For individuals and companies looking to lower their energy expenses and carbon footprint, solar energy is becoming a much more popular option. A solar energy setup process must include a solar battery storage system. With that in mind, “What is the solar battery storage system cost?” is one of the more frequently asked questions when discussing the topic of solar energy.
Several factors determine the cost of a solar battery storage system. Although it’s challenging to offer you an exact amount without taking into account your unique needs, we can give you an overview of the components that go into the final cost.
Storage Capacity
The solar battery storage system cost is mostly determined by its kilowatt-hours (kWh) output. This refers to the amount of electricity that a battery can hold and is a fundamental factor when it comes to how long a home or business establishment can run on solar power when there isn’t any sunlight.
When looking into the price of solar battery storage systems, consider the fact that they come in a variety of different capacity ranges. Smaller, less energy-intensive systems are ideal for low-energy requirements such as backup power for specific appliances. Although, higher energy-intensive systems can supply electricity to an entire household.
Striking a balance between the upfront cost and your specific energy requirements is very crucial. Purchasing a much higher capacity than you would require may not provide the best return on your investment.
Technology Type
Different types of solar batteries use varied technologies, and each comes with its unique price point. The two primary types of batteries found in homes and businesses are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are the more modern option of the two and are often seen as the better choice due to their superior density, allowing them to contain more energy in a smaller space. They also have a much longer lifespan compared to its competitors, which is an important consideration when thinking long-term.
Contrary to lithium-ion batteries, the more traditional lead-acid batteries are larger and heavier, requiring more space for installation, but with the added benefit of a much cheaper price point.
Flow batteries are another new technology that is known for lasting a long time and maintaining their full power over time. These batteries are more popular in commercial and utility-scale settings than in homes because of their bulky nature.
Installation Costs
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that using solar storage systems is merely as straightforward as purchasing from the press of a button and then having them magically set up at your home/business. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and the cost of installing a solar battery storage system is a significant consideration to take onboard.
The overall cost depends a lot on how hard the work is. For example, adding a battery system to an existing solar system might require a more complicated building process, which could make the cost go up. On the other hand, installing a battery system at the same time as new solar cells might make integration easier and involve less cost.
The location and spatial arrangement also play a role in the cost. If the battery system needs to be housed separately from the solar panels, additional cabling might be needed, which can add to the cost. Similarly, indoor installations may require extra work for safe ventilation or additional structural support, thereby adding to the cost.
Labour expenses also form a large part of the equation. A professional installation is a necessity for ensuring a solar battery storage system functions safely and efficiently. This is something that unfortunately is up to chance but can be dependent on the geographical location and experience of the professionals.
Like anything, installation costs can be a hard pill to swallow, but when looking at things long-term, it’s a small price to pay for safe, optimal performance.
Power Ratings
Not to be confused with a storage capacity, a battery storage system’s power rating is how much electricity can be delivered at one time. Measured in kilowatts (kW), power ratings are a pivotal factor when looking into the cost of a solar battery storage system.
Battery storage systems that incorporate a high power rating can deliver more electricity at one time. This is especially useful when time is of the essence and multiple or larger appliances need power simultaneously. An example of this could be a business needing to power a sizable area of their establishment during a power outage. Because of this exceptional feature, systems with higher power ratings tend to be more expensive.
In contrast, batteries with lower power ratings might be more cost-effective upfront, but they can only supply a limited amount of power at any given time. These are often suitable for smaller homes or businesses with lower electricity consumption or for systems that only need to power essential loads like refrigerators or communication equipment during a power outage.
Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is another important area which can influence the solar battery storage system cost.
Some of the best brands cost more upfront, but they usually pay off in the long run. The main reasons for this are that they usually have lower failure rates, better performance standards, and stronger safety measures. Trustworthy brands are also more likely to have formed partnerships with other leaders in their fields, which boosts their credibility and the total value of their products.
Here at eCactus Solar UK, our Agave battery has established a strong presence in several countries, including Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, demonstrating our brand’s global reach and acceptance.
If you care about your brand’s image, it’s always best to work with well-known companies. They may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run. More importantly, consider your unique needs and weigh this up with different brands and the technologies they provide.
This blog post has covered just some of the factors to consider when looking at the solar battery storage system cost. It is important to do your research and look at your circumstances to understand how much you might need to spend and how much you can save.
