Which Solar Battery Storage is Right For You?

Your choice of battery storage system can have a huge impact on your return-on-investment (ROI). Here are some things to consider when choosing the right model for your needs.

Everyone wants solar energy storage but storage costs have been typically high, so it’s a market not all solar users are jumping into yet. As things stand, your photovoltaic (PV) system has to be extremely well designed for the battery storage option to pay off. Plus, individual consumer's needs vary, which makes it a challenge to supply a suitable system for each user.

But solar energy is obviously a major part of the future of energy, and storing it will transform how energy is supplied to the end user. New technology and business models are continually being developed in order to drive down costs and improve efficiency. With new tech coming online every day, it makes sense to opt for a flexible and upgradable PV system. If you can add battery storage or upgrade how much storage you have, you’ll be able to keep pace with your changes in energy needs and consumption patterns.

Fronius embraces flexibility

One example of new technology is the work Fronius has done with Tesla to develop compatibility between Fronius’s Symo Hybrid inverter and the Tesla Home Battery. This will mean the Tesla battery storage system can be used as an alternative to the Fronius Solar Battery with the Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter and Smart Meter.

We’ve found the Fronius Energy Package is a good option for customers considering storage. It offers flexibility, because it can be adapted to different levels of needs and patterns of use. With battery storage product prices expected to drop in future, adding batteries at later point is attractive option, and the Fronius model allows for just this strategy. Its Symo Hybrid inverter, which is an integral part of the Fronius energy package, is a normal grid-connected system which can be installed now and batteries added at later date.

Adding storage to an existing system

One common situation is that you have an existing PV system without battery storage – and you want to add storage capability to the system. The recommended approach would be to add batteries via AC coupling. Fronius also offers a wall mounted storage solution suitable for outdoor use as another solution.

Getting a new system and battery storage

The Fronius system uses ‘Multi Flow Technology’ which means it organises energy flows, enabling simultaneous multiple energy flows. In DC coupled mode, only one inverter is needed. The Symo Hybrid inverter can supply the loads in the house with AC power and simultaneously charge the battery with DC, or it can supply energy from the battery AND from the PV generator.

In AC coupled mode, the battery is usually charged from the AC coupled inverter and can simultaneously charge from DC once more panels are added. This means an optimum self-consumption ratio – so better and quicker ROI.

Which battery storage system?

We will be selling the Tesla-Fronius compatible battery and continue to sell the Fronius Solar Battery. The Fronius model is:

• Available in sizes from 4.5kWh to 12kWh.
• Lithium technology, guaranteeing long service life and short charge times.
• Flexible – increase capacity by adding more battery banks if your needs change.
• Able to deliver 8000 charging cycles at an 80% depth of discharging rate.
• A reputable brand, with 70 years’ experience in battery charging solutions.

We recommend you monitor your consumption and production with the Fronius smart meter for some time (approximately 6 months) it is important to understand your energy profile so you can accurately determine what size batteries suit your needs. Cheaper models have often been found to have fewer charging cycles in them, which means shorter lifespans. A quality battery can have a big impact on your ROI.

If you have any questions about adding storage to your system, contact the experts at Infinite Energy.