If you are going to get solar panels for your house then there is a possibility of adding on battery but does it make sense? The battery is what stores any spare electricity your panels have generated during the day for you to use later (usually in the evenings). It is a good upgrade for some homes. It can be something you add later for others.
What a battery actually does
During the day your house relies on solar first, and when there is no sun, it uses some of that saved energy. Otherwise, any excess power often ends up being exported to the grid. A battery means more of that extra solar can be kept and used when your panels aren’t producing much. For Solar Panel Installation Clevedon, visit redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-clevedon/
So, in layman terms a battery can –
Consume your own excess solar electricity
Using less grid power at night
Get through the hours of your day faster when working towards savings
Where it does and doesn’t make sense to put a battery during an install:
You’re out during the day. As the house is vacant most sunny hours of solar exporting without a battery can be really good.
You want to maximise self-consumption. The big draw for homeowners is the idea of being able to use as much of the power that they’re actually generating.
You’re planning future upgrades. A battery can be included in that scheme if you are planning to add an EV charger, heat pump along with higher electricity use.
You just want to “install once.” Single project, single scaffold, visit from a single installer, for example.
When to wait instead
If you do not need a battery right away.
Change of daytime-use input. Using the power during daylight hours to run appliances and things will give you great savings without a battery.
The budget is tight. Panels by themselves generally will provide the best bang for buck you can start with.
Not entirely sure how you use your product. Others get the solar first and then wait a few months before deciding based on real-world information.
Questions to ask your installer:
What would my solar exports be like without a battery?
What size battery will suit my home and typical evening usage?
Am I asking for a future battery ready system?
What is the warranty for a battery and inverter?
In Conclusion
A battery can be a good optional extra at the time that you get solar especially if you export heaps of solar or want to use more of your own electricity in the evenings. But it is not necessary for every single person. The ideal option depends on your budget, lifestyle habits and regular use of energy at home.