solar panels with Battery

EdmondShiels3

I want to find out is is worth getting a battery when getting solar panels or are you better selling excess back to the grid.

I also want to find out more about how the battery work.

bullit_dodger

Might I suggest reading the FAQ -

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058234646/interested-in-solar-pv-read-this-faq-first

Has a section in there specifically about batteries.

While the ink isn't dry on the recently announced FIT (Feed-in-tarrif) the amount of money that they are offering is a bit better than the general expectiation was going to be. However, they may yet penalize people with higher standing charges etc.

My own gut feeling is that everyone would be best suited with a small (2.5-5.0 Kwhr) battery and then sell anything that's left to the grid, but it's VERY CASE dependant. What is right for me, may not be right for you or your neighbor. You have to look at your consumption and do the math.

seligehgit

I've a 5.2 kwp system.

How long would it take to charge my 5.1 kWh battery?

yankinlk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119271299#Comment_119271299

it depends on a few things... but max input is probably 2.5/hour.

if noload in the house? then probably 2 hours at full belt of the sun, no clouds. i have a slightly larger system and it should be full by 11am this time of year give or take... weather and aspect makes a differrence too.

seligehgit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119272309#Comment_119272309

Thanks great to have an idea of the maximum input as I might put a wash on.

Presuming if it charges in a couple of hours the surplus power generated by the solar panels after 11 will go back into the grid?

Hence I'd like to put a couple of household appliances on a timer so I use the power generated rather than exporting it to the grid after 11.

yankinlk

Good plan. My dishwasher and dryer have a timer built so I do exactly that. Haven't used any grid for a few days now...

The devils

Puredrive Battery 5kw For Sale in Newbridge, Kildare from niallo77 (adverts.ie)

slave1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119272762#Comment_119272762

Why are your restricting your export, if you have a smart meter and your FIT is higher than your lowest tariff then you should be exporting (and charging your battery/using dishwasher etc. off the lowest tariff also)

ColemanY2K

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121797006#Comment_121797006

the post you quoted is from june 22 before FIT payments became a thing. i doubt the poster is restricting export these days.

Jonathan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121796839#Comment_121796839

No necroposting. You've already posted this in the renewable for sale thread and the quotes thread (which I've since deleted).

I'm locking this thread now.