Solar panels are a great step towards a more sustainable household. But if you generate more than you currently consume, that surplus flows back into the grid. Especially on sunny days in spring and summer, this happens regularly. And precisely at night, when you need to switch on your lights, do the washing or cook, you are again dependent on the energy grid. Fortunately, you can do something about that: the home battery and the solar water heater. We list it for you.
Solar power at the wrong time? Sin!
In cooperation with Feenstra
Many people with solar panels generate most of their electricity during the day, while power consumption often peaks in the early morning and evening. This means that on sunny afternoons, you supply power back to the grid to buy it back - often more expensive - in the evening. Especially now that the balancing subsidy scheme is being phased out and the grid is becoming increasingly congested, this is no longer so advantageous. Fortunately, there are ways to make smarter use of your own solar power. With a home battery or solar boiler, you can store power or heat for later, exactly when you need it.
What exactly does a home battery do?
A home battery is - simply put - a big battery for your home. During the day, when your solar panels generate more power than you use, the battery stores this surplus. As soon as you need power, for example in the evening or early morning, the battery delivers that energy back to your household. Everything happens automatically: you won't notice anything, except your energy bill. Because the more you use of what you generate, the less you have to buy from the grid. And that's great, especially now that electricity prices can fluctuate and feed-in returns are declining.
A home battery is especially interesting if you already have solar panels and notice that you have a lot of power left over during the day. Do you have a dynamic energy contract, for instance? Then you can also use it to cleverly anticipate power prices by charging when power is cheap. Even if you have a lot of electrical appliances - think of induction cooking, electric heating or working from home - a battery is an advantage. You will reduce your peak consumption, make yourself less dependent on the grid and make your monthly costs more relaxed.
And what about a solar water heater?
A solar water heater works in a different way, but with the same idea: you use your own electricity at a later time. Only in this case, you don't store electricity, but heat. During the day, the solar water heater heats a container of water - using your excess electricity. You use that hot water later, for instance during your morning or evening shower. It is a smart way to reduce your gas consumption and get more comfort from your own generation, without having to buy extra electricity.
Which do you choose first: battery or boiler?
Unsure where to start? Then look at your consumption profile. If you mainly need power in the evening, a home battery is usually the best first step. If, on the other hand, you use a lot of hot water at set times, such as for showering or doing the dishes, then a solar water heater might be a smarter option. In both cases, the more you can use yourself of what you generate, the better - for your wallet and for the energy grid.
A home battery and a solar water heater complement each other nicely. One stores electricity, the other heat. By using both, you make even more use of your solar power and reduce your dependence on the grid. Especially if you have a household with both high power consumption and a hefty hot water demand, combining is a smart move. Start with what yields the most and add the second solution later. That way, you build a more energy-efficient home step by step.
Getting practical? Look at your energy consumption
Check your energy app or smart meter to see where your consumption peaks. Do you consume a lot in the evening? Then you'll probably benefit from a battery. Is hot water the biggest item? Then a boiler is a good first step. Discuss your plans with an experienced installer: he will help you find the right place - in a cool and dry place for the battery, close to your bathroom or kitchen for the boiler - and make sure everything is connected properly and safely. With a home battery or solar water heater you use your own energy when you need it. This is not only good for your energy bill, but also for your comfort and independence from the grid. Start with what pays the most and expand later. That way, step by step, you will make your household smarter, more economical and also greener.
Photo credits: Kindel Media.
