Domestic installation of electricity storage batteries without solar panels.

Victoria Critchlow

Does it makes practical and economical sense to install domestic batteries, with inverters for domestic use, to charge from the grid at off peak tariff or when green energy suppliers have surplus green energy in the system during the day and have opt in 2hr free schemes. 

If the answer is yes it does make sense, what are the key considerations? What might I have not thought off? Any indication on maximising RoI and finally  How do I make maintenance as simple and pragmatic as possible from a novice/non technical point of view?

Many thanks

V

Parents
  • +1

    Hi V and thanks for joining the discussion.

    I've extracted some key points from some presentations that i have delivered that i think  cover your points, these are as follows:

    Key Considerations

    1. Energy Tariffs and Schemes:

      • Off-Peak Tariffs: Make sure your energy provider offers a significant price difference between peak and off-peak tariffs.
      • Green Energy Surplus Schemes: Look for schemes that offer free or reduced-cost electricity during periods of surplus green energy.

    1. Battery Capacity:

      • Choose a battery with enough capacity to cover your household’s energy needs during peak hours.
      • Calculate your daily energy consumption to determine the optimal battery size.

    2. Inverter Compatibility:

      • Ensure the inverter is compatible with your battery and can efficiently handle the power requirements of your home.
      • Some inverters have smart features to optimise charging times based on tariff schedules.

    1. Initial Costs and Incentives:

      • Consider the upfront cost of the battery and inverter system.

    Maximizing Return on Investment (RoI)

    1. Optimise Charging Schedule:

      • Use smart meters and programmable inverters to charge the battery during the cheapest tariff periods.
      • Take advantage of free energy periods if offered by your supplier.

    2. Energy Usage Patterns:

      • Shift as much of your energy usage to the times when your battery can supply power.
      • Use high-energy appliances during periods when your battery is charged with cheaper or free energy.

    3. Monitoring and Management:

      • Use an energy management system to monitor your energy usage and battery performance.
      • Regularly review and adjust your energy consumption habits to maximize savings.

    Simplifying Maintenance

    1. User-Friendly Systems:

      • Choose systems designed for easy use and maintenance by non-technical users.
      • Many modern systems have user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps for monitoring and management.

    2. Routine Checks:

      • Perform simple routine checks, like ensuring the battery is charging correctly and checking for any error messages.
      • Keep the system clean and free from dust.

    3. Professional Maintenance:

      • Schedule regular maintenance checks by professionals to ensure everything is functioning optimally.
      • Many manufacturers offer maintenance contracts or warranties that include annual servicing.

    What You Might Not Have Thought Of

    1. Battery Lifespan:

      • Understand the lifespan of the battery and plan for eventual replacement costs.
      • Typical lithium-ion batteries last between 10 to 15 years.
    2. Degradation Over Time: be aware that battery capacity can degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness.

      Disposal and Recycling:

      • Plan for the responsible disposal and recycling of the battery at the end of its life.

    1. Future-Proofing:

      • Consider potential future increases in your energy usage and whether your system can be easily expanded or upgraded.

    Final Tips

    • Research and Compare: Take the time to research different systems, compare features, and read reviews.

     Hope that helps steer your interest and thank you for taking part in the EESS Chat !

    Griff Thomas MIET GTEC Training (www.gtec.co.uk)  

Reply
  • +1

    Hi V and thanks for joining the discussion.

    I've extracted some key points from some presentations that i have delivered that i think  cover your points, these are as follows:

    Key Considerations

    1. Energy Tariffs and Schemes:

      • Off-Peak Tariffs: Make sure your energy provider offers a significant price difference between peak and off-peak tariffs.
      • Green Energy Surplus Schemes: Look for schemes that offer free or reduced-cost electricity during periods of surplus green energy.

    1. Battery Capacity:

      • Choose a battery with enough capacity to cover your household’s energy needs during peak hours.
      • Calculate your daily energy consumption to determine the optimal battery size.

    2. Inverter Compatibility:

      • Ensure the inverter is compatible with your battery and can efficiently handle the power requirements of your home.
      • Some inverters have smart features to optimise charging times based on tariff schedules.

    1. Initial Costs and Incentives:

      • Consider the upfront cost of the battery and inverter system.

    Maximizing Return on Investment (RoI)

    1. Optimise Charging Schedule:

      • Use smart meters and programmable inverters to charge the battery during the cheapest tariff periods.
      • Take advantage of free energy periods if offered by your supplier.

    2. Energy Usage Patterns:

      • Shift as much of your energy usage to the times when your battery can supply power.
      • Use high-energy appliances during periods when your battery is charged with cheaper or free energy.

    3. Monitoring and Management:

      • Use an energy management system to monitor your energy usage and battery performance.
      • Regularly review and adjust your energy consumption habits to maximize savings.

    Simplifying Maintenance

    1. User-Friendly Systems:

      • Choose systems designed for easy use and maintenance by non-technical users.
      • Many modern systems have user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps for monitoring and management.

    2. Routine Checks:

      • Perform simple routine checks, like ensuring the battery is charging correctly and checking for any error messages.
      • Keep the system clean and free from dust.

    3. Professional Maintenance:

      • Schedule regular maintenance checks by professionals to ensure everything is functioning optimally.
      • Many manufacturers offer maintenance contracts or warranties that include annual servicing.

    What You Might Not Have Thought Of

    1. Battery Lifespan:

      • Understand the lifespan of the battery and plan for eventual replacement costs.
      • Typical lithium-ion batteries last between 10 to 15 years.
    2. Degradation Over Time: be aware that battery capacity can degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness.

      Disposal and Recycling:

      • Plan for the responsible disposal and recycling of the battery at the end of its life.

    1. Future-Proofing:

      • Consider potential future increases in your energy usage and whether your system can be easily expanded or upgraded.

    Final Tips

    • Research and Compare: Take the time to research different systems, compare features, and read reviews.

     Hope that helps steer your interest and thank you for taking part in the EESS Chat !

    Griff Thomas MIET GTEC Training (www.gtec.co.uk)  

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