How Does a Battery Work in a Solar System Unlocking the Power of Solar Storage for UK Homes and Businesses
How solar batteries store excess energy for later use
Solar batteries are the backbone of modern solar PV systems, enabling homeowners and businesses to maximise their use of renewable energy. When your solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, any surplus energy that isn’t immediately used is sent to your battery storage system. Instead of exporting this excess to the grid, the battery stores it as chemical energy, ready to be converted back into electricity when your property needs it-typically in the evening or during periods of low sunlight.
This process is seamless and automatic. The battery management system (BMS) monitors the battery’s state of charge, ensuring energy is stored efficiently and safely. The stored energy can be drawn upon whenever your solar panels aren’t producing enough power, such as at night or on cloudy days, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills. With Atlantic Renewables, our engineers ensure your battery storage is optimally integrated with your solar PV system for maximum efficiency and savings.
Ready to upgrade your solar system with advanced battery storage? Contact Atlantic Renewables today and let our team of experts design the perfect solution for your needs.
What are the main types of batteries used in solar PV systems
The two most common types of batteries used in solar PV systems are lithium-ion and lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in popular brands like Tesla Powerwall, are favoured for their high energy density, long lifespan, and efficiency. They can typically undergo thousands of charge and discharge cycles with minimal degradation, making them ideal for daily use in residential and commercial solar setups.
Lead-acid batteries, including both flooded and sealed variants, are a more traditional choice. While they are generally less expensive upfront, they have a shorter lifespan and lower depth of discharge compared to lithium-ion options.
For most UK homes and businesses looking for reliable, long-term storage, lithium-ion batteries are the preferred choice due to their superior performance and minimal maintenance requirements. Atlantic Renewables can advise on the best battery technology for your specific solar system and usage patterns.
Explore more about battery storage options with our comprehensive guide on the Atlantic Renewables website.
How battery storage increases solar self-consumption statistics
Adding a battery to your solar PV system can significantly increase your solar self-consumption rate. According to the Solar Trade Association, households with battery storage can use up to 80% of the electricity generated by their solar panels, compared to just 30-40% without storage (source). This means less energy is exported to the grid and more is used on-site, maximising your return on investment.
For businesses, the impact can be even greater. Battery storage helps to smooth out peaks and troughs in energy demand, allowing companies to avoid costly peak-time tariffs and make the most of their renewable generation. With the UK government’s push towards net zero and the increasing volatility of energy prices, battery storage is becoming an essential component of any future-proof solar system. Atlantic Renewables’ tailored solutions ensure you get the most from every kilowatt-hour your panels produce.
What happens to solar energy when the battery is full
Once your solar battery is fully charged, any additional electricity generated by your solar panels is automatically exported to the grid. This ensures that no energy goes to waste, and in many cases, you can benefit from export tariffs such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for surplus electricity sent back to the grid (source).
A properly sized battery system, designed by experts like those at Atlantic Renewables, will balance your typical energy usage and solar generation to minimise both wasted energy and unnecessary grid exports. Our engineers use advanced monitoring and forecasting tools to help you get the most value from your solar investment.
How does a solar battery system work during a power cut
Not all solar battery systems provide backup power during a grid outage. Standard grid-tied systems without backup functionality will shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. However, certain battery systems, such as those with an integrated backup gateway or off-grid capability, can continue to supply power to essential circuits in your home or business during an outage.
If backup power is a priority, Atlantic Renewables can specify and install a battery system with seamless switchover functionality, keeping your lights on and critical devices running even when the grid goes down. This added resilience is particularly valuable for businesses or households in areas prone to outages.
What size battery do you need for your solar PV system
The ideal battery size depends on your energy usage patterns, the capacity of your solar PV system, and your goals-whether that’s maximising self-consumption, providing backup power, or both. As a rule of thumb, most UK homes benefit from a battery capacity between 4kWh and 10kWh, while larger properties or businesses may require 10kWh to 50kWh or more.
Our engineers at Atlantic Renewables conduct a detailed assessment of your property’s consumption and solar generation profile to recommend the most cost-effective and efficient battery size. Oversizing or undersizing your battery can reduce savings or leave you without enough stored energy when you need it most.
How much can you save with solar battery storage
The savings from solar battery storage depend on several factors, including your electricity tariff, solar generation, and battery usage. Businesses with higher energy demands can achieve even greater savings, especially when combined with time-of-use tariffs and demand management strategies.
Battery storage also provides protection against rising energy prices and can increase the overall return on investment for your solar system. With Atlantic Renewables’ expert installation and ongoing support, you can be confident of achieving the maximum possible savings from your solar and battery setup.
Get in touch
Looking to enhance your solar PV system with reliable battery storage or need expert advice on your existing setup? get in touch with Atlantic Renewables today-our engineers are ready to help you unlock the full potential of solar energy and battery storage for your home or business. Call us on 0161 207 4044 and start taking advantage of your new solar system today!
