Year: 2022

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3 Bedroom House with Solar and Batteries

Background

This case study is of a standard three-bedroom home using 2 batteries. The approach was using as much solar power as possible from 12 panels in addition to load shifting to take advantage of off-peak power.

List of Products Used

  • 4x Victron Energy MPPT 150/35 solar chargers
  • 12x Conergy PH 240P solar panels
  • 1x Victron Energy Quattro 48/10000/140-2×100 inverter/charger
  • 1x Victron Energy-colour control
  • 2x EVE 48100 lithium batteries
  • 1x Ace Monitoring interface

Charging the Battery

The target for charging is to always take advantage of the cheapest energy you can. This can be achieved mainly by charging the storage batteries during off-peak tariffs and then using the stored energy during peak energy times. This is load shifting, reducing cost by maximising off-peak energy.

For this set-up there was additionally 2.8Kw of solar energy. This subsidised the battery energy during peak tariffs. Of course, this was reliant on sunlight which may not be as effective at certain times of the year. For example, during winter when there are fewer daylight hours. If the set-up includes solar panels, this is the cheapest form of energy. This energy is also prioritised to charge the batteries if they are not full. During summer most days the off-peak tariff was not needed, and the solar power was sufficient on its own. This can be seen in the example graphs showing less grid energy being used.

Benefits of the Test System.

• The system ran the Victron power equipment in ESS (Energy Storage System) mode. This gave flexibility to feed in surplus energy to the grid if the batteries were full. There is a small cost benefit to this. It also protects against power outages and blackouts enabling the top up and use of grid power if needed to supply extra heavy loads.
• Solar energy can be injected on the DC side, which then charges the batteries. It can also supply the inverter with DC to generate the AC to give power to the building as needed.
• If there happens to be a power outage, everything connected to the supply will still run until the energy is depleted in the storage batteries and no solar is available. Using DC coupled solar also charges the batteries and runs the inverter even with no grid.

Historical Data for 2021

Total consumption used:
• 37% came from the grid with the vast majority off-peak at £0.14 per unit
• 25% came from the solar panels, which is in effect free. This would likely be at peak tariff of £0.34 per unit if paid for at peak time
• 38% came from the battery storage which would be used instead of the peak tariff. This actually cost £0.14 Per Kwh to charge or would be free if from solar.

Total energy consumption for the year was 3727 kWh
Solar provided 897 kWh
Battery Provided 1445 kWh
Grid 1386 kWh at around £0.14 as grid mostly used just to charge off-peak

Solar Generated Total 2299 kWh at peak price £0.34 = £482.79 (equivalent savings)
Solar to Grid = 485 kWh at peak tariff (money off bill, which was fed into the grid)
Solar to Battery = 917 kWh to charge up the batteries
Solar direct use = 897 kWh at peak price of £0.34 = £188.37 saving

Direct Savings

From this, the savings can be seen for themselves. With the cost of energy soaring and the continuing need for energy for all types of buildings, these storage batteries make a sensible choice. While there is an initial outlay, this pays for itself over time in use. Whether moving forward with solar or just load shifting with off-peak power, it can save a huge amount of money.

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Understanding Load-Shifting for Large-Scale Batteries

Are you looking at using large volume batteries for the first time? With the energy issues we are hearing about, this could be a great potential new option for your home. It is possible then that load shifting is a new concept to you. We will help you truly understand the basics. We additionally give you some ideas of where to go next with your own energy needs.

Load Shifting Made Easy

Load shifting basically means filling up your large volume batteries with energy, in a specific way. Yet it is important the way in which you approach this. If you fill your batteries when power is at peak price, you may as well run off mains electricity all the time. Load shifting is filling your batteries with energy at its cheapest. You can then use it when you need energy at any time of the day. The likelihood is that you will use it most when energy is at its most expensive during the afternoon and early evening.

How to Fill Your Batteries

You can fill your batteries using your mains electricity when the power is off-peak. You will need to choose a tariff that has a lower price at certain times of the day. This is usually late in the evening and overnight, basically when the majority of people do not need power. You can equally fill your batteries directly with solar power during the day. The number of panels you need will depend on your building and the position of the panels.

Is It Enough Power?

Your energy use will determine how much power you need. Our batteries can each store a set amount but depending on your needs you may need multiple batteries connected in parallel. However, the more you use, the more you will save with load shifting. It is a win, win situation and the savings will be continuous once you adopt load shifting, providing your overnight tariff is cheaper than daytime. Choose the right output for your needs and you will have enough energy whenever you need it.

Is Load Shifting New?

Storing power using our batteries is a little like the Economy 7 system. However, they were heavily penalised for energy use during the day which is not the same here. You use the batteries when you need them, it is the time you charge them that is key. Big businesses such as huge industrial and commercial sites have been using load shifting for some time. Energy optimisation is profitable which is why domestic and small commercial properties are now thinking about this for the first time.

How Do I Get Started?

You can view our products here, which are large capacity batteries for domestic or commercial use. Using these batteries are a practical way to bypass some of the energy worries businesses and households are experiencing at the moment. By load shifting it is possible to save significantly on energy bills by taking advance of cheaper energy. While personal research is important in choosing a product such as storage batteries, this should not replace professional advice. We always recommend getting some expert help to be sure our batteries are the correct product for your needs.

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Power outages in the UK: How to prepare

This winter and probably into the future, there are likely to be power outages across the UK and Europe. Issues including Russia’s war with Ukraine is causing problems that will be felt across the supply. Gas shortages and a cold winter are a poor combination. Together they can cause problems with the supply. Energy companies are saying there could be periods of up to 3 hours without power. It may not sound like much but in a cold, dark house it will not be much fun. They expect them to be in the evening too after a long day at work. How can you prepare to make things a little more comfortable?

Let the Light In

Have your torches somewhere easily accessible with spare batteries. There is nothing like trying to find a torch in the dark and then finding the batteries have run out! Make sure there is a torch for each person in the house for safety. Candles can also add a warming and atmospheric glow. Candlelight can make you feel warm even if it does not increase the temperature. Just be careful never to leave a candle unattended or in a room with children.

Keep Warm

There are lots of ways to keep warm. From wearing a jumper, to wrapping yourself in a blanket they make a good start. You could make a warm casserole and keep the lid tightly on until it is time for dinner. Also consider filling a flask with boiling water so you can enjoy some hot drinks during the power outage. Finally, check your doors for drafts and avoid chilly air getting in. The warmer you can keep, the less you will feel the effects of the cold.

Something to Do

Sitting looking at the four walls makes the time go so slowly. Make sure you have things to do during the power outage. Get a radio with batteries and dance along to a few tunes to warm you up. Board games are having a huge revival in the UK and there are plenty of fun and inexpensive games to try. Getting lost in a good book can also be fun for more than just beach holidays! Take a walk as the power goes out. When you get back, you’ll be ready for a sit down. All of these things pass the time more quickly.

Another Way

Power outages may well become a regular thing and there are ways to tackle them. What if your personal power never had to go out? Our batteries are large volume you can use in groups to run your whole home. You charge them when power is cheap or using solar energy. You use the energy when it is at peak price, therefore saving in the long term. Take a look at our revolutionary product here. While personal research is important in choosing a product such as storage batteries, this should not replace professional advice. We always recommend getting some expert help to be sure our batteries are the correct product for your needs.

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