Solar power is an incredible, natural way to build your life around, but as with any big change in life, there’s a bit of a learning curve - though not much of one, we promise!
You may have wondered about the viability of switching to solar energy given the fact that the sun isn’t always blazing down from the sky above, especially in Ireland.
Indeed, as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) points out, around 75% of electricity produced from solar PV systems across the country occurs between the months of May to September.
So, how does a solar power user guarantee just as much efficiency and enjoyment in those darker times? Why, with solar power battery storage, of course.
First, a quick refresher on how solar power works. As you probably already know, a solar panel absorbs the rays of the sun, turning the sunlight into energy that is then used to generate electricity and/or heat.
Think of the panel like a battery generating a direct one-dimensional current. The thing about batteries, of course, is that they have a finite supply of power, unless you can quickly and easily recharge them.
With solar power, that can be a little tricky, especially in a situation like we mentioned earlier where a country like Ireland cannot guarantee blazing sunshine around the clock.
As noted, the panels generate direct current electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter. This electricity is then used to power whatever household items and appliances require it.
Excess electricity produced by solar panels can be stored in a battery or a separate storage solution.
Committing to solar energy brings with it a range of positives for you and those around you - even future generations of people are likely to gain an advantage.
A move to solar power will:
And in order to cement all of the above, you’ll need to invest in a proper storage solution. Thankfully, at Activ8 Solar Energies, we have that very much covered.
Let’s take a look at the different solar panels available to you, and how storage comes into play.
Our exclusive 445W ATLAS panels are engineered by Activ8 Energies in Ireland specifically to meet challenging and ever-changing Irish weather conditions, meaning it’s highly adaptable, not to mention durable, considering the panel will only ever come from the exclusive Tier 1 rating of solar panels. 30 years of performance warranty comes as standard, as does a 25-year product warranty.
Our pleasingly compact and lightweight Solis Solar Inverter boasts 97.7% max efficiency, while our intelligent Eddie co-smart energy diverter redirects surplus power to a designated heating appliance. This enables you to stop exporting energy back to the grid and saves money on your energy bill.
And speaking of surplus power, our partnership with Duracell ensures the most efficient and sustainable charging experience possible. The top-of-the-range Dura5 battery works seamlessly with solar panels, or as a stand alone battery storage system.
During the day, it stores the excess energy generated by your solar panels, for use either at night or during periods of inclement weather.
Alternatively, the battery can be used without solar to draw low-cost electricity from the grid during off-peak hours, thus storing it for later use during peak periods.
The Dura5 also boasts the ability to charge and discharge in just one hour, allowing rapid access to energy reserves on demand.
We have three different types available:
This battery offers top-tier performance and safety with its lithium iron phosphate chemistry. It features a 10-year warranty, modular expandability up to 32 units, and supports both stackable and wall-mounted installations.
This system combines two 5.15 kWh Dura LiFePO4 batteries, delivering enhanced capacity. It also features the aforementioned 10-year warranty, modular expandability up to 32 units, and supports both stackable and wall-mounted installations.
For those in need of plenty of energy, the Dura5 15kW battery combines three 5.15 kWh Dura LiFePO4 batteries, delivering enhanced capacity. And yes, it also features the aforementioned 10-year warranty, modular expandability up to 32 units, and supports both stackable and wall-mounted installations.
Based on the above information, you should be able to glean the best fit for your home battery storage.
By and large, it’s going to come down to how much energy consumption you anticipate in your household, whether a constant set amount that functions throughout the year or, if possible, contrasting measures to reflect significant shifts in the seasons.
Generally speaking, it’s probably not a bad idea to adopt a ‘have and not need than need and not have’ approach when it comes to something as integral as supplying your home with enough electricity and heat to get by.
As such, battery capacity and lifespan are going to play a major part here. All Dura5 batteries come with 10-year warranty so there’s no difference should you prefer to start small - your budget will likely also prove a factor - and potentially build up from there.
Once you register your details with us, we will give you a call to organise an appointment with one of our solar consultants.
If you decide to go ahead with a move to solar upon our visit, a technical survey will subsequently be conducted before any installation and you’ll be contacted by our installations team regarding available dates that best suit you.
We’ll also guide you through every step of the process and offer ongoing support throughout, should you need it - customer care is extremely important to us, as you can see via our reviews and ratings hub on Trustpilot.
On average, a solar battery is expected to last for between 5 to 15 years. The Duracell Dura5 battery, however, boasts a lifespan of 8,000 cycles, which equates to approximately 20 years. It’s also purpose-built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
The Dura5 typically costs between €3,500 and €4,500. You can get a quote with us right away.
Generally speaking, this comes down to you and your lifestyle. Do you find yourself and your household consuming a large amount of energy to the point you require a surplus, particularly in evenings or autumn/winter months? If so, it’s certainly worth considering.
As noted, the Duracell Dura5 model is exceptionally durable, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect or mistreat it. If possible, store the battery in a cool, dry place, conduct regular efficiency and maintenance checks, keep it clean, and avoid overcharging.
By now, you should have a fair idea of how a professional solar power battery storage system can benefit you as a homeowner, or even as someone running a small business.
If you require any further assistance or just want to talk through it all with one of our friendly and dedicated experts at Activ8 Solar Energies, you can get a free consultation today - get in touch with us here.
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