What types of Energy Storage Systems (Solar Battery) are there?
There are two types of Energy Storage Systems, All-in-One (plug and play) and Hybrid (Combination).
The All-in-One cabinet houses the inverter, AC/DC/PV circuit breakers, EPS, Batteries, Wiring, Monitoring and (Interface) Touch Screen, therefore simplifying and minimizing installation time. The All-in-One ESS has one warranty with one company.
The Hybrid type consists of the Battery unit, Hybrid inverter(AC/DC) Interface and Meter Box and Cabling. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems consist of many different components, which go together to make a complete unit, and thus have several different warranty companies to deal with.
How do Energy Storage Systems work?
At the start of each day, the solar power system with battery storage directs the incoming solar power to your house appliances first, and then fills your solar battery and only then any excess / surplus power will be exported to the Grid, for which you get paid. This is called the Feed-in-tariff, and this power is calculated in kilowatt hours, written thus – kWh. Your ESS will be available to power up your household at night, through the inverter, which is part of the ESS, hence saving you from drawing Grid power.
How does the EPS (Emergency Power Supply) function work?
The EPS function gives you access to the battery to the battery power in the event of a grid / power failure, keeping important fixtures working like your lights, fridge, freezer and TV operating, i.e. depending on the size of the ESS unit, up to 90% of a 10kWh ESS power supply can be used in this situation. Once the sun has risen the battery unit will charge up once again.
## Note:- Not all ESS have this EPS (Emergency Power Supply) Function
Does the Solar Battery support charging from the grid?
In Queensland when an ESS is connected to the Grid it is charged through you PV solar panels during the day, but also in Queensland ESS contents are not permitted to feed back into the Grid from the ESS. However when the ESS is full, then the excess / surplus power produced will be sent to the grid, and this power is what you get paid for. Your stored power is used during the evening period; hence you do not have to buy power from the grid overnight. This is where you receive the benefits, by paying for less electricity hours purchased from the Grid. Energy Storage Systems can also be installed as a Stand-Alone / Off-Grid system as well, so you may run two separate systems, one attached to the Grid and one not attached to the Grid, on two different house circuits. In the case of No power available an Off-grid ESS applies.
How much of the power capacity can be used?
This measurement may vary from brand to brand, but could be up to 90% draw of capacity from the ESS over a period of time.
Can you add more batteries to the Energy Storage System? (Not all models are the same)
Yes, some ESS can increase their battery capacity power by just adding another battery pack to the original unit. This is a feature on some ESS, where the additional battery just slots in – this is not the case with all brands – some units are a fixed size. In this instance you need to buy a complete new unit and install the extra ESS side-by-side to increase your storage capacity. As to how many units and / or models you can add, will depend on the particular type and/or brand being purchased.
What is the cycle life of the ESS?
A charge cycle is the process of charging a rechargeable battery and discharging it as required into a load. The term is typically used to specify a battery’s expected life, as the number of charge cycles affects life more than the mere passage of time. Therefore this measurement is given in cycle life, and this varies considerable from brand to brand.
i.e. 2000 to 8000 cycles
This is important, so should be taken into consideration when purchasing an ESS.
How much load can an ESS handle?
This may range from 2kWh – 5 kWh depending on the brand. The output of the inverter is determined by the kW size of the inverter in the ESS AND the discharge capacity of the battery – i.e. their C rating.dapibus leo.
What is the warranty period of the ESS?
This varies from brand to brand, but usually a 5 to 10 year period.
What is the life expectancy of the Energy Storage System?
Again this varies from brand to brand. i.e. 10-20 years.
What communication and monitoring options are provided with the ESS?
Some brands have Wi-Fi and some brands require Internet connection to monitor the ESS system. Some brands have the facility for the manufacturers to monitor the ESS through your Internet connection, which gives the manufacturer the capacity to make prompt updates and / or correction to the software as required
Are there any preferred position or installation restrictions of the ESS?
It is recommended for most brands to be installed with no direct sunlight and with natural ventilation. Some brands have an outdoor rating of IP65.
Is the ESS wall mounted or ground mounted?
Different brands / models come in both ground mounted and wall mounted versions.
What is the usual time needed to install the ESS?
4-8 hours is normal depending on the brand and size of the ESS, and also how modernized the householder’s meter board is set up.
Contact All Energy HQ
All Energy HQ is a top Sunshine Coast Solar Power Specialist, and we have the home battery storage solutions you need to maximise the efficiency of your solar and minimise – and even eliminate – your power bills.
We highly recommend the Soltaro All-in-One Energy Storage System. This premium hybrid inverter battery storage product offers every benefit you seek in a sleek, expandable package that is simple to use and designed and engineered in Australia.
To learn more about what we offer at All Energy HQ in terms of home battery storage systems – and much more – simply contact us today.
Call (07) 5438 7200 or email Sales@AllEnergyHQ.com.au
