Wednesday 30 March 2016

April News Flash - Battery Storage Special

Welcome to the April 2016 News Release from CTS Renewables Ltd. This Month we concentrate on the latest developments in Battery Storage Solutions, if you would like any additional information please ring the office on 01623 422254.

A solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity which is automatically used to charge a battery storage system and directly power a property with any excess being routed back to the grid. Any shortfall of power, such as peak use times or at night, is supplied by the battery at first then topped up by your energy supplier if the battery becomes depleted or overloaded by demand.

Solar PV operates on light intensity, not heat, so even if the day seems cold, if there is light, the system will be generating electricity, PV systems will therefore generate electricity all year round. typical usage of the energy generated is 50%, but with battery storage, usage can become 80%. We have calculated that with a typical system size of 4kw and a battery storage solution of around 6kWh, customers should be mainly off grid for spring, summer and autumn, and pretty much using all the winter generation.

Please be aware that this is not a battery backup system, but a storage system enabling more effective usage of energy generated. Battery backup systems are not compliant with UK grid systems (G83/2) and as such require additional measures to manually switch the system off the grid and also separate high usage circuits within the property.

All the solutions CTS Renewables Ltd are providing use Lithium Ion batteries rather than Lead Acid. This is because Lithium batteries are the most energy dense (power/space taken), have improved discharge cycles (usage lifespan) and have a depth of discharge of around 90% rather than 50% for lead acid (DOD is the usable proportion of the battery capacity, a 10kWh lead acid battery only provides 5kWh of usable energy!)

Due to the size and weight of the battery it stands on the ground and is secured against a wall. This means it is most suited for installation into an attached garage or similar type location.

1 - Tesla Powerwall 6.4
CTS Renewables Ltd are please to announce that we are one of the few Certified installers of the Tesla Powerwall storage solution. We feel that this is a great reflection on our commitment to quality installations as Solaredge and Tesla hand picked a limited number of companies to install this fantastic product.

Each Powerwall has a 6.4 kWh energy storage capacity, sufficient to power most homes during the evening using electricity generated by solar panels during the day. Multiple batteries may be installed together for homes with greater energy needs. Powerwall stores electricity generated by solar panels during the day and makes it available to your home in the evening. This bridges the gap between peak solar and peak demand, allowing you to use your photons when you need them, potentially becoming "net zero". A net zero energy rating means that your home produces as much energy as it consumes, but is still connected to the utility grid for periods of high demand.

Specs - 6.4kWh of storage at 100% depth of discharge, up to 3.3kw discharge power, rated for internal and external mounting, 1302 mm x 862 mm x 183 mm / 97kg. 10 year product warranty. https://www.teslamotors.com/en_GB/powerwall

Currently the Tesla Powerwall is only compatible with recent model SolarEdge Inverters. Other Battery Systems are available or it is possible to upgrade your existing system to Solaredge for an additional charge.

To add a Tesla Powerwall onto an existing SolarEdge system would be from £4,499,
To install a new system with 4kw Canadian Solar Panels, Solaredge and Tesla would be from £9,599

2 - SolaX SK-SU3700e Solar Battery Inverter with LG Chem Resu 6.4EX Lithium 5.76kWh Battery Module
For customers without Solaredge Inverters already installed we have put together an alternative but equally attractive battery storage solution. In this package the existing inverter is replaced as it is more cost effective and efficient to replace with a Hybrid inverter such as the SolaX as it is to add a dedicated battery inverter onto an existing system. We have paired it with a quality Battery module made by LG Chem.

The ground-breaking SolaX X-Hybrid is much more than just an inverter. It is an intelligent, integrated system that manages the energy you generate effectively and efficiently. Specs - Manage remotely via built-in CT and WiFi monitoring. Dual MPPT, Maximum DC 5000W, Maximum DC 550V. AC Nominal Power 4600W. Euro Efficiency 97%. Discharge Power 2500W. Dimensions mm - W490 / H595 / D167. 10 Year manufacturer warranty.

The LG Chem RESU 6.4 EX is a high quality Lithium Ion battery system that allows the storage of 6.4kWh energy. It is manufactured by LG Chem a leader in Li-ion technology and a trusted brand around the world. 5.8kWh Usable Storage (90% DOD), 3.2 kWh Expansion Pack Available, >6000 charge cycles >10 year lifespan. Dimensions mm - W406 / H664 / D165, weight 60kg. http://www.solaxuk.co.uk/x-hybrid-battery-storage/

To add a SolaX/LG storage system onto an existing PV system would be from £4,499.
To install a new system with 4kw Canadian Solar Panels, SolaX X Hybrid and LG Chem Resu 6.4EX would be from £8,449.

3 - Samsung ESS SDI Solar Battery Storage System
For Customers without Solaredge or those looking for a neat and compact "All in One" product the Samsung ESS SDI is a perfect solution which combines the PV inverter with Lithium-Ion battery storage capabilities. It optimises power yield and has an intuitive remote monitoring system which can detect errors in advance.

System Specs:
Inverter - Dual MPPT, Maximum DC 6600W (3300 x2), Maximum DC 550V. AC Nominal Power 3680/4600W. Euro Efficiency 95%. Discharge Power 2000W. Dimensions mm - W1000 / H680 / D267.
Battery - 3.6kWh Lithium Ion Battery, 90% Depth of Discharge - 3.24kWh of usable storage, 6000 charge cycle warranty, 5 year manufacturer product warranty, 10 year performance warranty. https://myess.samsungsdi.com/prod/prod.do#0

To add a Samsung ESS SDI system onto an existing PV system would be from £4,499.
To install a new system with 4kw Canadian Solar Panels and Samsung ESS SDI would be from £8,999.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter, more information on our products and services can found on our website www.ctsrenewables.co.uk or you can call our office on 01623 422254.

Kind Regards



Matthew Baxter
Sales & Marketing Director