SOLAR PV AND BATTERY SYSTEMS
Solar energy is sustainable, renewable, and plentiful. As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting the world we live in. We offer a range of solar PV and battery systems from standard on roof grid tied systems to ground mount off grid PV and battery with generator back up systems.
Grid tied solar PV system
A grid tied solar PV system is the most common sort of domestic solar installation. The panels are generally mounted on a suitable south facing roof. They are linked to an inverter that converts the DC electricity from the panels into usable AC electricity. The AC electricity is then used in the property to power appliances. If the solar production is more than the demand in the property then the excess is exported into the grid. This export can earn you money if you have a smart meter and an export tariff agreed with your energy supplier.
0% VAT on solar PV and battery systems
Grid tied solar PV and battery system
The addition of a battery to your solar PV system is the best way to get more from your solar installation. In most domestic properties around 50% or more of the energy produced from your system will be exported to the grid. Although you may get a small payment for that energy it is nowhere near the cost of importing energy into your property which you will need to do when the sun goes down.
A battery system can be installed at the same time as your solar panels or fitted retrospectively if you already have a system installed. This is generally achieved by installing a hybrid inverter in place of a standard inverter. A hybrid inverter is capable of charging and discharging batteries depending on solar production, battery state of charge and load of the property.
A battery system lets you continue to run on stored solar energy into the night and even through to the next day depending on the size of the system.
Solar PV and battery system with EPS
The next step if you have a battery system is to consider whether you would like or need an EPS system installing. EPS stands for Emergency Power Supply.
The UK has a very stable supply grid so power cuts are not generally a problem. However, rural properties with overhead supply cables can be susceptible to random power cuts especially in bad weather.
Most hybrid inverters have a separate EPS connection. This can be used to power a limited number of sockets or lights in the event of a power cut so long as there is available charge in the battery.
An EPS system can be structured to power all but the heaviest loads in a property if required. You wouldn’t be aware of a power cut unless the battery goes completely flat. This is more complicated but can be done using Victron inverters.
Grid / off grid solar PV, battery & generator system
If you are looking for energy independence then the Victron system can run your entire property. From a single phase domestic up to a 3 phase large house or commercial property.
Off grid properties will need a generator to back up the solar system during poor weather periods.
On grid properties can use the grid supply as the ‘back up generator’. For total energy security you can have a generator too.