How can I store my solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid?
Drawing too much power from the grid can be a costly exercise. The Australian Government is predicting a 56% hike in power prices over the next two years, as consumers continue to feel the brunt of ongoing increases to the cost of living. In Australia, over three million households have solar installed on their rooftops, and it’s easy to see why.
- A typical family with a 6kW solar power system could save up to $1,500 per year
- Households with solar power have bills that are significantly lower on average than those without¹
- Installing a solar water heater could help you save up to 65% on your energy consumption²
However, a solar system produces energy during the day, and if not used immediately, the power generated goes back to the grid. Also, as more electrified products, like electric vehicles, are becoming the norm, storing unused solar energy for later significantly reduces your grid-energy consumption.
How can I store my solar energy to use at a later time?
There are great solutions to make full use of your solar energy. In this article, we will explore the different options available with Solahart.
1. Install a home battery storage solution
A home battery is a smart way to offset rising electricity costs. It helps you maximise your solar energy consumption and reduce reliance on the grid by capturing and storing excess solar power to use:
- At night;
- On low sunlight days;
- When utility rates are more expensive; and
- During blackouts.
Solahart systems include a range of market-leading home batteries that ensure you and your family have plenty of renewable energy to use when needed.
If you are looking to maximise your energy storage, Tesla Powerwall has the largest capacity in our range.
If you don’t need as much storage now, but are planning on growing your family or adding smart connected appliances to your home, a scalable battery such as the GoodWe Lynx or SolarEdge Energy Bank is a future-proofed, cost-effective solution.
Also read: Key considerations when choosing a home battery and explore which option could be right for you
2. Install a Solahart PowerStore
Did you know you could use your excess solar power to heat water? With Solahart PowerStore, you can.
Australia’s first solar-smart electric water heater helps you reduce your reliance on the grid. It works like a home battery in that it stores energy, but in the form of hot water, and is more affordable. Also, it comes with a Solahart Energy Management System that automatically optimises how you consume energy throughout your home.
A more cost-effective way to maximise your solar storage is to combine a Solahart PowerStore with a smaller battery option.
Also read: Make the most of your excess solar power with Solahart PowerStore
3. Install a solar hot water system
Since water heating makes up about 25 per cent of a household’s energy consumption in Australia³, a solar hot water system is a smart choice to help reduce the grid-energy you use to heat water. Solar hot water is the original and most efficient solar energy storage device pioneered by Solahart almost 70 years ago. Although the technology is different to solar power, it is still storing energy free from the sun.
Also read: Why you should choose solar hot water
More Australians are taking advantage of energy storage solutions to reduce the impact of higher cost of living. For more information or if you’d like to add energy storage to your home, contact Solahart today and your local Dealer can identify a solution that is right for you.