Although solar panels generate electricity, it is not always possible to use it immediately. In contrast, use is highest in the morning and evening. This is why people are increasingly relying on solar panels and batteries.
Why Solar PV Panel Installation Works Best with a Battery
Without battery storage, excess electricity can be fed back into the grid at much lower prices than those charged by the electricity provider for evening supply. While a solar panel and battery installation ensures that the system can produce energy, it is the battery that makes it one of the most cost-effective solutions due to the fact that it uses excess energy generated in the daytime at night.
Another benefit of this type of system is that it is not vulnerable to power failure. Since some of the storage batteries can operate in backup power mode, they can supply your house with electricity for several hours in the event of a power failure. They will be especially useful for those who use some medical equipment and need to work remotely via the Internet. The third benefit of combining the solar PV panel and the storage battery is that you will be able to handle changing tariffs more easily. The battery storage provides the following advantages:
- higher self-consumption ratio for the energy produced;
- backup power during outages;
- flexible use of energy according to periods of tariffs;
- dependence on utilities to buy back excess energy decreases;
- the capacity to increase the system incrementally as the household grows.
Solar Panel Installation in Gloucester: Local Factors to Consider
Every town has unique architectural and climatic characteristics that should be considered when implementing the project. During solar panel installation Gloucester, it is necessary to keep in mind that installations are mostly carried out in areas with historic architecture, since many houses in the town center are made of Cotswold stone. Thus, it would be wise to find out in advance whether permission is required for the system’s installation.
Another point to note is the diversity of local landforms, as some housing areas are situated on hilly terrain where roof orientation can vary. In contrast, others are located closer to the River Severn and therefore have to consider the groundwater level. As a result, in most cases, solar panel installation in Gloucester involves setting up the equipment either on an elevated platform or in the non-flooding areas of utility rooms.
The weather conditions in the area vary greatly depending on the season; hence, when considering production capacity, experts calculate the average number of cloudy days rather than just sunny days. Consequently, the project’s payback period is estimated realistically.
It is also worth noting that many homes in the Gloucester suburbs were built at different times and feature varying qualities of roofing; consequently, specialists typically conduct a separate inspection of the rafter system and roofing material prior to installation.
If the roof is likely to require repair or replacement in the near future, it is more sensible to coordinate these tasks with the system installation rather than having to dismantle the panels and storage unit again shortly after the initial setup. Such a preliminary inspection also helps in accurately planning the placement of mounting hardware and preventing damage to the roof during the installation process.
Choosing a Team for Solar PV Panel Installation
Moreover, the choice of contractor is important for the system’s effectiveness and sustainability, especially when selecting a battery that matches the household’s energy needs. In addition to installing solar PV panels, there is a need to understand how to integrate the battery into the house’s electrical system to switch between energy sources smoothly.
One needs to ask for the contractor’s portfolio to prove his experience in building such a “panel plus storage” system, since not every company can handle such issues. For example, the Smart Energy Group team has experience installing solar power systems that are highly effective for houses in Wales and England. They use MCS-accredited engineers who provide an appropriate solution for each individual property.
Before entering into a contractual agreement, the list of questions below should be discussed with the contractor:
- Has the contractor dealt with hybrid systems featuring battery storage before?
- What are the warranties for the panels, inverter, and batteries?
- How was the payback period of the project estimated?
- Is it possible to expand the system later?
- Who will handle system maintenance and diagnostics after the solar PV panels installation?
Such an approach will prevent incompatibilities between system components and help estimate the appropriate storage capacity, resulting in real savings.
It is also important to establish with the contractor what kind of system monitoring procedures will be used to track its performance once it is installed. Many modern systems offer an application that displays in real time the data on the energy produced, battery charge, and current consumption of the house. The application is not only helpful for seeing how much money is saved in the process but also for immediately detecting possible problems with the devices.
A good contractor will inform you about using it before any issues arise with the system. It would also be useful to find out whether there is an option for remote maintenance, as in some cases the malfunction of the inverter or batteries can be diagnosed remotely without the need to visit the site.
Thus, the installation of solar panels and batteries involves a bit more careful preparation compared to a simple installation of solar modules, but its effectiveness is also significantly higher.
