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Battery Storage

No Power? No Problem.

A battery storage unit is no different to any other battery such as those in your
car or electronic devices. The purpose of this battery is to store energy for
use in your home or business, by charging the battery either through excess
production from your solar system, or off the grid. If you have a solar system
that’s producing excess energy you are either selling it the grid, or
essentially throwing it away. A battery allows you to store this excess energy, which is a much more efficient and cost effective way of using any excess
energy. Why export to the grid for 6c, and then buy the energy back at night
when your solar system is not producing for 25c?  A battery storage unit allows you grid independence at night, during a power outage, at times of low sunlight, during times of peak demand rates, and during times of high energy consumption.

BENEFITS

What size do i need and how much does it cost?

Battery size and the number of batteries you will need depends upon the level of energy independence you wish to achieve. This can range from being 100% independent, to peak time independence (avoid paying peak usage rates), to using a battery as emergency back up incase of a power failure. Cost increases with the level of independence but being fully independent from the grid may not always be your best option. Factors to consider are your budget, type of dwelling, energy consumption, peak usage times, and the size of your solar system (if you have one). Different types and sizes of batteries vary in price from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars. TWE will assess your power usage history and power usage forecast, to determine to right size battery for your home or business.

Combating peak demand rates for Small Business

Depending on the size of your business, you could be eligible for Tariff 94. This tariff offers a cheaper rate during the off-peak period from 10pm till 7am. During this time, you can charge your battery storage unit off the utility grid for 11.5c/kWh. 

This allows you to use this power throughout the day instead of buying it off the grid and paying peak demand rates upwards of 28c/kWh. Your businesses could potentially be saving 17c/kWh by installing a battery storage unit, that’s a 41% saving.

A solar system in combination with a battery bank means you could be saving even more. Use the power generated by your solar system on top of the power stored in your batteries to minimize power purchased from the grid, and maximize your savings.

FAQs

Battery storage is perfectly safe given proper storage and care. The risks associated with battery storage are like those associated with any other electrical item. It’s important to ensure that you use an accredited installer as most risk is due to poor design and faulty installation. 

It is possible but not recommended if you have access to the grid. To be completely self-sufficient would require a large solar system and large battery storage facility which can be costly. However if you are looking to go off grid, TWE can design a fully comprehensive system to meet your energy requirements – visit Off Grid 

With increasing technology, the batteries used today are generally maintenance free. It is worthwhile visually inspecting your battery storage unit every month or so to check for any signs of wear or abnormality. If you do notice anything unusual about the appearance of the battery(s), contact your installer. TWE will provide you with all the maintenance information required for your specific battery storage unit. 

Battery life depends on the size, type of battery, and battery capacity. Generally good quality deep cycle batteries will last up to 15 years. All batteries come with a warranty, and TWE will customize a system that meets your longevity expectations. 

There are two types of specific battery accreditations required to design and install battery storage units; accredited designers and accredited installers. Accredited designers can design the system but not install the system, and vice versa for an accredited installer. A person who holds both accreditations can design and install the system providing they have a valid electrical license. TWE employees are qualified electricians with both design and install Clean Energy Council accreditations.  

Yes. A home battery does not affect net metering or the amount you get paid for energy you send back to the grid. However, your solar system will need to fully charge your battery before it’s producing excess energy that can be exported. 

Yes, but not every battery can be retro-fitted to an older solar system, some batteries can only be installed with new systems. However, there is no difference in the quality between batteries that can be fitted to an old system or that come with a new system. If you’re looking to add a battery storage system to your existing solar array, TWE will provide you with a comparison of suitable options.  

Yes. Especially lithium ion batteries which are non-toxic and contain over 99% recyclable materials.

Testimonial

"Friendly, professional and quality work. I dealt with Nick personally the whole time and he delivered a system that is stylish and does what he said it would. - Darrel"