To determine the correct answer to this question we need to ask some questions!
Q: How much of your electricity consumption does your existing solar system cover?
A: Depending on when the system was installed and whether or not you’ve had a feed-in tariff, your system may only generate enough power to meet a small portion of your electricity needs – or it may generate more than you actually need. This will dictate the best approach for sizing your battery storage.
Q: What energy storage system size would best suit your needs and budget? Do you want to go off-grid at all costs (possibly to spite your utility), or do you view energy storage as an investment to complement your solar PV?
A: Your answers to these questions will help you determine the best system size.
Q: Will the system provide you with back-up power?
A: This is not a given with battery storage systems. Only certain battery storage systems will allow you to access your battery power when the grid is down – make sure you ask.
Q: Should you install batteries now, or just get a battery-ready inverter?
A: If your system is over 5 years old and due for an inverter replacement, this might be a good time for you to consider installing energy storage – or perhaps just a battery-ready, hybrid inverter. Even if you don’t install batteries right away, a hybrid inverter will ensure that batteries can easily be installed at a later date.
Need more advice? Give us a call on 9379 9000.