What is a Battery Storage System, and how does it work?

What is a Battery Storage System, and how does it work?

A battery storage system is an increasingly popular addition to solar PV installations. It allows you to store excess energy produced by your solar panels during the daytime, ready for use when the sun goes down or on particularly cloudy days. By capturing and storing your surplus solar energy, you can dramatically improve your energy independence and maximise your financial savings.

How does battery storage typically work?

During daylight hours, your solar panels often produce more electricity than your home can immediately use. Traditionally, this excess would be exported to the grid. However, with a battery storage system, this surplus energy is captured and stored, ready to be released in the evening or overnight when your solar panels aren’t producing energy.

This conventional method helps homeowners significantly reduce their reliance on the grid, lowering energy bills and providing increased protection against rising electricity prices.

Using batteries for off-peak charging

One of the most beneficial aspects of battery storage is its compatibility with 'time-of-use' energy tariffs. Time-of-use tariffs offer lower electricity prices during specific off-peak hours, typically late at night or early morning. By charging your battery from the mains during these off-peak periods, you can store energy at cheaper rates and use it during peak times when electricity is more expensive.

For example, in my own home, I charge my battery overnight between 00:30 and 05:30 on a low-cost rate of 8.5p/kWh. This allows me to store electricity at significantly lower costs than typical daytime rates. I can then either use this stored energy during the day or export surplus energy back to the grid at around 15p/kWh, making it financially advantageous and even profitable in some cases.

Choosing the right battery (and the right tariff!)

Selecting the most suitable battery system for your needs is important, but it’s equally essential that your installer advises you properly and sets up the best available energy tariff for your situation. Even the highest quality battery system won’t deliver optimal savings unless it’s paired with a smart tariff and correctly configured charging and discharging schedules.

At Creative Low Carbon, we ensure our customers not only choose the best battery system but also receive expert advice on suitable tariffs. Proper setup can dramatically increase the benefits you gain from your battery storage investment.

Going a step further with AI

While conventional battery storage is highly beneficial, newer systems incorporating artificial intelligence, like SigEnergy’s SigenStor platform, take performance to the next level.

SigEnergy's SigenStor is an AI-driven energy management system within one compact system. Its AI features analyse your household’s energy usage patterns, solar generation, and local tariff structures. It automatically optimises battery charging and discharging cycles, ensuring maximum energy savings and efficiency without you needing to manage settings manually.

Compared to conventional battery storage, the smart technology behind SigenStor provides greater energy efficiency, cost savings, and convenience.

Is battery storage right for you?

Battery storage systems are a great way to boost the value of your solar PV system and can save you a considerable amount on your energy bills. Whether you opt for conventional battery systems or advanced AI-driven solutions like SigEnergy's SigenStor, the most important step is to ensure your installation is professionally designed, carefully configured, and matched with the optimal tariff.

If you’d like expert guidance on battery storage systems and how to maximise your energy savings, get in touch with the friendly team at Creative Low Carbon. We’re always here to help you find the smartest solutions for your home.