As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, many homeowners are looking at how best to incorporate green technologies into their homes.
In addition to improving insulation, installing solar panels and batteries in a historic property is usually a worthwhile investment. While it can require careful planning and sensitivity to the historical significance of the building, the benefits of sustainable energy and the associated cost savings make it both a practical and environmentally beneficial choice.
The power of solar batteries
Solar batteries store the excess electricity generated by your renewable energy source (solar panels, wind turbine, hydro power), enabling you to use that electricity during the night or on cloudy (or wind-free) days. By adding a battery, you store what you don’t immediately need, maximising your green energy use and reducing your reliance on the grid.
It’s worth noting that for many people with solar, an average of 50% of the energy generated is not immediately used in the home. On most tariffs, it is better to store excess electricity in a battery rather than return it to the grid.
If your property is susceptible to power cuts, a solar battery can be an emergency power source, giving you greater energy security. In addition, if you have a time-of-use tariff, you can buy cheap off-peak energy from the grid and store it for when you need it, so that even without a renewable energy source you can save money.
Can I have solar batteries fitted on my period property?
Generally, planning permission is not required to have solar panels fitted, but if you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent. You may need additional permission to install solar panels in a conservation area. We find that owners of period properties often have outbuildings, such as barns, which are perfect locations for solar panels and may not require the same approvals. Ground-mounted panels can also be an option.
Fitting a solar battery
Powervault batteries are compatible with most renewable energy sources and can be fitted at the same time or afterwards. They will also work with your EV charger and heat pump. They can be fitted in a discreet location either inside or outside your home. Once the Powervault team has talked to you about your specific requirements, they will conduct a site survey to find the best location for you, and the battery itself can be fitted in a matter of hours.
Why choose Powervault?
Powervault was one of the first solar battery companies in the UK when it started back in 2014 and has built deep expertise over that time. Research, development and testing of its high-quality battery products is still done in the UK, and the team is also UK-based.
What really sets Powervault apart from the rest is its proprietary software SMARTSTOR, which can increase your energy savings by on average 90% compared to other solar batteries. SMARTSTOR learns about your energy usage patterns and combines this with your electricity tariff and the weather forecast to work out when you can rely on your renewables and when you can’t. It then automatically schedules your battery so you don’t have to, saving you time and money and giving you complete peace of mind.
You can also expect industry-leading safety standards, a 10-year warranty and remote monitoring of your battery so that any anomaly is immediately flagged to the support team.
Powervault is committed to being part of the solution to climate change and would love to help you transform your energy usage. Please call 020 3653 1111 or fill in the contact form on the Powervault website.
This blog post was published in partnership with our friends and partners Powervault.
