is produced, you can use the battery’s stored power, giving you a continuous supply of cheaper solar electricity.

Grid independence

Even during grid failures or disruptions, the solar system can work independently, giving you peace of mind that you can still rely on your solar system for electricity.

Better energy efficiency

You can strategically use your stored energy when electricity rates are higher during peak demand hours. You can save more money by drawing on the solar battery during these periods.

Make your solar system even better with Grant Store

Interested in cheaper electricity? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current system or invest in going solar for the first time, trust our experts to help.

With years of experience, we are here to answer all your questions, from the cost of batteries to the system size you need. And when you’ve decided, our solar installers will get everything up and running without a hitch.

Give our friendly team a call today, and we can get you started on your journey to a more sustainable future. We can even help you secure funding via the latest UK solar grants.