By using a battery storage system, also referred to as home storage or simply storage, you can store the electricity generated by solar panels or other renewable energy sources.

This storage allows the surplus energy, which is not immediately used, to be stored in the battery and is primarily used in conjunction with solar panels. The stored energy can thus be used during nighttime hours when the solar panels are not producing electricity.

Storing solar energy in your home battery helps you become more independent from the grid and save money. Home batteries can also serve as backup power during blackouts. Additionally, using a home battery contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by enabling reliance on renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.

There are various types of home batteries available on the market, differing in price, capacity, and technology. While the prices of home batteries have decreased in recent years, the initial investment remains. Therefore, it may take some time for the purchase to pay off through lower electricity bills. However, with increasing electricity prices, investing in a home battery becomes increasingly attractive.

How does a home battery work in conjunction with solar cells?

A home battery operates as follows: When excess solar energy is generated, the surplus electricity is redirected to your home battery. Once the battery is fully charged, any additional solar power is fed back into the grid. When you consume energy while your solar panels are not producing electricity, you draw from your home battery first. If the battery is depleted, you automatically switch to the grid. By utilizing a home battery, you can increase your self-consumption of solar energy. On average, households consume about 30% of the solar energy they generate. With a home battery, this proportion can be increased to over 60%.

What types of home batteries are there?

There are different types of home batteries. The most commonly used batteries include:

1. Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries (LiFePO4 or LFP): Compared to lead-acid batteries and other lithium batteries, LiFePO4 batteries offer numerous advantages. These include longer lifespan, minimal or no maintenance, high safety, lightweight, and improved discharge and charging efficiency. While LiFePO4 batteries may not be the cheapest on the market, they are a high-quality investment over time due to their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements.
2. Lead-Acid Batteries: Despite their lower efficiency and lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries are still occasionally used for home storage. Despite their relatively low cost, it's important to note that they are heavier and have a shorter lifespan.
3. Lithium-Ion Batteries: This is one of the most common technologies for home storage. Lithium-ion batteries offer good energy density, lifespan, and efficiency. Thanks to their impressive energy storage capacity and ability to release energy quickly, lithium-ion batteries are a common choice for storing power. There are various versions of this battery technology used for household energy management.
4. Saltwater Batteries: These batteries use an electrolyte solution based on saltwater, making them more environmentally friendly than some other technologies. However, they typically have limited capacity and performance compared to lithium-ion batteries.

The suitable home storage solution for you depends on factors such as budget, required capacity, desired lifespan, efficiency, and available space. It's important to carefully consider these factors before making a purchase.

What does a home battery cost in 2024?

The price of a home battery solution varies depending on the type and size. A general guideline for the cost of a household storage system is around €750 per 1 kilowatt (kW) of storage capacity. On average, total costs range between €4000 and €10,000, depending on the specific storage capacity. A home battery with 50 kW can cost between €8,000 and €10,000, while a home battery with 10 kW can range from €3,000 to €8,000. These prices also include installation costs.

How large should my electricity storage be?

The rule often used to calculate the capacity of a home storage system is 1/1.5 kWh per Watt Peak (Wp). The required capacity depends on various factors such as your energy consumption, energy production (e.g., from solar panels), desired independence from the grid, and your budget.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a home battery?

Home batteries have various advantages and disadvantages that vary depending on the situation. Here are the main ones:

Advantages of standalone energy storage:

1. With a home battery, you can store excess energy generated by your solar panels and use it later when the sun is not shining.
2. Energy independence: A home battery can help you become more autonomous and less dependent on the grid, especially during power outages or peak times.
3. Energy conservation: Home batteries can help you conserve energy and manage your energy consumption more efficiently, as you can use stored energy when it's most beneficial for you.
4. Reduction of grid load: By storing energy, you can reduce the strain on the grid, especially during peak times, which can contribute to a more stable and efficient network.
5. Backup power supply: Some home batteries can serve as backup power during power outages, ensuring that essential appliances continue to function.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: Home batteries can incur significant costs, including the purchase of the battery, hiring an installer, and potentially required inverters and other components.
2. Limited capacity: Home batteries have limited storage capacity. You need to ensure that the battery is large enough to cover your energy needs when the sun is not shining.
3. Maintenance: Some batteries may require regular maintenance to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan.