Store solar power efficiently

In the past, PV system owners have fed their generated solar power into the public grid. It has been financially beneficial for the owners, as the state has sponsored it for years with high feed-in tariffs. Feed-in tariffs for new PV installations have fallen sharply in recent years. It is, therefore, now more appealing to consume solar power directly, thus shifting the focus from feeding into the grid to self-consumption. You achieve a high degree of self-consumption, especially if you store solar electricity. Did you know that with a solar power storage system, you can supply your household with up to two-thirds of self-generated electricity?

Store your solar power with batteries

Solar power is stored in rechargeable batteries. During the daytime, the storage unit is charged with the generated solar power, which is not required simultaneously in the household. It allows you to use your solar power at night and on days with little sunshine. Only when the storage unit is fully charged, and excess solar power cannot be consumed by other devices, such as a heat pump or an electric vehicle charging station, will it be fed into the grid.

RCT Power uses LiFePO4 based batteries for the storage of solar power. They have significant advantages compared to other battery technologies. Battery storage systems based on lithium iron phosphate currently have the best cycle life and thus long service life. LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt-free and therefore environmentally friendlier.

Besides, lithium iron phosphate is a substance that in its chemical composition occurs naturally as a mineral. No toxic heavy metals are used in the production of LiFePO4 based battery storage. Lithium iron phosphate based storage batteries have a very high efficiency of 93 to 98 per cent. They are also low-maintenance and extremely safe as they have a lower energy density than other lithium-ion batteries. They have, therefore, a bigger size, which is in a stationary domestic deployment of no real significance. Whereas the safety aspect is of interest to homeowners. LiFePO4 based battery storage systems have considerable safety advantages compared to other cell technologies, especially with a view to a possible fire hazard due to a short circuit in the battery cell. They are also referred to as intrinsically safe and pose no such fire hazard threat.

When is it beneficial to store solar power?

It always is. Establish how much electricity you use in your household and when you use it before you acquire a solar power storage unit. Also, determine how much power you can generate with your PV system. When calculating the expected expenditure, you should consider available state subsidies, which will reduce acquisition costs.

Optimal storage capacity

For the best ratio of acquisition costs to self-consumption, you must choose the appropriate power storage unit size, i.e. adapt it to your household size and power demand. That is why RCT Power offers storage units with capacities from 3.8 kWh to 11 kWh.

Store solar power - boost self-sufficiency

There is another good reason to store solar power. You will become more independent of electricity providers and their retail electricity prices. The degree of self-sufficiency indicates the scale of your independence. Values of 75 to 80 per cent are realistic for solar power storage systems. It not only pays off financially for you but also has a very positive impact on the environment. Locally generated green energy has the best environmental balance.

Conclusion: Four  items to watch out for

There are four items you need to watch out for when you intend to store solar power: your power consumption, the amount of self-generated solar power, the choice of battery technology and the optimal storage capacity. Our specialist partners will be happy to advise you on our range of solar power storage systems and help you make the right decision.