SOLAR BATTERIES

Solar batteries are devices that store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels. Instead of sending surplus energy back to the grid, the battery retains it for later use, such as during the evening or on cloudy days when your panels aren't generating power. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your household or business needs, the extra energy charges the battery. When your panels aren’t producing enough power, the stored electricity is drawn from the battery to supply your energy needs. This increases energy independence and helps reduce your reliance on the national grid.

Adding a solar battery to your system offers several key benefits for both homes and businesses:

Increased Energy Independence: Use stored power when your panels aren’t generating electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid.

Lower Energy Bills: Make the most of your self-generated electricity instead of buying from your supplier.

Backup Power During Outages: Keep essential appliances running even during a power cut.

Maximimum Usage: Store excess energy produced during the day and use it at night.

Potential To Earn Credits:Potential Export unused stored power to the grid, depending on your supplier’s policies.

Solar batteries typically last between 10 and 15 years, depending on their type, its usage patterns and how they are maintained. The battery’s lifespan can be affected by how often it is charged and discharged, temperature conditions and general upkeep. It’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s warranty but most high-quality batteries come with a 10-year performance guarantee.

Solar batteries can be a worthwhile investment for many Irish homeowners and businesses by allowing you to store surplus energy for later use, further reducing your dependency on the national grid and helping you avoid electricity charges. The payback period for a solar battery typically ranges from 8 to 12 years. With energy costs continuing to rise, having a battery can make your solar investment more economically viable, especially when combined with government incentives.

Selecting the right solar battery depends on several factors, including:

Capacity: Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), capacity indicates how much energy the battery can store. Consider your average energy usage when choosing.

Power Rating: This tells you how much electricity the battery can deliver at once. A higher power rating is useful if you need to run several appliances simultaneously.

Efficiency: Look for batteries with a high round-trip efficiency (typically 80% or more) to ensure minimal energy loss during charging and discharging.

Warranty & Lifespan: Choose a battery with a strong warranty, typically around 10 years, and check the expected cycle life (number of charge-discharge cycles).

Compatibility: Ensure the battery works well with your existing solar inverter or choose a hybrid inverter that supports battery storage.