Solar energy storage: the benefits and challenges

Solar energy storage: the benefits and challenges

Solar energy is popular and, of course, extremely sustainable, but... how can you use it efficiently? Especially on days when little solar energy is produced.

Storing the produced solar energy therefore plays a crucial role in this. One of the most obvious ways is to use a home battery. The home battery ensures that you can use the generated energy yourself at a later time! But of course, it's not as simple as it sounds now. What are the costs, the environmental effects and are there any alternatives?

How does a home solar storage battery work?

A home battery ensures that 'extra' generated solar energy, which is generated by your solar panels, is stored in the home battery. Especially when the sun is shining and the solar panels generate a huge amount of energy, more than you use yourself! In that situation, the home battery can store this extra power. When less energy is generated, you can actually use the home battery to make up for your energy shortage. Especially in the evenings when you consume a lot of energy but your solar panels generate little, this is ideal!

But there are also limitations to these home batteries. Most home batteries have a capacity of around 6 kWh. In the summer, much more energy is produced than this battery can store. In winter, it often happens that the home battery is not fully filled because the solar energy is then generated less. That's why the 6 kWh storage seems like a good balance.

What are the environmental consequences of the home battery?

Storing solar energy with a home battery has two consequences that can be suggested when discussing the environment. Solar energy storage using a home battery will make a very important contribution to more sustainable energy consumption. The energy generated by solar panels is no longer lost.

On the other hand, the production of home batteries requires energy and raw materials. If you compare this, this home battery offers significant long-term environmental benefits. Fossil fuel consumption will be reduced. This leads to fewer CO₂ emissions. The production of the home battery will be increasingly environmentally friendly, making the discussion increasingly easier to have.

What are alternatives to solar storage?

Initially, we will discuss the use of solar energy. Of course, it makes sense to use a lot of energy when a lot of energy is being generated. One option is to use more of your solar power directly when solar panels are actively producing energy. This includes running your washing machine or dishwasher at peak times. This ensures that you are less dependent on energy storage.

Especially in the case of an electric car, there are options. Consider smart charging! The car is charged when there is a lot of energy available. Of course, this way of saving/using power does not work for household appliances, but these are small things that certainly help.

Another alternative is a collective energy storage solution, such as the neighborhood battery. You can see this as a gigantic home battery that stores energy for entire neighborhoods. This can be more environmentally friendly than an individual home battery. The tricky part about this is that it's not easy to set up. This must be done collectively.

What are the costs of solar storage?

The price of home batteries varies widely. It depends primarily on their capacity. For a standard home battery with a storage capacity of 6 kWh, you pay an average of around €5,500. That includes the installation. Prices are expected to fall in the future. It is of course the intention that these costs are recouped as quickly as possible. This depends on energy prices. You can do the math yourself based on your energy consumption, if you need help with this, you can contact us! ‍

Is solar energy storage self-sufficient?

You hear it more often, the home battery can lead to complete self-sufficiency! But this is partly the truth. You remain dependent on the electricity grid, although you can store your own energy. A home battery therefore contributes to a more sustainable use of energy, but it is not yet feasible to be completely self-sufficient.

Speaking to a solar storage expert?

We are happy to help you with all your questions about solar energy storage. We know everything about the home battery and are happy to help you make the right decision. If you have solar panels, this can be a very interesting option! Are you still unsure? Let us know and we'll give you all the information you need to make a good decision!

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