Do I Need A Solar System With Battery Storage?

With the rising energy costs and increasing concerns about sustainability, many homeowners are exploring renewable energy options. Solar power is a fantastic way to harness the sun’s energy, but many often find themselves wondering “do I need a solar system with battery storage?”. By pairing your system with battery storage, it can offer a number of advantages when it comes to your energy consumption and savings.

In this blog, we take a closer look at solar systems with battery storage, including how they work and their benefits, helping you to determine if they’re the right investment for your energy needs and goals.

How does solar battery storage work?

Solar battery storage works by capturing and storing excess energy generated by your solar panels. During the day, your solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your property. If you use less energy than what you produce, the surplus energy can be stored in your battery system for later use. This advanced technology ensures you get the most out of every bit of sunlight.

When the sun goes down, during times of high demand, or simply on cloudy days, you can draw stored energy from your battery instead of relying on the grid. This not only maximises your use of renewable energy, but also provides a backup power source. Essentially, a solar system with battery storage allows you to enhance the efficiency of your solar system and maximise your self-sufficiency.

Do solar panels work without battery storage?

Yes, you don’t need a battery system for your solar panels to function. Without a battery, your solar panels will still generate electricity during the day to power your home. However, any excess electricity that you don’t use immediately is sent back to the grid, where you may receive a small credit from your utility company (this is dependent on your energy tariff).

However, adding battery storage allows you to get more value from the energy you produce. By storing excess power, you can use it yourself at a later time instead of having to rely on buying electricity from the grid at higher rates if you need it. You can even add battery storage to an existing solar panel system to gain more control over your usage. 

What are the benefits of a solar system with battery storage?

Pairing your solar panels with a battery storage solution unlocks many benefits. From gaining energy independence to generating clean power yourself, below are four of the main benefits of a solar system with battery storage.

1. You can save money

One of the biggest benefits to adding battery storage is the potential for significant cost savings. By harnessing solar energy during the day, you can generate your own electricity which reduces your reliance on needing grid power and minimises your monthly electricity bills.

When combined with battery storage, any excess energy produced can be stored for use during times of high demand or at night when electricity rates are often higher. This not only allows for greater control over your energy consumption, but it also contributes to long-term financial savings by mitigating the impact of fluctuating energy prices.

2. You can sell excess electricity to the grid

A battery system doesn’t just help you save money; it can also help you earn it. If you find that you don’t need your excess electricity, you have the option to sell that electricity back to the grid. This can be done through government-backed initiatives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). 

Certain utility companies can offer eligible homeowners SEG tariffs that enable them to sell excess electricity back to the grid at an agreed price. Not only does this allow you to contribute to a greener energy supply, but also take advantage of financial incentives, making your investment in solar even more worthwhile. It’s a win-win situation that promotes sustainability and enhances your overall return on investment.

3. You can reduce your carbon footprint

Choosing to add a battery to your solar setup is a powerful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. While solar panels alone help you generate and use clean energy, battery storage ensures that as little of that green power as possible goes to waste. This helps lower your carbon footprint and contribute to the larger fight against climate change.

As you can use excess electricity at a later stage, it also means you need less power from the grid, which is often generated by burning traditional fossil fuels. This leads to greater energy independence and the ability to lower your household’s carbon emissions, and ultimately contribute to a healthier planet. 

4. They can increase your chance of selling your property

A home that has a solar system with battery storage is a highly attractive asset in today’s property market. Potential buyers are increasingly on the lookout for energy-efficient features, and with a complete solar system, it shows your property can offer lower energy bills from day one. Not only can this help your home standout from the competition, but also provides homebuyers peace of mind.

A solar and battery storage solution signals that your home is modern, efficient, and forward-thinking. It suggests lower running costs and resilience against power outages, which are major selling points for many families. As sustainability becomes more important when buying a home, investing in a complete solar system can be both a smart financial decision and an eco-friendly choice that pays off in the long run.

How much does solar battery storage cost?

The cost of a solar battery system can vary on several factors, such as the battery’s capacity (how much energy it can store), the brand, expected lifespan, and whether you’re installing it with new solar panels or retrofitting it to an existing system.

It’s also important to consider the cost of installation and any ongoing maintenance into your budget too. While the upfront cost of a battery storage system may seem high, it can lead to long-term savings and the benefits of having a reliable energy source can make it a worthwhile investment.

It’s recommended you speak with a professional battery storage installer, like Eco Providers, who can offer solutions and guidance that are tailored to your property, energy usage, and budget.

Get a battery storage quote today

It’s clear to see that installing a solar system with battery storage can bring a whole host of benefits including energy independence, financial savings, and contributing to a more sustainable environment. If you’re still unsure whether battery storage is right for you, we can help.

At Eco Providers, we can provide expert advice on our battery storage solutions and find an option that aligns with your energy needs and budget. Get a free quote today for a battery storage system, or get in touch with our friendly specialists today if you’d like to learn more.