While browsing the battery side of the internet, we stumbled over a post by Jonathan Prendergast, founder of an Australian community energy initiative. He wanted to share his own experiences of household storage from the horse’s mouth so to speak. He offers five best battery storage tips after installing 7.8 kilowatts of solar and 9.5 kilowatts of batteries. Here they are.
Jonathan Prendergast’s Best Battery Storage Tips
#1 Add As Much Solar As You Can
Batteries do not produce electricity or money, but solar does. Moreover, you can sell any excess to the grid. John’s income covers the cost of his remaining energy purchases. In fact, he is making AU$700 annual profit. Therefore, eventually his system will be free.
#2 Switch Across to a Heat Pump
When Jonathan Prendergast began the exercise, he was using a resistive element hot water tank for hot water. Although he used it overnight, it still accounted for half his daily energy consumption. Now his new heat pump comes on at 1 p.m. each day.
#3 Monitor and Reschedule Consumption Beforehand
Prior to their actual purchase, the Prendergasts rescheduled their high-energy activities to solar time. These included their hot water heat pump, dishwasher, and washing machine. This helped them calculate their battery storage requirements plus a cushion of comfort.
#4 LED Lights Are Part of Best Battery Storage Practice
Some consumers are still unaware that LED lights can use 80 to 90% less energy than older lighting. Many more have not gotten around to changing fittings. It is wasteful to use up battery capacity using inefficient lighting, he says, because then you need a bigger battery.
#5 Re-Electrify Your Home and Save More Money
Many Australians have cut over to cooking and heating with gas, following a series of electricity grid outages. While you may like to keep your gas equipment in the garage ‘just in case’, John’s point is gas is an expensive alternative compared to solar in abundant supply where he lives.
Related
South Australia’s Two Pronged Solar Battery Plan
Australia Finally Pays Some Carbon Debts
Preview Image: Balance of System
Link to John’s Community Website: http://sunnyshire.org.au/
