Have you been thinking about installing solar batteries in your home?

We live in a time where smart, renewable energy technology is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable.

If you want to boost your energy efficiency and reduce your environmental footprint, there are a few things you should consider before you purchase your solar battery system.

Do your homework.

Different solar battery systems have different needs. And different households have different needs too. The size and location of your home, how many people live under your roof, and whether you have existing solar panels, should all be considered when choosing your solar battery.

It’s important to do the research and talk to solar experts to understand what will complement your house best.

Know your installer.

There are some risks with installing a solar battery in your home, however it is perfectly safe if it is installed by a trained and accredited electrician and is properly maintained.

So what should you look for? Someone who is accredited by the Clean Energy Council to design and/or install solar batteries will hold grid-connect accreditation and battery storage endorsement. This is different to the accreditation for solar panel design and installation, which is does not cover solar battery design and installation.

Do you want to go completely ‘off-grid’?

A common motivation for installing solar batteries is to become independent from electricity providers and the national electricity grid. If you are considering disconnecting from the electricity system and relying entirely on your own clean energy, there a few important things to consider.

Your solar system and battery will need to be large enough to cover your energy usage during peak times and potential blackouts. This can be tricky if you live in an area with significant climate variation. Large systems can be complex and restrictive, and costly to install and maintain.

More often than not, consumers remain with their energy provider to support their energy supply if their system does not have the capacity to take them completely ‘off-grid’.

Make sure you always do your research and talk to your accredited installer about going off-grid.

Will you never have to pay another electricity bill again?

While capturing, converting and storing energy from the sun dramatically reduces the size of your energy bill, it will not eliminate it entirely. Unless you go off the grid completely, you will still need to pay a nominal fee to stay connected to the national electricity supply.

Depending on where you live, or the time of year, there may not be enough sunlight to provide your electricity 365 days a year. This may see you paying the occasional energy bill. 

Ask questions about your new system.

Once you have spoken to a professional, it’s important to remain engaged and informed throughout the solar battery system selection process. Your accredited solar battery designer will help you choose a system appropriate for your requirements. Here are some questions you might like to ask them:

• What is the total installed cost of the battery system versus the expected output over its lifetime?
• What system best suits your tariff structure?
• Do you have an appropriate space to install the battery?
• Can the battery store and supply enough energy for your needs?
• Is the supplier a reputable company that can deliver on any potential warranty claims?
• Can the battery be recycled?

Find out more information on installing solar batteries here.

This article was first published on www.knowyourbattery.com.au