FAQ FOR SOLAR AND BATTERY INCLUDING HOW MUCH IS A BATTERY FOR SOLAR PANELS?

The cost of a solar battery can vary depending on its capacity, brand, and features.  When installing a Solar PV and Battery Storage System there are numerous factors to consider, including 'future proofing' your system.

The size of the battery you need depends on your energy consumption, solar panel output, and whether you want backup power.  Another consideration could be the Depth of Discharge (DOD) that the Battery can deliver.  A typical household might need a battery with a capacity of 10-20 kWh.  For whole-home backup or off-grid systems, larger batteries or multiple units may be necessary.

DoD tells you how much of your solar battery's energy you can use before needing to recharge it.  Think of it like using water from a tank, the more you take out, the lower the level gets.

For example, if your battery can hold 10 units of energy and has a DoD of 80%, you can use up to 8 units before it's time to refill (recharge).  Using more than that too often can wear the battery out faster. 

The GivEnergy Gen 3 Battery has a 100% Depth of Discharge (DoD), which means you can effectively use the full capacity of the battery, all the way down to zero before needing to recharge.

The lifespan of Solar batteries generally lasts between 10 to 15 years, with most manufacturers offering warranties around this period.  Factors like usage patterns, battery type (e.g., lithium-ion or lead-acid battery), and maintenance can affect their lifespan. Regular monitoring and proper installation can help extend battery life.  (This is also affected by what is known as cycle life, this is the number of times that the battery is charged and discharged)

The energy output depends on the intensity of light, not direct sunlight, therefore Solar Panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days.

PV stands for Photovoltaic, this refers to the technology that coverts sunlight into electricity.

The number of panels will be dependant upon the amount of space you have for the installation and also taking into consideration your annual energy consumption.  

This will depend on the size of the system installed, at LECTEC we will discuss your immediate requirements with you and also any future requirements you have to ensure your system is future proof.

Payback periods typically range from 7 to 12 years, however, this is dependant upon system cost, the current price of your energy and potential income from government incentives like the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee).  With Electricity prices currently increasing the payback can be less.

If you combine Solar Panels with Battery Storage, the size of your system will depend on your annual energy usage, this will then determine the size of system you will need.

Whilst the answer to this is Yes, there are certain factors to consider; 

The installation must comply with Building Regulations and Electrical Standards

When the system is connected to the grid DNO approval is required, DNO registration is normally only available to qualified Electricians

You will not qualify for the current VAT exemption

You would need to check with your Home Insurance company if your system will be covered if you have installed this yourself

Should you have issues in the future you may find it difficult to get a Contractor to look at a system that has not been installed by them, if they do it could be an expensive site visit

At LECTEC we do not recommend any supplier for you to purchase Panels yourself, we would only look at providing a supply and installation price to our clients

The answer to this is quite simple, ensure that your Installer is MCS Certified for both Battery Installations and Solar Panel Installations.  At Lectec Ltd we are MCS Accredited for both Installs.