Why Solar plus Storage?

You may notice we talk about Solar plus Storage. If you’re not familiar with the phrase you may not fully realise how it can benefit your home, family or pocket.

What is Solar plus Storage? 

Solar PV, Solar Panels or Solar Photovoltaic Panels are a common place addition to homes and their popularity has been steadily growing over the last 20 years.  

The original technology was invented back in 1839. French physicist Edmond Becquerel experimented with a cell made from metal electrodes immersed in a conducting solution. This photovoltaic effect was noted to produce more electricity when exposed to light. 

Clearly there have been many advancements since 1839, with the technology becoming an everyday sight on homes everywhere. As with most technologies, its origins were costly and less efficient than modern day Solar PV. In their basic form, you will find 3 main types of solar panel cells;

• Monocrystalline: made of thin slices of silicon, cut from a single crystal
• Polycrystalline: made from thin slices of silicon, cut from a block of crystals
• Hybrid: combining crystalline cells with a thin layer of silicon on a glass or metal base. These tend to be the most efficient.

These vary in cost, appearance and efficiency so it’s always worth investigating all the angles as the cheapest may not always be the most effective over its lifetime.

Many countries have adopted this technology as an easy way to generate free daytime electricity to lower their bills. With may countries offering grants or incentives to help cover the cost, it’s a very popular choice.

Standalone Solar systems send all the unused or excess power back to the grid. Sounds great for the power companies? All that inbound excess power tends to be when they least need it and can be a struggle to store the influx . It also makes you consider the power you’ve sent to the power company is actually the same power you’re buying back later in the day. Crazy eh?

Battery Storage

We understand what Solar PV is and what benefits it brings. But what about the ‘storage’ element and how much of a difference can it actually make?

Battery Storage was a relative late comer to the Solar revolution back in 1859. Modern day battery storage has 2 main functions:

• Stores excess generated electricity
• Powers your home when Solar PV stops generating

There are many other benefits such as:

• Added protection against blackout and power outage
• Less dependence on the grid
• Lower electricity bills
• Investment in renewable energy
• Lower carbon footprint

Different Battery Storage types

There are many different battery chemistries in the marketplace. In addition to battery chemistry there are also multiple battery types.  

Each has its pros and cons. However, in recent years LFP chemistry is proving to be the most reliable and safety battery chemistry. Many big brands are switching to LFP because of this. 

Current battery storage has taken huge leaps in the last decade. Compact, efficient and long lasting Battery Storage such as the Soltaro AIO2 combines a host of benefits. Expandable storage, LFP chemistry and a long warranty alongside its compact and stylish finish.

By combining the best of solar with the best of storage you lessen your dependence on the grid. Allowing control and management of your electricity and becoming smarter about how you use power maximising the benefits.