Do I Need Battery Storage For My Solar Panels?

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Battery storage systems are installed as a standalone fixture, or,…

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    At a glance

    The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government initiative that requires certain licensed electricity suppliers to pay small-scale low-carbon generators (like those with solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro systems) for the renewable electricity they export to the National Grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in January 2020.

    To be eligible for SEG payments, you must:
    Have a renewable electricity generation system up to 5MW capacity (or up to 50kW for micro-CHP).
    Use a certified installation (e.g. MCS or equivalent).
    Have a smart meter or an export meter capable of half-hourly readings.
    Sign up with a licensed SEG tariff supplier (it doesn’t have to be your current energy provider).

    SEG payments vary between suppliers, as they set their own rates. There is no fixed tariff, so it’s important to compare offers. Rates can be fixed or variable and are typically paid per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of exported electricity. Some suppliers may offer additional incentives or higher rates for specific customers.

    If you are receiving the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), you cannot claim SEG payments for the same exported electricity. However, if you’re only getting the generation part of the FiT (and not the export part), you may be able to opt out of the FiT export payments and apply for SEG instead—if the SEG rate is more beneficial.

    Battery storage systems are installed as a standalone fixture, or, more commonly, as an addition to solar PV panels. Solar panels have long been a popular choice for homeowners embracing eco-friendly practices and looking to lower monthly utility bills. Many miss out on the full benefits of solar panels by not investing in a way to store the energy generated. If you are wondering whether you need a battery storage system fitted alongside your panels, this guide will help you decide.

    Store Excess Solar Energy for Later Use

    Solar panels generate electricity during the day when the daylight is stronger and sun shines, often producing more energy than the average household needs. Without battery storage, this excess energy is sent back to the grid. With a battery storage system, you can store that surplus power and use it later, such as during the evening when energy demand typically increases. This means you’re relying less on the grid and reducing energy bills – in fact, with some careful planning and the use of smart controls for home appliances, you could almost become energy self-sufficient.

    • See how much you could save

    What type of property do you have?

    Detached House

    Semi Detached House

    Terraced House

    Flat or Apartment

    Bungalow

    It just takes 60seconds

    And then you can book a free consultation
    • Find out how much you’ll save
    • See the panels on your roof
    • Get a clear cost breakdown

    How Do Battery Storage Systems Work?

    Battery storage systems help manage your home’s electricity use by automatically capturing surplus energy generated by solar panels. Instead of sending unused power to the grid, the system redirects it to the battery for later use.

    When household energy demand exceeds what the solar panels are currently producing, the stored electricity is released to power your home. Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the solar PV system temporarily stops generating excess energy.

    In most systems, household appliances are prioritised over charging the battery, ensuring that generated power is used efficiently. However, newer battery setups allow users to customise the priority, giving greater control over energy management.

    Is Battery Storage Right For Your Home?

    Whether a battery storage is beneficial will depend on your lifestyle, energy usage, and the size of your PV system.

    For homeowners who are at home a lot of the daytime, a lot of the power generated will be used. With heating, cooling, lighting and appliances running, much of the energy generated will be utilised. Therefore, a battery storage system will have limited time to charge. However, having the capacity for extra power in the evening may be a benefit worth having.

    If the home is unoccupied much of the day when the panels are generating the most power, then batteries will come into their own. They will become fully charged and ready to run appliances when everyone returns to the property. 

    What Size Battery Do I Need?

    The size of battery will be determined by the solar PV system installed and your energy usage. A battery that is too small might limit the amount of electricity you store and maximise your self-consumption, on the other hand, one that is too large would prevent you from achieving maximum battery capacity, and be a poor investment.

    A qualified and experienced solar battery storage installer will be able to recommend the right system for your panels and household use. Here at SJC Renewables, we have the expertise to install precisely what you require. We stay ahead of technological advancements to provide our customers with the latest products available. Ask us for advice and a quote for batteries to enhance your solar energy journey. 

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    What type of property do you have?

    Detached House

    Semi Detached House

    Terraced House

    Flat or Apartment

    Bungalow

    At a glance

    The Smart Export Guarantee is a UK government initiative that requires certain licensed electricity suppliers to pay small-scale low-carbon generators (like those with solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro systems) for the renewable electricity they export to the National Grid. It replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in January 2020.

    To be eligible for SEG payments, you must:
    Have a renewable electricity generation system up to 5MW capacity (or up to 50kW for micro-CHP).
    Use a certified installation (e.g. MCS or equivalent).
    Have a smart meter or an export meter capable of half-hourly readings.
    Sign up with a licensed SEG tariff supplier (it doesn’t have to be your current energy provider).

    SEG payments vary between suppliers, as they set their own rates. There is no fixed tariff, so it’s important to compare offers. Rates can be fixed or variable and are typically paid per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of exported electricity. Some suppliers may offer additional incentives or higher rates for specific customers.

    If you are receiving the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), you cannot claim SEG payments for the same exported electricity. However, if you’re only getting the generation part of the FiT (and not the export part), you may be able to opt out of the FiT export payments and apply for SEG instead—if the SEG rate is more beneficial.

    Battery storage systems are installed as a standalone fixture, or, more commonly, as an addition to solar PV panels. Solar panels have long been a popular choice for homeowners embracing eco-friendly practices and looking to lower monthly utility bills. Many miss out on the full benefits of solar panels by not investing in a way to store the energy generated. If you are wondering whether you need a battery storage system fitted alongside your panels, this guide will help you decide.

    Store Excess Solar Energy for Later Use

    Solar panels generate electricity during the day when the daylight is stronger and sun shines, often producing more energy than the average household needs. Without battery storage, this excess energy is sent back to the grid. With a battery storage system, you can store that surplus power and use it later, such as during the evening when energy demand typically increases. This means you’re relying less on the grid and reducing energy bills – in fact, with some careful planning and the use of smart controls for home appliances, you could almost become energy self-sufficient.

    • See how much you could save

    What type of property do you have?

    Detached House

    Semi Detached House

    Terraced House

    Flat or Apartment

    Bungalow

    It just takes 60seconds

    And then you can book a free consultation
    • Find out how much you’ll save
    • See the panels on your roof
    • Get a clear cost breakdown

    How Do Battery Storage Systems Work?

    Battery storage systems help manage your home’s electricity use by automatically capturing surplus energy generated by solar panels. Instead of sending unused power to the grid, the system redirects it to the battery for later use.

    When household energy demand exceeds what the solar panels are currently producing, the stored electricity is released to power your home. Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the solar PV system temporarily stops generating excess energy.

    In most systems, household appliances are prioritised over charging the battery, ensuring that generated power is used efficiently. However, newer battery setups allow users to customise the priority, giving greater control over energy management.

    Is Battery Storage Right For Your Home?

    Whether a battery storage is beneficial will depend on your lifestyle, energy usage, and the size of your PV system.

    For homeowners who are at home a lot of the daytime, a lot of the power generated will be used. With heating, cooling, lighting and appliances running, much of the energy generated will be utilised. Therefore, a battery storage system will have limited time to charge. However, having the capacity for extra power in the evening may be a benefit worth having.

    If the home is unoccupied much of the day when the panels are generating the most power, then batteries will come into their own. They will become fully charged and ready to run appliances when everyone returns to the property. 

    What Size Battery Do I Need?

    The size of battery will be determined by the solar PV system installed and your energy usage. A battery that is too small might limit the amount of electricity you store and maximise your self-consumption, on the other hand, one that is too large would prevent you from achieving maximum battery capacity, and be a poor investment.

    A qualified and experienced solar battery storage installer will be able to recommend the right system for your panels and household use. Here at SJC Renewables, we have the expertise to install precisely what you require. We stay ahead of technological advancements to provide our customers with the latest products available. Ask us for advice and a quote for batteries to enhance your solar energy journey. 

    Related articles

    What type of property do you have?

    Detached House

    Semi Detached House

    Terraced House

    Flat or Apartment

    Bungalow