Sustainable Living Starts at Home: Solar & BESS for Australian Households

Australia, a land blessed with abundant sunshine year-round, holds immense untapped potential for harnessing solar energy. Despite the bright summers and clear skies, many Australian households are missing out on the opportunity to save and use this precious resource effectively.

Let's break it down!

In summer, temperatures rise across Australia, with regions like Port Hedland, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek experiencing abundant sunlight. Even in winter, cities like Melbourne and Sydney enjoy plenty of sunlight. It's clear: the sun shines nearly 90% of the time, yet we're not making the most of it.

It's time to take proactive steps towards a greener future, starting at home. And this is genuinely doable by pairing solar panels and BESS. “Battery Energy Storage Systems” (BESS) is a sustainable tech-strategy, offering a potent solution to store energy for future, ensuring a continuous power supply despite fluctuations. Let's explore in detail.

How does the BESS work?

The working principle of BESS is simple - it intakes electricity from sources like the power grid, direct transmission, or renewable sources such as solar panels. This electricity is stored in batteries and released when needed. Paired with Energy Management System software, BESS becomes a dynamic platform, merging energy storage capabilities with advanced management intelligence. With data-driven solutions like AI and ML, BESS enables efficient responses to energy demand fluctuations.

These systems find widespread application in electricity grids and various other areas, such as electric vehicles and smart homes. For instance, many house owners opt for a battery and solar package, combining solar panels with battery energy storage systems. This combo maximizes energy efficiency and reduces reliance on the grid. Indeed, BESS standards ensure that your systems meet rigorous quality and safety requirements, providing peace of mind for residents.  

If you're curious about the other benefits of integrating BESS into your solar system, the next section is for you!

What are the Benefits of BESS for Households?

Beyond energy storage and efficiency, there are 3 key benefits of using BESS as a homeowner in Australia;  

• As projected by IRENA, the net-zero transition will revolutionize sustainability and environmental responsibility by 2050. Installing battery storage systems in homes, powered by renewable energy, aids this transition seamlessly.  

• When battery energy storage systems are incorporated with your renewable energy system, procurers ensure reliable energy during low irradiance or grid outages, enhancing solar installations' resilience and client satisfaction.

• Here's the best part - BESS can create compact, self-sustaining microgrids. This helps residents get an added layer of energy security during grid outages or peak demand.

However, selecting the right location matters!

5 Key Requirements to Install BESS

As per AS/NZS 5139, the criteria for selecting an ideal BESS installation location are listed below. Note that AS/NZS 5139 outlines more requirements, but these guidelines cover key aspects for selecting a BESS installation location:

• Follow manufacturer's guidelines to shield systems from weather and extreme conditions, especially in Western Australia where north and west-facing aspects may pose challenges due to high solar radiation.

• Utilize fire-rated walls to prevent or slow down fire spread.

• Ensure easy access and egress for installation and maintenance.  

• Implement spill containment measures if dealing with electrolytes.

• Provide adequate ventilation tailored to the location and battery type.

In addition, comply with local, state, and national codes, concerning battery installations. And ensure that your electrical switch rooms meet Wiring Rules requirements if utilized. Besides location, keep in mind that the size of your battery is also critical for maintaining efficiency over an extended period.

How Big Should the Size of Your Battery be?

First things first: your budget, where you live, and how you use power all come into play. Solar battery storage cannot be one-size-fits-all. Matching your rooftop setup to your needs is the key - bigger isn’t always better. Just like sizing up solar panels, your battery should fit your energy consumption as well.

Aussie homes gobble up around 16kWh daily. Your accredited installer can nail down the ideal size for your lifestyle and area. So, take a close look at when and how you use power at home. Energy monitoring systems are handy for this. They help pinpoint the perfect solar system size for you.

And last but not the least, below are 3 reasons why you should utilize battery energy storage solutions now.

Now is the Right Time to Use BESS

1. Decentralized technology facilitates a shift away from complete grid reliance.

2. Increasing cost of conventional sources of energy.

3. Federal environmental initiatives and tax incentives play a crucial role in achieving net-zero clean energy objectives.

Battery energy storage systems are gaining momentum in Australia, offering consumers more control over their energy consumption and providing backup power during grid outages. With advancements in battery technology and declining costs, the future looks bright for BESS adoption in the country!

BONUS — BESS Applications for C&I Users

Consequently, commercial and industrial users also can make the best use of battery energy storage systems in following 3 ways;

• Load Shifting: Businesses can use the battery to shift their energy consumption from one time to another, taking advantage of lower energy costs.

• Peak Shaving: This involves managing energy demand to avoid sudden spikes in consumption.

• Flexibility: BESS enables customers to reduce their site's grid demand during critical times without changing their electricity usage. This makes it easier to participate in Demand Response programs and achieve savings on energy costs.

• ‍Revenue streams: BESS projects can obtain 'stacked' revenue streams, including Capacity Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Dynamic Frequency Response contracts, and DS3 program participation.

Your Takeaway

Australia's ample sunshine offers a prime opportunity for solar energy, but many households underutilize it. By adding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with solar systems, homeowners boost energy efficiency and support environmental efforts. BESS ensures uninterrupted power, enhancing resilience and reducing grid reliance during a crisis. As the world moves towards net-zero emissions, BESS plays a pivotal role in reducing pollution and easing this transition.

Ready to harness the power of solar energy and BESS for your clients? Discover how our design engineers can optimize solar PV designs with compatible battery projects for residential PV systems in Australia.

FAQs

1. Which is the best solar and battery system in Australia?

Choosing the best solar and battery system in Australia depends on factors like energy requirements, budget, location, efficiency, warranty, and compatibility with your needs. Indeed, not all batteries are suitable for solar backup. Contact us for further consultation.

2. How does a BESS integrated solar system work?

Integrated batteries store surplus electricity generated from solar system for later use when sunlight is scarce, like at night or on cloudy days. It serves as a reservoir, enabling homeowners to maximize solar energy usage and minimize grid dependency.

3. How long does a BESS typically last?

The lifespan of a BESS depends on several factors, including the type of batteries used, operating conditions, and maintenance practices. Generally, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in BESS, have a lifespan of 8-10 years or more based on usage.

4. Are there any safety considerations with a BESS?

Yes, safety is a crucial consideration with a BESS, especially in terms of battery management, thermal management, and protection against overcharging or over-discharging. Proper design, installation, and maintenance are essential to ensure safe operations for all types of solar installations, including residential and commercial.

5. What are the benefits of using BESS?

BESS provides various benefits, to name a few: increased grid reliability, reduced energy costs through peak shaving, improved integration of renewable energy sources, and support for grid stability during outages or fluctuations.