Can Battery Storage Work For You?
All day, your solar PV system harnesses energy from the sun but if you’re out at work, then you’re not home to use it. Battery storage allows you to store that energy until you return home and need to start using the lights, appliances, etc., at which point, the battery will release the power for you to use. This way, you use the power you’ve generated, saving money by drawing less power from the grid at peak times when it’s more expensive. Depending on your electricity supplier, you may also be able to sell excess power back to the grid. When the Smart Export Guarantee comes in to effect on December 31st, 2019, everyone will be entitled to be paid for electricity exported to the grid.

How Does Battery Storage Work?
Electricity is generated through a renewable source such as solar PV. A charge controller or hybrid inverter diverts excess power from your solar PV to the battery storage, rather than allowing it to be drawn away to the grid. The energy is stored in the bank of cells within the battery. When you need power, an inverter converts the electrical current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current), suitable for use in the home to power lights and appliances.
Whether a battery storage system is right for your home depends on when you use energy. If you’re home during the day and using power, then your renewable source may not produce sufficient power to warrant storing. If, however, the house stands empty all day, then a battery storage system may save you money by reducing your reliance on the grid and also earn you money through exports to the grid. As a certified installer of battery storage systems and an Installer Partner to Social Energy and Duracell, ASK Renewables can help you determine if a storage unit is right for you and if so, which one to choose.


