Do you really need a battery?

We get asked a lot about whether clients should install a battery for their Solar PV installations. As always we ask to see the data that could support that decision and with the roll out of smart meters there is more and more data that we can analyse. If you do have a SMET2 smart meter fitted you should be able to ask your supplier for a copy of your data that will offer a reading every half an hour of the day which is great when we are trying to understand how your property or business consumes energy. Once we have reviewed the data we can give some guidance on whether a battery might be needed, although if you have a smaller domestic system and you work or stay at home during the day the chances of having lots of spare power to fill a battery might be quite slim. There are better ways you might be able to use or store that energy such as using the power when it’s available for laundry or buying an inexpensive Immersion controller that diverts the power into hot water. Batteries do have their place but not everyone will make the best use of an installation.

Speak to us if you need help reviewing your data