Storing Solar Batteries
A common question we get asked here at Deege Solar, is where can you store your solar batteries. The simple answer is anywhere. From our 12 years of experience in installing solar batteries across the UK, we have seen our fair share of locations.
Finding a place to store your solar batteries is similar to finding a location to store a new boiler. Most property owners opt for installing their battery storage in a garage, loft space, cupboard, or cabinet. Somewhere neatly out of the way. On the flip side, with the advancement in the technology, some customers want their solar batteries installed on display. Products such as the SolarEdge Energy Bank, have made owning a solar battery something to show off.
The modern technology of lithium-ion solar batteries, means that the profiles are slim (a couple of inches), sleek and lightweight. Solar battery storage can be left to stand alone, or alternatively be mounted to a wall or installation board, depending on the weight. To find out the exact specifications for our Solar Battery’s options, simply download the datasheets from our solar battery page.
Things to consider when choosing where to store your solar battery
1. Accessibility
One thing to consider when choosing where to store your solar battery, is its accessibility. Not only does a Solar battery installer have to fit within the space to install the battery, but they also need easy access for any future maintenance work. This is usually discussed before the battery installation.
2. It is Future-proof
Another factor to consider, is if you would like to increase your battery storage size in the future. For now you may think one battery is enough, however you may find yourself filling up your battery quickly. Thankfully, there are plenty of solar batteries that allow for scalability. Just make sure you have provided enough space to do so!
3. Aesthetics
As previously mentioned, it is important to decide whether or not you want your solar battery to be seen or not. Choosing where to store your solar battery will also have an impact on the cable run required. Some Solar battery installers may charge extra for a longer cable run. Furthermore, the path the cable has to take may be more visible than other options, depending on where you wish to store your solar batteries.
Solar Battery Installations
Solar Batteries In Garages
Here are two examples of a typical Garage Solar battery installation. As you can see the solar batteries are always installed together with the solar inverter and can either be mounted directly onto the wall, or sit simply on the ground. The first picture shows an installation of two wall mounted 6.5kWh Growatt batteries, the second shows three stacked 3.3kWh Growatt batteries.The batteries should always be located near to their inverter/controller (especially with a DC coupled system), to minimise voltage loss in transferring current between the two.
A Wardrobe
Here’s an example of a battery storage solution we installed in a wardrobe! Rather unique, however the solar technology is still neatly out of the customer’s way and accessible. The solar batteries installed in this instance are Growatt’s 2.56kWh Ark LV Batteries.
Tight Spaces
Here are some solar batteries that have been installed in a more confined space. As you can see the solar installation really doesn’t take up that much space at all.
Lofts
A loft is another common location to store solar batteries. Some customers worry about the safety factor, however lofts in the UK do not get warm enough to impact the batteries’ functionality. A large, well ventilated loft will always be advised, but Deege Solar are able to conduct a free site survey to advise accordingly.
Can Solar Batteries Be Installed Outside
Yes, some Solar Batteries can be stored both indoors and outdoors for example, the Tesla Powerall 2. This information is often provided on the batteries’ datasheet. A datasheet provides the complete specifications for a product. On the Tesla Powerwall’s datasheet the information simply reads ” Environment, Indoor and Outdoor Rated”, however other datasheets may not be as clear. Alternatively, other battery brands such as Growatt and GivEnergy provide each solar battery with its own IP, “Ingress Protection Rating”.
An IP Rating signifies the amount of protection a Solar Battery or any other electrical component has from external elements such as water or debris. For example, An IP20 rating means that the battery is touchproof and is resistant to dust, however has zero protection against liquids, meaning its the perfect indoor only solar battery. As the battery will be unable to withstand exposure to the outdoor climate without damage.
How Much Does A Solar Battery Cost?
If you already have a Solar Panel system installed, without batteries, in order to add battery storage to your system they would have to be retrofitted. Retrofitting solar batteries includes installing a controller to manage the system’s flow of energy. This type of battery installation will as a result be more expensive. It’s worth noting that there are quite a few ‘hybrid’ systems which combine an inverter and solar battery together. Alternatively, you may wish to just upgrade your existing solar storage, for which no controller is required. Although Deege Solar are Essex based Solar Panel Installers we install both Solar PV systems and batteries Nationwide. All our prices for both retro fitting and upgrading solar storage can be found transparently on our website.
Solar Battery Installers
If you are considering installing a solar battery and would like some advice on where to store your battery storage, give Deege Solar a call today on 01322 479369. Alternatively, send us a enquiry and we will reply to you as soon as possible. If you are interested in the cost of installing a solar battery, feel free to visit our solar batteries page.
