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Are Solar Batteries Worth It

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

In the UK, where solar energy is gaining momentum, a big question for many homeowners is: Are solar storage batteries worth it? This article aims to give you a straightforward answer. Solar batteries store extra energy from your solar panels, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining. But do the benefits outweigh the cost? We’re here to explore how these batteries work, their cost, the potential savings, and their environmental impact, all tailored for UK homeowners. A Solar Battery? Solar storage batteries are key for UK homes using solar panels. They store extra solar power for when you need it most, like during those cloudy days or at night. There are mainly two types: lithium-ion and lead-acid. Lithium-ion ones are pricier but last longer and are more efficient, making them a top choice for many. These batteries help you make the most of your solar panels, ensuring you’ve got power even when the sun isn’t out. Analysing the costs In the UK, the price for a solar battery system starts on average is about £4,500. The cost varies depending on the battery's capacity and type. While lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, they offer better longevity and efficiency. It's not just the battery you're paying for. Installation and any additional equipment needed for your solar setup can add to the cost. But remember, the investment isn't just about the initial price. It's about the long-term savings on your energy bills. Pros Cons Provides energy independence High initial investment Reduces electricity bills Requires space for installation Offers backup during power outages It takes around 20 years to break even on solar batteries How much can I save each year? Investing in a solar battery can lead to significant financial savings over time. For a standard three-bed house in the UK with a solar panel and battery system, the expected annual savings amount to approximately £669. This figure includes savings from reduced grid electricity usage and earnings from exporting surplus power. Selling your Electricity? Under the SEG, you can earn up to 15p for every kWh exported, as seen with providers like Octopus Energy or Utility Warehouse. However, with the cost of grid electricity at 28.62p per kWh, storing excess solar energy for later use is more cost-effective than selling it. An average three-bedroom home equipped with the latest high-tech solar panel generates about 2,645 kWh yearly. This leads to a saving of £537 on energy bills. This is a combination of £379 saved from grid purchases and £159 earned through SEG. By utilizing the extra solar energy instead of selling it, you gain an additional saving of £132. The Hidden Benefits You Didn't Know! Investing in solar batteries is a strategic move to future-proof your home against fluctuating energy rates With a fixed source of power, you're less susceptible to the unpredictable rises in electricity costs, providing a level of financial predictability and security. By generating and storing your energy, you're locking in your energy rates, insulating yourself from market volatility. Being grid-independent also means a reduced impact of grid failures, energy shortages, or peak-time charges In the context of rising energy prices, owning solar batteries can offer substantial long-term financial and ecological benefits What Solar Battery Should I Get? Below are some of the best lithium solar panel battery brands on the market, their cost, warranty and capacity. Brand Capacity Range Price Warranty Efficiency Pylontech 2.4-4.8kWh Low 10 Years Low SunSynk 5.32kWh Low 10 Years Low Growatt 3.3- 6.5kWh Medium 10 Years Medium GivEnergy 2.6-9.6kWh  Medium 12 Years Great So is it worth it? - Our take If you can afford them, solar batteries are worth considering. They're a great choice for those aiming to minimize their reliance on grid electricity. However, indeed, the upfront cost is still a significant barrier for many, though this is gradually changing. In essence, for those prepared to invest in solar technology, the long-term benefits, make it a compelling choice. For those ready to invest in a solar battery or system, you can simply send us a message, and a member of our team will get in touch.

jose

Joze

Head of Marketing
Screenshot 2024-01-26 171856

Become a pioneer with your farm with renewable energy

Exploring the Dynamics of Solar Farms Solar farms, much like their renewable energy counterparts, find themselves amidst a swirl of controversy. Is their reception mired in genuine concern or merely local displeasure at their aesthetic presence? Let's delve into the nature of solar farms, what they contribute, and what the horizon holds for expansive solar energy in the UK. Defining the Solar Farm Mirroring traditional agriculture, solar farms bountifully utilize open land to fulfil a burgeoning need for energy. As classical farming faces economic challenges, some farmers have pivoted, leasing their lands to energy companies or outfitting their acreage with solar arrays, thus joining the green energy uprising. These farms on a grand scale are essentially supersized versions of the residential arrays dotting rooftops throughout the UK. Drawing power from our generous star, the UK's annual insulation clocks in impressively—ample for these large-scale solar harvesters. Commercial Versus Community Solar Farms On the one hand, we have sprawling commercial solar farms—privately owned powerhouses seamlessly integrating energy into the national grid. A 25-acre solar farm can illuminate upwards of 10,000 homes, a testament to solar power's potential. Conversely, community solar farms share a similar framework but support local power needs directly, or return their profits to the surrounding community through investments or reduced energy costs. Building a Solar Farm: A Task for Experts The journey to erect a solar farm is robust, requiring careful selection of land, redundant safeguards against natural forces, and a strategic tie-in to the energy grid. Though Britain is endowed with stunning countryside, the requirement for renewable energy creation is pressing. Consequently, despite local resistance which can occasionally stall development, the establishment of solar farms is a necessity we must embrace, paralleling the transformative effects traditional farms have on our landscapes. Costs and Profitability of Solar Farms With technology costs having plummeted in the last decade, initial investments in solar farms remain significant. Land costs, however, have not seen a corresponding decline. Despite this, the prospect for returns is strong, with average profitability hovering between 10 to 20 per cent. After recouping initial expenses in around five to ten years, well-maintained solar farms offer an enduring source of income. Accessibility of Solar Farms Although the potential for solar farms exists for many, navigating the maze of planning permissions and overcoming regulatory hurdles is a considerable barrier. However, for the determined and persistent, the path to joining the ranks of solar farm owners remains open. Local Impacts and Leadership in Utility Solar Studies indicate that concerns about solar farms devaluing nearby property are unfounded. Instead, other local factors tend to influence property values. Globally, China leads the charge in utility-scale solar energy production, while the UK, despite its smaller size, makes a significant contribution in the global context. The Agrivoltaic Future An exciting development lies in the concept of agrivoltaics—blending agricultural and solar farming. This innovative approach aims to maximize land use by allowing both crops and solar panels to coexist, a testimony to the forward-thinking approaches in renewable energy. In the landscape of energy, solar farms present a versatile and sustainable option, promising tangible benefits for our society, economy, and environment.

ana

Ana

Head of Sales/Admin
Solar apps
Education
Informative

Monitoring your Solar Panels through an app

Becoming an Expert through your solar monitoring app In the world of using solar power, keeping an eye on your solar panel system is made possible by companies that make solar inverters. They give you a way to check on your system for free using a website, an app on your phone, or both together. Although each company's system is a bit different, the main things you can do with solar panel monitoring are: See how much power your panels are making right now. Look at past data to see how well your system has been working. Get detailed information about your whole system whenever you want. If you're trying to find the best way to monitor your solar panels, you're doing a good thing, and you'll find helpful information here. The Benefits of Solar Panel Monitoring Watching over the energy from the sun that powers your home has lots of advantages: You can see how much power you're making, using, and sending back to the grid from anywhere. You can tell your batteries to charge when it's cheapest to do so. You can look back at how well your system has been working and make reports about it. You'll know right away if there's a problem with your system that's making it work less efficiently. You have more control over how you use energy at home. You'll get emails if anything important happens with your system. How Does Solar Monitoring Work? Your solar inverter is like the brain of your solar power system. It gathers all the information and sends it to you. It connects to your solar panels and batteries and uses the internet to send data to you. You can use a device called a dongle to help with this, which connects to your inverter and then to your Wi-Fi. If you're tech-savvy, you can even use an API to link your solar data with other devices in your home. The Best Solar Monitoring in the UK There are many different solar monitoring systems out there, each with its features and extra things you can pay for. But which one is the best? It depends on what you need and what you're comfortable with. The best system for your home is the one that fits your needs the best. In a world where we're focused on new ideas and taking care of the environment, I hope you'll make a smart choice for your solar monitoring system. Sincerely, Ana, Solar Panels London

ana

Ana

Head of Sales/Admin
Exploring Ground Mount Systems
Informative
Product

Exploring Ground-Mounted Solar Panel Installations

When most folks picture solar energy, they typically envision panels perched on rooftops. However, solar panels can be more versatile than you might expect. For those with roofs not quite cut out for solar panels but blessed with plenty of land, installing a ground-mounted solar panel system could be the perfect power play. Moving past rooftop installs, ground-mounted solar panels utilize land to harness the sun's power. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) states that nearly half of the UK's solar panels are ground-mounted, often as part of larger solar farms. Yet, this doesn't rule out ground-mounted systems for home use. Setting Up Solar Panels on the Ground  Ground-mounted solar panels come to life using various mounting strategies. During installation, panels are anchored to frames with clamps or brackets, setting them up for maximum sun exposure while also safeguarding against the elements. Layouts can vary, with options for portrait or landscape configuration, and single or stacked arrangements. Key to design, though, is making sure panels are spaced to prevent shading each other. Before these panels hit the ground, there's a bit of prep work involved. The site needs levelling to support the structure and clearing to eliminate any obstacles – sometimes that means a little grading or excavation to get a flat, stable base. Types of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: Standard ground mounts use a sturdy A-frame cemented or piled into the earth. Solar tracking systems play sun follow-the-leader all day for better exposure. Ballasted plastic tubes stay put right on the soil, similar to flat roof systems. Wooden frames often offer a custom solution, doubling as other structures, perhaps. Pros and Cons of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Pros: Ideal for those with non-solar-friendly roofs but with land plenty. Avoids roof-drilling means, dodging any warranty woes. More control over panel positioning ensures optimal sun time. Ground access eases maintenance, no pros are needed for a quick clean or snow removal. Not restricted by roof size, these systems can be more substantial and scalable. Plus, all the benefits of a rooftop system, like lower energy bills, a slimmer carbon footprint, and Smart Export Guarantee rewards. Adjustability and design flexibility are key, catering to seasonal sunlight shifts. Cons: Takes up useful ground space. Potential theft if the area is easily accessed. Needs a decent amount of unshaded, free land. Panel choices may be limited by frame sizing. Ground arrays can be more costly due to the need for extra infrastructure and labour. Before Diving into a Ground-Mounted Setup, Consider: Ecological Impact:   Thoughtful design can mean ground-mounted panels and also provide a haven for local wildlife. Well-designed systems don't significantly disrupt the land and are reversible if you ever change your mind. Planning Permissions for Ground-Mounted Solar Panels in the UK:  Do you need a green light from the authorities? Usually, you're good to go if: Nothing's above 4 meters high. You're setting up at least 5 meters from property borders. The arrangement isn't over 9 square meters. But, check your local regulations, especially if you're in a historic or conserved space. Looking to Go Ground-Mounted in the UK?  If you're a UK property owner pondering a ground-mounted solar solution, give Solar Panels London a call. We're all about tailored design and installation for both residential and commercial setups. Phone us at 02030265032 or hit 'enquire now' to connect with one of our solar experts.

marcus

Marcus

Director
storm

Stay Empowered During The Storm: The Benefits of Solar Battery Storage for Family Homes

As we emerge from the chaos left in the wake of Storm Isha, the adversities London and the entire UK have experienced are reminiscent of just how pivotal it is to be prepared for such weather anomalies. The ferocious winds, sweeping at speeds hitting up to 99mph, not only wreaked havoc on our daily commute but also plunged countless homes into darkness, revealing our vulnerability to power disruptions. But, worry not! We at Solar Panels London offer you a beacon of resilience in the form of solar battery storage—your shield against the tempest's wrath. It's not just about keeping the lights on; it's about maintaining a semblance of normalcy when nature decides to show its power. Here's why investing in solar battery storage could be the safeguard your family needs during unpredictable weather conditions: 1. Energy Security at Your Fingertips Imagine the wind howling outside, branches and debris dancing in the tumultuous skies—and your home remains a cocoon of calm, with every light aglow. Solar battery storage systems ensure your energy security by storing excess power generated during sunnier days. When outages strike, as they did across the UK during Storm Isha, your stored energy becomes your main power source, keeping critical appliances running seamlessly. 2. Energy Independence that Empowers Power cuts are more than inconveniences—they're reminders of our dependence on the grid. With your solar battery storage, you become the master of your electricity. No longer at the mercy of damaged infrastructure or repair timelines, you enjoy uninterrupted power, come rain, shine, or high winds. 3. Environmental Stewardship with Every Gust While it's true that storms can be frightening, they also highlight the need for sustainable living. By using renewable solar energy and storage, you contribute to a greener planet, reducing the need for fossil fuels and their associated emissions. It's a positive step for the environment that doubles as a protective measure for your home. 4. Financial Savings During Sunny Days... and Stormy Nights Aside from the environmental benefits, solar battery storage helps you save on electricity bills. You'll use the energy you've stored, avoiding peak tariffs and reducing your reliance on grid-supplied electricity. And when power prices spike following a storm due to increased demand, you'll be insulated from the surge, keeping your wallet as secure as your power supply. 5. Peace of Mind, Regardless of the Forecast It's not just about tangibles; it's also about comfort. Knowing you have a self-sufficient energy source delivers unparalleled peace of mind. As future storms loom, you'll rest easier, knowing that your lights will stay on, your phone will remain charged, and your home will be your haven, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. At Solar Panels London, we don't just sell solar systems; we provide certainty in uncertain times. As we witness the aftereffects of Storm Isha, let's take collective action to safeguard our homes, our community, and our city. A call to us at 02030265032 could be the first step toward a more resilient, empowered future for your family. Don't let the next storm catch you off guard—let's harness the sun together, and keep England shining, even when the skies are grey. Stay strong, stay prepared, stay powered—Solar Panels London is here for you.

ama

Ama

Software Engineer
Unlocking Full Solar Potential: Why Pairing Panels with Batteries is Essential
Comparison
Informative

Unlocking Full Solar Potential: Why Pairing Panels with Batteries is Essential

Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Setup: Why You Should Team Up Your Panels With A Battery The world's getting wise to going green, and solar panels are all the rage for folks looking to cut down on carbon and get savvy with their energy use. But, there's a piece of the puzzle often missed—battery storage. Let’s break down why rolling with just solar panels is like grabbing a burger without the fries - it just isn't the full deal. We’re going to chat about why hooking up your panels with a battery buddy is a smart move for the long haul. Solar Panels 101: Catching Some Rays So, solar panels are pretty awesome. They snatch energy from the sun and turn it into electricity we can use to keep our homes and gadgets running. Thanks to something called the photovoltaic effect, these panels soak up sunlight and kick out electrons, creating juice for your use. Flying Solo? Why Just Solar Panels Might Leave You Short Solar panels are a solid step towards renewable energy, but if they’re rolling solo, they're not reaching their full potential: Sunshine’s Great, But It’s Not 24/7: Solar panels need the sun to shine. No sun, no power. At night or when it’s gloomy, you might find yourself reaching for candles unless you’ve got a plan for storing power. Too Much of a Good Thing: Usually, solar panels are cranking out more juice than you need when the sun’s on full blast, but without a battery, that extra power just slips away. Still Hooked on the Grid: If you’ve got panels but no battery, chances are you’re still playing footsie with the power grid, which means you’re not taking full advantage of all that clean energy you could be making. Better Together: Batteries and Solar Panels Make the Dream Team Pairing solar panels with batteries is like making sure your phone’s got a decent case—it just makes sense. Here’s why they’re better together: Rule Your Power Kingdom: With a battery, you can store all that energy your panels are knocking out during the day, then use it when the sun’s out of the office. This way, you’re less dependent on the grid and can save some cash on your energy bill. When the Lights Go Out, Yours Stay On: If a storm hits or the power’s down, having a battery means you’ve got a stash of power to keep things running smoothly at home. Being Power Smart: A battery lets you be a bit cunning with your power use. You can keep that solar energy for when the electricity rates skyrocket and be a bit of a savings wizard. High-Fives for the Environment: Combining solar panels and a battery means you're doing the Earth a big favour. You'll be using fewer fossil fuels and helping to keep the planet cool. To Wrap It Up: Solar Plus Battery is the Way to Go Jumping into solar power is cool, but when you hook it up with a battery, now you’re cooking with gas (well, not literally). You'll smack those limitations of solo solar panels right out of the park and enjoy all the perks—consistent power, being the boss of your energy, and pushing forward a cleaner, happier Earth. If you’re set on going solar, don't forget about the battery—it's the secret sauce of the whole setup. Hit up Solar Panels London, and we’ll get you sorted with a setup that’s as renewable as your love for Mother Nature.

marcus

Marcus

Director

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