How Does Renewable Energy Battery Storage Work
How Does Renewable Energy Battery Storage Work?
As the UK intensifies its commitment to net-zero targets, renewable energy is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the built environment. Solar panels and wind turbines are now common sights atop properties and across landscapes, providing cleaner, greener electricity. However, the intermittent nature of renewables—where energy generation depends on sunlight or wind—creates a challenge: how can we store excess energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing?
This is where renewable energy battery storage comes into play. For landlords, property managers, agents, and businesses, understanding how battery storage works is crucial—not only for sustainability but also for ensuring compliance with evolving UK legislation and maximising energy efficiency. At Eco Approach Ltd, we support clients nationwide in navigating these changes, simplifying compliance, and reducing risk. In this article, we’ll explain how renewable energy battery storage systems work and why they’re increasingly vital for property compliance and energy management.
What is Renewable Energy Battery Storage?
Renewable energy battery storage refers to systems that store excess electricity generated from renewable sources—such as solar panels or wind turbines—for later use. Instead of letting surplus energy go to waste or exporting it all to the grid, batteries allow property owners to capture and use more of their own green power when they need it most.
Battery storage systems can be installed in residential homes, commercial properties, and even at grid scale. They are a key component in the transition to a more flexible, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.
Why is Battery Storage Important for the Built Environment?
The UK’s built environment is under increasing pressure to decarbonise. Legislation such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and the requirement for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is driving property owners and managers to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Battery storage offers several advantages:
– Reduces reliance on the grid: By storing and using your own renewable energy, you can reduce your demand on the national grid, especially during peak times.
– Cuts energy bills: Using stored energy during expensive peak periods can lower electricity costs.
– Enhances compliance: Battery storage can help properties achieve better EPC ratings and meet sustainability targets.
– Increases resilience: Properties with battery storage are less vulnerable to blackouts or grid instability.
– Supports grid decarbonisation: By smoothing out supply and demand, battery storage helps integrate more renewables into the national grid.
How Does Renewable Energy Battery Storage Work?
1. Energy Generation
The process begins with renewable energy generation. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or wind turbines convert sunlight or wind into electricity. This electricity can be used immediately to power appliances, lighting, or heating within the property.
2. Energy Flow Management
A device called an inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels or wind turbines into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most household or commercial appliances.
3. Battery Charging
When renewable generation exceeds on-site demand (for example, on a sunny afternoon when most occupants are out), the surplus electricity is directed to charge the battery storage system. Modern systems use smart controllers to determine when to charge the battery, export to the grid, or use energy immediately.
4. Energy Storage
The battery stores the excess energy as chemical energy. The most common type of battery used in property-scale storage is lithium-ion, due to its high efficiency, long cycle life, and decreasing costs. Other technologies, such as lead-acid or flow batteries, are also used in some applications.
5. Discharging and Usage
When renewable generation falls short—such as at night or during periods of high demand—the battery discharges its stored energy. The inverter converts the stored DC electricity back to AC, supplying it to the property’s electrical circuits.
6. Grid Interaction
If the battery is fully charged and there’s still excess generation, surplus electricity can be exported to the grid. Conversely, if both generation and stored energy are insufficient, the property can draw power from the grid as usual.
7. Monitoring and Optimisation
Modern battery storage systems come with smart monitoring tools, often accessible via apps or online dashboards. These tools help property managers and owners track energy generation, storage levels, and consumption patterns, enabling further optimisation and cost savings.
Types of Renewable Energy Battery Storage Systems
1. Grid-Tied Systems
These systems are connected to both the property and the national grid. They allow for seamless switching between self-generated, stored, and grid electricity. Grid-tied systems are the most common in the UK, especially for properties participating in schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
2. Off-Grid Systems
Off-grid battery storage is designed for properties not connected to the national grid, relying entirely on renewables and storage. While less common in urban settings, they are vital for remote or rural properties.
3. Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems combine elements of both grid-tied and off-grid setups, offering maximum flexibility and resilience. They can operate independently during outages, providing backup power, while still interacting with the grid under normal conditions.
Key Benefits for Landlords, Property Managers, and Businesses
For those responsible for compliance and energy management in the built environment, battery storage systems offer tangible benefits:
– Improved EPC Ratings: Battery storage, combined with renewables, can significantly boost a property’s energy performance, supporting compliance with MEES and other regulations.
– Lower Operating Costs: By maximising on-site energy use and reducing peak-time grid consumption, ongoing energy costs can be reduced.
– Simplified Compliance: With Eco Approach’s coordinated compliance management, integrating battery storage can be seamlessly factored into your property’s overall energy strategy and certification process.
– Future-Proofing: As UK legislation tightens around carbon emissions and energy efficiency, battery storage positions properties ahead of compliance curves.
– Enhanced Sustainability Credentials: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can attract tenants, buyers, and investors, and improve your organisation’s reputation.
What to Consider Before Installing Battery Storage
If you’re considering battery storage for your property portfolio, keep the following in mind:
– Compatibility: Ensure your existing renewable energy system is compatible with battery storage.
– Sizing: Battery capacity should match your property’s generation and consumption patterns.
– Safety and Compliance: Installation must comply with UK electrical and fire safety standards. Use accredited installers and ensure regular inspections—services Eco Approach Ltd can coordinate for you.
– Cost and Payback: While prices have fallen, battery storage remains a significant investment. Consider available grants or incentives, as well as the long-term savings and compliance benefits.
The Role of Eco Approach Ltd in Battery Storage Compliance
At Eco Approach Ltd, we specialise in helping landlords, property managers, agents, and businesses navigate the compliance landscape of the UK’s built environment. Our nationwide network of qualified engineers and assessors ensures your battery storage installations are safe, fully compliant, and optimised for your needs.
From initial consultation and risk assessments to ongoing inspections and certification, we provide a single, reliable point of contact for all your property compliance requirements. We help you integrate renewable energy and battery storage into your compliance strategy, ensuring you meet current legislation and future-proof your assets.
Conclusion
Renewable energy battery storage is transforming the way properties generate, use, and manage energy. By storing surplus green electricity for later use, battery storage systems help reduce costs, enhance compliance, and support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, agent, or business, understanding how battery storage works—and ensuring it’s safely and compliantly integrated—can unlock significant benefits for your properties and your bottom line. For expert guidance on compliance, safety, and certification for renewable energy and battery storage, contact Eco Approach Ltd today.
Eco Approach Ltd – Your Nationwide Partner for Property Compliance and Sustainable Energy Solutions.