Solar Batteries

AS1 Solar Battery

The AS1 is a great retrofit solution to upgrade a solar panel system with a solar PV battery storage function. Furthermore, it is modular, so more capacity can be added with additional batteries anytime. It is compatible with all solar panel and battery systems and can be installed in existing or new ones.

Despite being a sophisticated device, the AS1 is easier to use than a phone charger. Three different working modes allow users to minimize their energy bills. Battery charging and discharging time can be flexibly set based on local peak and off-peak electricity periods.

With its own on-grid inverter, the AS1 can simultaneously act as solar battery charger. However, we recommed the H1 inverter as a solar panel charger if an on-grid inverter is not already installed. The H1 has an integrated USB port with WifI module and different verification methods. Thus, combining the two devices allows the whole solar PV system to be controlled with just one device.

AS1 working modes

1. Self-Consumption

Self-consumption mode is the best way to store energy from solar PV panels when aiming to minimize electricity cost.

• Daytime: With solar power being the preferred electricity source, excess energy charges the battery. Any further amount of energy is exported to the grid.
• Night: The battery powers energy usage at night.
• Electricity from the grid is used only if solar panels plus battery storage system don’t provide enough power.

2. Time of Use

Time of use is optimal for using stored power to minimize electricity bills (also known as peak shaving).

• Peak hours: The battery is the preferred power source, solar system second and grid power third. Excess solar power gets exported to the grid.
• Off-peak hours: Battery charges with solar power for use during peak hours. Excess solar power is the primary electricity source.
• Electricity gets imported from grid if you run out of battery at night.

In this mode, the battery is programmed to accept a charge and to discharge power at specific times. This technique is also known as energy arbitrage. Typically, peak rates are between 4 and 10PM. Hence, it is recommended to set the discharge time to fall within that time frame.

3. Backup

Backup-mode makes sure that the battery remains fully charged at all times.

• Daytime: The solar panels and storage system charges the battery to maintain power backup. Excess solar power will power the house, while the remaining surplus is exported.
• Night: Grid electricity powers the house at night.
  
• Electricity gets imported from the grid if more power is need than the home battery energy storage system provides.

This mode keeps the solar panel battery bank fully charged. This way, a solar power backup for home is available during power cuts.

The AS1 is not a portable solar charger. However, the small dimensions of the AS1 also make it suitable for mobile solutions. Therefore, you can easily travel with a bunch of battery packs in a mobile home.

AS1-3KS-5.1

• Storage capacity: 5.1kWh
  
• DoD ≤ 90%
• Usable capacity: 3000W
  
• Life cycles: ≥6000
• 10-year warranty
• 3 different operating modes
• Solar battery charger
  

B1 Solar Battery

The B1 is a modular high voltage battery solar power systems. It’s lithium-based battery chemistry yields a higher energy density than other battery technologies. Being a modular battery, the B1 is expandable, allowing to connect up to four batteries in one stack. This way, a maximum storage capacity of 20.4kWh per stack can be achieved.

A full battery stack has enough storage capacity to power a family household for 24 hours. This makes the B1 ideal to export excess solar power, as daytime demand is already covered by solar panels.

B1-5.1-48

• Storage capacity: 5.1kWh
  
• DoD ≤ 90%
• Usable capacity: 3000W
• Life cycles: ≥6000
• 10-year warranty
• Modular design
  
• Expandable
  

Solar Batteries Explained

Solar power storage solutions have flooded the market with numerous variants and sizes in recent years. Due to several breakthroughs in lithium battery technology, manufacturers developed smart and modular systems for modern energy storage applications. As a result, traditional lead-acid batteries for solar energy storage has become almost redundant.

In short, a solar battery allows you to store electricity for use at a later time. It can can then be exported to the grid or used at night. Many homeowners have PV panels that generate electricity during daylight hours.

Choosing the Right Solar Battery

Solar batteries should be selected according to several key factors. These include system size, type (grid-tied or off-grid) and storage capacity.

Solar Batteries – Selection Criteria

• Usable storage capacity (kilowatt-hours)
  
• Output power ratings
• Efficiency
• Cycle life
• Operating temperature range
• Warranty conditions

Solar Battery Storage Solutions

A solar battery can easily be installed into an existing PV system. The solar battery must be either AC or DC coupled, depending on the type of inverter used. If the PV system has a micro inverter, the solar battery must be AC coupled.

Micro inverters are the cheaper option (since the inverter doesnt have to be replaced) and installation is relatively quick. However, this will result in higher energy losses, as the electricity generated by the system must be converted twice.

The alternative is to replace the existing inverter with one that is compatible with the solar battery. This is more expensive at first as the entire system needs to be rewired. However, the solar power is only converted once, making it more energy efficient in the long run.

Solar Battery Cost

The most important factors determining solar battery cost are the type of chemical materials used, battery life and storage capacity. On average, service life of a solar battery is 5-15 years. Therefore, solar batteries may need to be replaced more often than inverters or panels.

However, investing in a solar electricity storage solution can make up for the cost if implemented effectively. Solar batteries also allow a household or business to become 100% energy independent and self-sufficient.

Solar Battery Storage System Incentives

Governments on the national, provincial and town level offer various renewable energy incentives. There are also programmes specifically aimed at supporting businesses and home energy storage with solar power.

Solar Energy Storage – Grants & Incentives

• Feed in Tariff (FIT)
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG – UK only)
• Grants

To encourage renewable generation, many governments offer a price above market level for feeding renewable energy into the grid. These prices are set in contracts called Feed In Tariff (FIT).

UK customers profit from a new legislation called Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). As a result, UK energy suppliers are required to pay households and businesses for exporting solar power to the national grid. Exports will be measured by smart meters, which are installed by the respective electricity provider.

Use the contact form below to inquire about which financial incentives are available for your project. Make sure to provide the correct details for a correct assessment.

Project References

Solar Batteries FAQ