Solar Battery Buying Guide For Bristol Homes.
If you install solar panels on your roof, adding a battery to the system can save you lots of money on evening electricity. However, selecting the right battery is not straightforward and some research is needed to ensure that you buy the right product for your needs.
Match Capacity to Your Evening Use
The capacity of a solar battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and it is important to ensure that you choose a battery that has a sufficient amount of capacity to match the amount of evening electricity that you typically use. For most households in Bristol this would be a battery with around 5-10 kWh of usable capacity (the total capacity of a battery is often larger than the usable capacity as some capacity is reserved for the health of the cells).
Choose the Right Chemistry
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have a much longer life and are able to handle a lot more charge and discharge cycles than other types of lithium-ion batteries, often rated for up to and over 4,000 cycles (a cycle being a charge and subsequent discharge to 0% of the battery’s capacity). While there is a small initial cost premium for LFP batteries, they offer far greater longevity than other types and as such are a worthwhile investment.
Check Inverter Compatibility
The battery must be compatible with the inverter, whether you are using existing solar panels or installing them along with the battery pack. Some of the higher end battery systems now come with hybrid inverters as part of the package but many use the existing inverter on the property. Always double check compatibility with any potential supplier before you purchase. Mismatched products can incur higher installation costs in the long run.
Think About Where It Will Sit
Garages, utility rooms and under stairs storage spaces are typically found in most Bristol terraces, semis and large houses. As the Battery Storage Unit is likely to be fairly large it is essential that the proposed installation area is dry, free from frost and well ventilated. Airing cupboards are typically too small and suffer from poor ventilation and very cold conditions in winter. Wall mounted units require approximately 60cm of space all around the unit.
Read the Warranty Carefully
Minimum 10 year warranty and 4,000 or more cycle guarantee. It’s worth checking the warranty of different products across quotes to ensure you get the best.
Use Certified Installers
For Solar Battery Storage Bristol, see https://www.precisiongreenenergy.co.uk/renewables/solar-battery-storage/bristol/.
A good solar battery choice is based on several criteria: the right size of battery, the right chemistry within the battery, and the right installer to fit it all.
