In an era where headlines blaze with tales of soaring global thermometers and a deluge of ecological discord, the root of this planetary pandemonium lies in our unwavering reliance on finite fossil fuels. Consequently, the call for environmental mindfulness has never sounded louder. Should you seek to lessen your ecological footprint, the most straightforward path unfurls through a transformation in your energy consumption habits.
In the United Kingdom, the allure of renewable energy sources like solar and wind is on the rise, casting a luminous beacon of eco-conscious progress. Yet, amidst this promise, an issue exists. You only benefit from power when the sun is out, or the wind is blowing. Thankfully, you can harness the surplus energy generated through batteries akin to those empowering your trusty mobile device.
How Home Battery Storage Works
If you have a renewable energy source in your home, such as a solar panel setup or a wind turbine, batteries are great for capturing and storing excess energy. More than 10,000 homes across the UK now reportedly use battery storage, usually in conjunction with solar panels. This setup works very well, as it means that power is available even when the sun is no longer shining.
However, you don’t need to have solar panels to benefit from a home battery system. Lots of homeowners are now choosing to use batteries to make the most of the off-peak energy costs. You can charge your battery during the night when prices are lower and then use that power from the battery during the day. They are relatively straightforward for electricians to install, and multiple batteries can be connected safely using battery connectors from RS.
Home batteries work in the same way as a standard rechargeable battery. Big improvements to technology have made batteries smaller, more efficient and longer lasting. Not only that, but these modern designs are far safer to use too. They usually use lithium-ion and are capable of storing up to 20kWh, more than enough for the average home. Electrical current passes into the battery through your grid or solar panel system, charging the cells and allowing them to power the critical load panel.
Advantages of Home Batteries
Using a home battery system provides a lot of advantages that make it worthwhile. However, it’s important to balance these pros against the possible cons, such as the high initial investment
Avoiding High Energy Prices
Of course, using a home battery will help you save costs on your power usage. Energy suppliers change their pricing depending on the current demand. This can be confusing, but it basically means that you pay more when there’s a higher demand. With a battery, you can take power from the grid during off-peak times and store it for use during peak times.
Energy Independence
Thanks to a home battery setup, you’ll be less dependent on the grid for your power supply. This is especially true if you also have solar panels or a wind turbine installed. During power cuts, you’ll still have electricity in your home thanks to your battery. You can even charge up your system in advance if you know there’s a big storm on the way. If you have a larger capacity battery, you won’t have to worry, even when the grid is down for some time.
Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Using home batteries together with a renewable energy source helps to reduce the impact you have on the environment. With climate change having a significant impact on the world, it’s important to be mindful of how much energy we use and where it comes from. You can get a higher percentage of your daily power from renewable sources and cut down on fossil fuel usage.