Charging your EV with solar panels sound fantastic, until you remember you live in the UK and we get deprived of sunshine for weeks and months at a time.
The solution to the issue of solar panels only working at maximum capacity when the sun is shining is to install a battery storage system.
Battery storage is essential for solar panels to provide power when the sun is not available. Battery storage helps to ensure that solar energy can be used around the clock, increasing the efficiency of solar energy systems.
Benefits of battery storage include:
- By storing energy during daylight hours, energy can be used at night, or during peak demand periods when electricity prices are highest.
- Reduced reliance on the electricity grid, as solar energy can be used independently.
- A backup energy source in the event of a power outage.
- Increased savings on electricity bills, as more solar energy can be used than if it were not stored.
- Increased value of the solar system, as batteries allow solar energy to be used more effectively.
Is battery storage really necessary?
Without battery storage, you are at the mercy of the weather when charging your EV with solar panels.
The amount of energy generated by solar panels varies drastically depending on the amount of sunlight available. This means that you may not be able to charge your EV at a consistent rate.
A battery storage system effectively plugs gaps or provides a complete power source, letting you charge with renewable energy no matter the weather.
How much does battery storage cost?
The cost of battery storage can vary widely depending on the size and type of system you choose.
In the UK, batteries typically cost between £1,000 and £4,000, but prices can be higher depending on the size and capacity of the system.
Installation costs can also vary, typically ranging from £1,000 to £3,000, although this cost can increase if the system is complex or requires additional components.
You should expect battery storage to add £2,000 to £3,000 to the cost of your solar PV installation, although you can save money with second-hand batteries.
Summing up
Battery storage at home with solar is becoming increasingly popular as a way to store energy generated by solar panels and reduce reliance on the grid.
Adding a battery to a solar system allows you to store excess energy for use at night, during peak demand periods, or in the event of a power outage. This ensures you can charge your electric vehicle with renewable energy whenever you like.
