Install a Battery-Only System to Reduce Electricity Bills
For years, installing solar panels has been the go-to solution for homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills. However, this option hasn't been feasible for everyone. The high upfront costs, the need for a suitable roof with the right orientation and minimal shading, and the additional hurdles of planning permissions and installation have made solar panels a challenging investment for many.
But what if you could achieve significant savings on your electricity bill without the need for solar panels? The answer lies in battery-only systems. No solar panels required, just a straightforward installation that typically takes half a day, allowing you to start saving money immediately without waiting for sunny days.
The following article looks into how a battery-only system can help you overcome the limitations of solar panels and transform your home’s energy efficiency, providing you with substantial savings and future-proofing your energy costs.
Can I have a battery only installed in my home?
Yes, you most certainly can. In fact, there are strong arguments to suggest that a battery-only installation could be all you need if your primary goal is to reduce your electricity bill. You don’t need solar panels at all to get access to cheaper energy and lower bills.
Declining Battery Costs
The cost of batteries has dropped significantly in recent years for several reasons. Car manufacturers have led the way in investing hundreds of billions of pounds into research and development. With governments around the world heavily promoting electric vehicle (EV) technology, competition to offer the best value cars has driven prices down. As demand for EV's has surged, manufacturing processes have become more efficient, further reducing costs.
Rising Electricity Prices
Meanwhile, electricity prices continue to rise. Historically, despite occasional drops, energy prices go up annually. Recent global events have driven electricity prices even higher, and unfortunately, they are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels. Although there have been some recent fluctuations due to the energy price cap being lowered, the trend of high energy bills is expected to continue. Going into detail on this is a whole article in its own right, and we will be writing one soon. There are a whole host of reasons why the energy cap is increased and reduced, and they aren’t all entirely to do with the wholesale price.
Limitations of Solar Panels
The primary way to reduce your bills has traditionally been by installing solar panels. However, this has only been realistic for those with the disposable income to do so, unless they had the foresight to take out a loan with a lower APR than the ROI from the solar investment. While this was a wise decision for some, many did not have the knowledge or the means to make that choice.
Solar panels are also limited to those with suitable roofs that face the right direction, have minimal shading, and no obstructions. Installations can be more challenging due to potential planning permission requirements, grid applications, and additional costs like scaffolding.
The Solution: Battery-Only Systems
There is a way to overcome these obstacles and still save up to 60% on your electricity bill: install a battery-only system in your home. No solar panels are required. The installation is quick, typically completed in half a day, and you start saving money on your bill immediately without waiting for sunny days.
Time-Shifting Tariffs
This is achieved by using time-shifting tariffs (similar to Economy 7 tariffs) available from major energy companies. Essentially, your battery charges up at night (between 12:30 am and 4:30 am) when electricity is cheap, and you then use that energy during the day. At the time of writing, the cost of electricity per unit is 23p, while the night rate to charge your battery is 9p. It’s easy to see how our customers make immediate and substantial savings on their electricity bills. The tariff referred to here is Octopus Go, but there are also similar tariffs from other energy companies.
Customised Battery Solutions
Solar and Battery Company.com can size a battery with the capacity to meet the majority of your daily requirements by analysing your bills. You can even add more capacity to your battery at any point if needed. The battery will be located in an appropriate part of the house, ideally in a garage with low foot traffic. If a garage is not available, batteries can be fitted outside in an insulated and vented box to protect them from cold weather. When external temperatures drop below freezing, battery performance can significantly reduce, so an insulated box helps mitigate this issue.
Future-Proof Your Energy Costs
There’s nothing stopping you from having a battery installed in your home and no reason why you can’t protect yourself from rising energy costs. Those eye-watering winter bills can become a thing of the past. Installation prices start from as low as £5,000, and the systems can pay for themselves within five years. If you have money in a savings account, investing in a battery will provide a significantly higher return compared to the low interest rates offered by banks and the diminishing value due to inflation. You are even protected from inflation, because the cost of energy rises with it, thus transferring to your savings when you use the energy you have bought at a cheaper rate. It makes complete sense to install a battery for your home, and demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Advantages of a Battery
Cost Savings: Significant reduction in electricity bills.
Quick Installation: Typically completed in half a day.
Immediate Benefits: Start saving money right away.
Flexible Location: Can be installed indoors (as long as certain regulations have been met) or outdoors with appropriate protection.
Future-Proof: Protect yourself from rising energy costs and increase your return on investment.
Investing in a battery-only system is a smart move to secure your energy future and save money.
What shall I do next?
Contact SolarandBatteryCompany.com today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your energy savings goals. We can assess your electricity usage and size a battery that meets the majority of your annual average daily usage.