Battery Storage Systems
In today’s world, battery storage systems are becoming increasingly important. These systems store extra energy generated during times of high production—so it can be used when production is low, such as in the evening or on cloudy days.
What Are Battery Storage Systems?
Battery storage systems are devices that store energy for later use. They come into play especially with renewable energy sources like solar panels. Here’s a simple breakdown of what they do:
- Capacity: This is the total energy a battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Efficiency: This tells you how much of the stored energy can be utlised.
- Lifespan: This is measured in cycles. One cycle is a full discharge and recharge. The lifespan tells you how many cycles a battery can handle before its capacity drops below a certain level.
How Battery Storage Can Help with Energy
Battery storage systems offer several key benefits:
- Stabilising Grid Energy: During peak demand times, these systems can provide a steady supply of power, helping to avoid outages.
- Emergency Power: If there’s a power cut, a battery storage system can keep your lights on and your essential appliances running; reducing reliance on the grid.
- Cost Savings: By storing energy during low-cost periods and using it during high-cost times, you can save money on your energy bills.
- Maximising Renewable Energy: They allow you to use all the energy generated, less need to buy power from your energy provider.
How Clever Energy Midlands Can Help
Clever Energy (Midlands) is here to make the process of getting battery storage as simple and hassle-free as possible. Here’s how we do it:
- Partner Installers: We connect you with the best installers from across the Midlands.
- One Price Promise: This ensures you get the most competitive prices without the hassle of renegotiating and hard-sell with multiple installers.
- Expert Introductions: We work with MCS Accredited Professionals to ensure quality and compliance.
Ready to explore how battery storage can benefit your home or business? Standalone or as part of a system, let Clever Energy (Midlands) introduce you to leaders in battery storage solutions. Click here to get started with up to 3 no-obligation initial quotes and see how we can help you make the most of your energy.
Do I go with an AC or DC coupled system?
When it comes to integrating battery storage with renewable energy systems, there are different methods to consider: AC coupling, DC coupling, and hybrid systems. Let’s break down each one and see how they work, including how DC coupling is compatible with electric vehicles (EVs).
AC-Coupled Systems
Connect the battery storage to the renewable energy system via the alternating current (AC) side. Here’s how they work:
- Connection: Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is converted to AC by an inverter. This AC electricity is used by your home or sent to the grid. Any excess energy is converted back to DC and stored in the battery.
- Flexibility: These systems can be easily added to existing solar setups without major changes.
- Efficiency: They are slightly less efficient due to the double conversion (DC to AC, then AC to DC for storage), which leads to some energy loss.
- Cost: They may be more expensive as they require an additional inverter.
DC-Coupled Systems
Directly connect the battery storage to the DC output of the renewable energy source. Here’s how they operate:
- Connection: The DC electricity from the solar panels is directly stored in the battery. When power is needed, DC from the battery is converted to AC via a single inverter for use.
- Efficiency: These systems are more efficient because they avoid one stage of energy conversion, reducing losses.
- Installation: They are often simpler and cheaper for new installations since fewer components are required.
- Optimisation: They are better at maximising the efficiency of solar panels as energy can be stored directly without conversion losses.
Hybrid Systems
Combine the features of both AC and DC coupling. They are designed to be highly flexible and efficient:
- Versatility: Hybrid inverters can handle both DC and AC inputs, making them suitable for integrating various energy sources and storage options.
- Efficiency: They provide high efficiency by directly converting and storing DC energy from solar panels and other renewable sources.
- Compatibility: Hybrid systems are particularly beneficial for EVs. Since EVs operate on DC, a hybrid system can charge the vehicle directly from the solar panels without additional conversions. This setup reduces energy loss and improves charging efficiency.
Choosing Between AC and DC Coupling
This will depend on your specific situation: If you already have a solar PV system with an inverter, adding an AC-coupled system might be simpler; as for new setups, DC-coupled systems can be more cost-effective and efficient. For larger systems or those where efficiency is paramount—you might benefit more from DC-coupled solutions.