Energy storage is at the cutting edge of renewable energy innovation, allowing you to maximise the value of the electricity generated by your solar PV system.
Excess solar energy can be stored for use when you need it most, helping to reduce reliance on the grid, increase energy independence, and lower energy costs. Modern lithium-ion and sodium batteries provide safe, efficient and reliable storage, with many systems also able to take advantage of lower-cost off-peak electricity tariffs, helping you make the most of your investment in renewable energy.
with your solar pv
in the daytime for evening use
home energy back-up
on your investment in solar
This system is a string of solar panels wired together in a series (like Christmas lights) to form a high voltage Direct Current (DC) string. This string runs into a central inverter converting high voltage DC power into standard 230V AC power used by your home appliances. If the panels make too much power, the excess automatically overflows out to the grid. With this system there is no battery storage however it’s simple, low maintenance and effective. This is the most suitable for a household that is at home all day and uses the power as it is generated.
A hybrid solar system combines a standard solar inverter and a battery manager into an intelligent or smart unit. It automatically directs electricity between your solar panels, home battery, and the grid based on your needs. A hybrid inverter converts direct current (DC) from your panels into alternating current (AC) for your house & appliances, routing any excess DC power straight into the battery storage.
It keeps electricity as DC when charging the battery. This avoids the multiple conversion losses common in separate AC-coupled systems.
Storing your surplus daytime energy lowers your dependence on the grid and cuts electric bills.
Some of the battery storage options we offer support whole-house back-up in the event of a power cut, potentially allowing you to maintain normal consumption patterns during an outage. These systems can be more affordable than you might expect.
These systems feature a built-in backup switch to keep your essential appliances running during a power cut.
Intelligent energy management helps optimise battery performance, maximise solar self-consumption, and increase energy savings.
An AC-coupled inverter offers a flexible solution to add storage to an existing system or provide stand-alone storage that makes the most of low-cost night-time tariffs, we would then use an ac-coupled system.
Ideal if you already have a functional, grid-tied solar system and simply want to add energy storage.
You are not locked into the same brand for your solar inverter and your battery.
Here at Love Solar we tend to specify the main big reliable brands those with good customer care, reliable manufacturer support, good user interface where the mobile applications are easy to use.
Each brand has a unique selling point. Solax is reliable and cost effective. Sig Energy is easily scalable (add additional storage) and versatile. It is good for whole house back up. Tesla is a premium product with industry leading AI features. A typical battery cost is between £2,500 – £7000, depending on size and brand.
Batteries store surplus electricity generated during the day for use at night or during periods of high demand. They can also be charged on off-peak electricity.
Love Solar generally recommends a battery of at least 8kWh. Batteries can be linked together later to increase capacity.
Approximately 600mm high x 400mm wide x 250mm deep.
Normally on the ground floor, in a garage or in an outbuilding.
Yes.
No, provided an AC-coupled battery is fitted after the generation meter.
AC coupled batteries work alongside a standard string inverter. Hybrid systems replace the string inverter.
Yes, although performance may be slightly reduced during very hot weather.
SolarEdge and optimisers minimise the effects of shading. Optimisers are mounted behind the panels and can improve performance where shading exists.
An 8kWh battery, inverter and installation typically costs £5,500–£6,000.
The Feed-in Tariff ended in April 2019.
Yes. You can be paid for electricity exported to the grid.
Rates vary by electricity supplier. Historically around 5p per unit, though suppliers set their own rates.
Yes, if required by your export payment arrangement.
Yes, to claim export payments.
It depends on battery size and household demand.
Yes, when used with off-peak tariffs.
In many cases, yes, as it can simplify future upgrades.
