What are the reasons to invest in a battery, and how should you think about the future? In this post, we will explore several reasons, focusing on costs, future revenue, and opportunities a battery can create.
Let’s begin by highlighting that a battery enables the storage of electricity. The battery is controlled via the inverter, which can, in turn, have external control systems called EMS (Energy Management Systems). EMS can, for example, retrieve weather data, electricity price data from Nordpool, consumption patterns, solar forecasts, and much more. qapasity Arctic Series is compatible with multiple inverters that support a wide portfolio of EMS systems for integration. This means that qapasity’s system is well-prepared for smart integration and, thus, smart usage.
What does an EMS system do?
With the help of an EMS system, you as a user can optimize your energy usage according to your needs. You simply instruct the EMS, which has access to all relevant data, on what it should do in your setup and what to optimize for. For instance, one user may want to save as much money as possible with the battery and activate an autopilot for that goal. Another person might want to minimize the electricity purchased from the grid, while a third may want to reduce their power usage to prevent circuit overloads. A fourth user might invest in energy storage to go off-grid during power outages. Each of these users has different goals for their energy storage and will save, invest, and earn varying amounts of money to meet those goals. Regardless of your objective, qapasity, through various EMS options, can help you achieve it.
A practical example would be installing a Solis inverter with your qapasity battery. By connecting Solis to Enequi’s platform, you gain access to advanced AI algorithms, optimization, and control options. Below is an illustration of the types of input and output data the system uses:
Image: Enequi.
How can I become more independent?
One of the primary benefits of using an energy storage solution is increased independence and reduced reliance on the electricity grid. By storing self-produced solar energy in a battery, you can protect yourself from high electricity prices and lower your energy costs. Every kilowatt-hour you buy from the grid comes with additional fees, including transmission charges, energy taxes, and VAT, which even applies to the energy tax itself. By using a battery, you can avoid these costs. Charging your battery with solar energy and using it when prices are high allows you to avoid both expensive electricity and additional fees to the grid operator and government, giving you greater financial control and security in times of fluctuating electricity prices.
Increased self-consumption
A battery increases your self-consumption and reduces energy export. Without a battery, typically only 30-40% of all produced solar energy is used for self-consumption, meaning electricity used directly by you from your solar installation. This figure can rise significantly depending on the size of the battery you install. Of course, the specific results depend on the orientation and tilt of your solar panels and your property’s electricity consumption patterns. However, the trend is clear: a larger energy storage system boosts self-utilization, meaning less electricity is sold to the grid. Exported electricity often yields low compensation and can cause stress on the grid, as many producers export energy simultaneously.
Allowing an energy storage system to absorb solar energy during the day and use it in the evening and night reduces both the need to import electricity and the amount you sell. In fact, for a residential solar installation, self-consumption can increase to around 75-80%. This makes you largely independent of electricity market prices since you are primarily using your self-produced energy. As mentioned earlier, this energy is exempt from transmission fees, VAT, and energy taxes.
Leverage price variations to your advantage
Battery owners can effectively protect themselves from high electricity prices by storing energy when prices are low and using it when prices rise. During periods of low demand, such as at night, the battery can be charged at a lower cost. When demand and prices increase, stored energy can be used instead of buying expensive electricity from the grid. This strategy leads to significant cost savings and reduces dependence on fluctuating electricity prices. Additionally, battery owners can participate in demand flexibility programs, which provide further financial incentives. By optimizing battery usage, you can lower your energy bills and contribute to a more stable power grid.
Protect yourself from political decisions
Owning a home battery can provide greater independence from political decisions and tax regulations. By storing self-produced energy, such as solar power, you reduce your reliance on the grid and, consequently, your exposure to changes in electricity prices or taxes. A home battery also enables you to use stored energy during periods of high taxes or fees on electricity. Additionally, batteries can help avoid costs related to grid connection or future energy taxes. Investing in a battery creates a buffer against uncertainties in energy policy, providing long-term security and stability in your energy supply, regardless of political changes.
Summary
- Energy storage and independence: Batteries allow the storage of self-produced energy, reducing grid dependency and protecting against high electricity prices.
- Optimization with EMS systems: Energy Management Systems (EMS) optimize energy usage based on data like weather and electricity prices, offering flexibility and cost savings.
- Increased self-consumption: Batteries can raise the self-consumption rate of solar energy from 30-40% to up to 75-80%, reducing the need to purchase electricity and easing grid pressure.
- Price variation and cost savings: Batteries can be charged when electricity prices are low and used when prices rise, protecting against price fluctuations and lowering bills.
- Protection from political changes: Batteries provide greater independence from political decisions and tax regulations, creating a buffer against energy policy uncertainties and offering long-term security.
