Solar Storage Options
Choosing the right solar battery storage solutions depends on your specific energy needs. Sunstream Energy will assess your Solar PV requirements with you and can advise you of the best system storage option based on your needs.
Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource that can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid. By harnessing solar power, your property can generate its own electricity during daylight hours, minimizing energy costs and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. With solar PV panels, any excess energy produced can either be stored for later use, fed back into the grid, or used to power your home directly. By efficiently managing your energy generation and storage, you can ensure that your solar energy system works at maximum efficiency and provides long-term savings.
Harnessing Energy
When Solar PV panels generate electricity, the energy can be used in three main ways:
- Powering the premises directly
- Sending excess energy back to the grid
- Storing energy in a battery or for hot water heating
Battery Basics
A standard solar battery typically has a capacity of 5kWh, which is equivalent to 5 units of electricity as reflected on your bill. Solar batteries are particularly useful for households where the occupants are away during the day and want to store excess ‘free’ solar power for later use. To install a battery storage system, a Hybrid Inverter is required, allowing the system to manage both solar generation and storage.
Battery Information
A standard 5kWh solar battery can power light-load appliances for several hours, making it ideal for households looking to store excess solar energy for later use. This can include lighting, small electronics, and essential devices, helping to reduce reliance on the grid during peak times.
One of the advantages of solar batteries is the ability to charge them at a lower cost using night-rate electricity. This off-peak charging allows you to store energy during cheaper hours and use it when electricity prices are higher, optimizing your overall energy savings.
Additionally, Sunstream Energy offers advanced solar storage solutions that can provide backup power for your entire property in the event of a grid outage. These systems, which typically include larger batteries and enhanced inverters, ensure that your home remains powered, even during unexpected power cuts, giving you peace of mind and energy independence.
However, it’s important to consider the cost and capacity requirements of the battery. While a 5kWh battery is sufficient for basic household needs, larger systems may be necessary to fully power larger homes or to run high-energy appliances.
Energy Diverter for Hot Water Basics
An Energy Diverter is a smart device that redirects surplus solar energy to your hot water tank (immersion), ensuring no excess power goes to waste. When your solar PV system generates more energy than your home requires, the diverter automatically sends the excess energy to heat your water. This helps maximize your solar energy usage, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering your energy bills.
Energy Diverter Information
At Sunstream Energy, we primarily recommend the MyEnergi EDDI system, an efficient energy diverter that channels surplus solar energy to your hot water tank. This system is controlled via a smartphone app and can be programmed with a timer for added convenience.
Before installing an energy diverter, it’s worth considering your overall energy needs. For example, if you use appliances like an electric shower or dishwasher, it may be more beneficial to export surplus energy to the grid rather than storing it in your hot water tank. This is a key factor we discuss with all our customers, helping you determine the best use of your solar power based on your household consumption.
Additionally, we offer upgraded gateway systems that can further optimize energy diversion to your hot water, providing even more control over your energy management.