Australia has the one of the highest uptakes of solar globally, with over 3 million homes currently featuring rooftop solar panels. This is an incredible achievement and will result in a significant contribution to the reduction of harmful greenhouse emissions. However, while a high percentage of Australian homes have solar panels installed, many of these systems do not include battery storage. Batteries can store excess electricity for use later in the day or night, maximising saving potential whilst also providing protection from grid failures and power outages.

As experienced local solar panel installers, Toowoomba residents choose Arctic Energy for high-quality, tailored solar systems designed to suit homes and businesses for the long haul. Read on to find out why including a battery storage system is so important.

What is a Solar Battery?

A battery is device that can be added to a solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by solar panels for use during times when they don’t generate enough power (nights, cloudy days, and during power outages). A solar battery allows you to use more of the solar energy you’re creating. Without storage, any excess electricity goes back into the grid, which essentially means that you’re generating power and providing it to other homes.

How Do Batteries Work?

The most popular form of solar batteries in Australia are Lithium-ion batteries. These work through a chemical reaction that stores chemical energy before converting it to electrical energy. Storage of electricity all starts with the solar panels.

For a DC-coupled system:

1. Sunlight hits the solar panels, and the energy is converted to DC electricity.
2. The electricity enters the battery and is stored as DC electricity.
3. The DC electricity then leaves the battery and enters an inverter to be converted into AC electricity that can be used by the home.

For an AC-coupled system:

1. Sunlight hits the solar panels, and the energy is converted to DC electricity.
2. The electricity enters the inverter and is converted into AC electricity to be used by the home.
3. Excess electricity flows through another inverter and is changed back into DC electricity that can be stored for later.
4. If the house needs to use the energy stored in the battery, the electricity must flow through the inverter again to become AC electricity.

For more information or for competitive solar panel quotes, Toowoomba locals can trust Arctic Energy. Contact us today.

Batteries Offer a Multitude of Benefits

• Increased return on investment – Instead of selling the excess energy your home generates during the day back into the grid, you can store it and use it at night.
• Reliable power when you need it – Solar systems only produce electricity during the day, when most of the family are out. Most electricity consumed in the homes is in the evening. Having a battery storage system allows you to store energy for use during the times you need it.
• Backup power – Solar batteries provide you with backup power in case of a power outage.
• Increased savings – A solar battery can help you save money on your power bill using net metering. How much you save depends on rebates and feed-in tariffs your electricity provider offers.
• The potential for off-grid self-sufficiency – Battery storage offers exciting possibilities for solar energy users. Going completely off-grid means you no longer have to be subjected to ever-increasing electricity costs.

Considering a Solar Storage Battery?

The benefits of having a reliable solar system that can store all the energy you need will deliver tangible savings and flexible renewable energy solutions. To learn more about battery storage and solar power systems, Toowoomba residents should get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team – call (07) 4633 1612 or enquire online now.