More and more owners of solar power systems are deciding to purchase energy storage for their solar panels. It is now widely recognised that this is a natural complement to a PV system. By combining these two technologies, we increase energy efficiency whilst ensuring greater independence from external electricity suppliers.

In this article, we explain why energy storage and a photovoltaic system make the perfect pair, both for the home and for business.

How does an energy storage system work in conjunction with a solar panel system?

If we only have a PV system, any surplus energy generated by the solar panels is fed into the grid, and we then draw the energy we need from there via our supplier.

This is not a beneficial solution for the user, as they are entirely dependent on external infrastructure; moreover, under the new net-billing system, energy recovery is less cost-effective than under net-metering.

That is why more and more people are choosing to purchase an energy storage system for their photovoltaic installation or are buying a ready-made kit in which the photovoltaic system is connected to the energy storage system from the outset. This, in turn, allows excess energy to be stored and used when the sun is not shining, for example in the evening or on a cloudy day.

Self-consumption of energy. What are the benefits?

Lower electricity bills

If you store surplus energy in your own storage facility, your self-consumption rate can reach as high as 80–90%. This, in turn, translates into real savings, particularly under the new billing system, where the profitability of selling surplus energy has declined.

Protection against power cuts

In the event of a grid failure – which is becoming increasingly likely – the energy storage system can act as an off-grid backup power supply. This, in turn, provides reliable protection for your home or business against power cuts.

Greater energy independence

Photovoltaics combined with energy storage is a step towards energy self-sufficiency. You have full control over how much energy you consume, how much you store and when you use it, and the combination of PV with storage acts as a safeguard against power cuts.

Does energy storage make solar power more cost-effective?

With net metering – the new billing system – the answer is definitely yes. Under this system, energy fed into the grid is billed at market prices, whilst energy drawn from the grid is charged at higher distribution rates. Therefore, the more energy you use on a day-to-day basis, the more cost-effective your installation becomes. However, this isn’t always possible, because, for example, in the morning when the sun is shining and the PV system is generating electricity, household members are at work or at school. And this is where the cost-effectiveness of energy storage is most evident, as it helps you make the most of the energy you generate yourself.

Example: A house with a 5 kWp PV system and a 10 kWh storage unit

• Without storage: self-consumption at around 30–40%,
• With storage: self-consumption increases to 80%+,
• Result: a shorter payback period and greater annual savings.

ZPUE energy storage systems – compatible with solar panels

ZPUE S.A. offers state-of-the-art energy storage systems compatible with PV installations, for both residential and business customers. These solutions:

• are compatible with the most popular inverters,
• are scalable, meaning they can be expanded as required,
• feature intelligent energy management systems (EMS),
• offer a backup mode in the event of a grid failure.

With its wide range of products and extensive experience, ZPUE Energy Storage is the ideal partner for any photovoltaic installation.

Summary

Combining energy storage with solar power is a natural step towards efficient energy management. It provides:

• greater self-consumption,
• cost savings,
• independence,
• and energy security.

Anyone planning to invest in a PV system or who already has one should consider adding a ZPUE energy storage system, which will enable them to make full use of their solar energy’s potential.

Frequently asked questions:

Is it worth combining solar panels with energy storage?
Yes – for greater cost-effectiveness, security and energy independence.

Does energy storage allow you to disconnect completely from the grid?
It is possible to design the system that way, but it usually operates in a hybrid mode (on-grid/off-grid).

Will energy storage increase the cost-effectiveness of PV?
Yes, particularly under the new net-billing system.