How Easy is it to Add Battery to a Solar System?

Adding a battery to an existing solar setup can be an effective way to enhance energy independence, control energy costs, and create backup power. But how straightforward is the process?  

Let’s explore how adding a battery can differ depending on your existing solar setup, key considerations for commercial installations, and factors affecting financial returns.   

Understanding Battery Types: AC-Coupled vs. DC-Coupled 

There are two primary battery types for solar systems: AC-coupled and DC-coupled.   

DC-Coupled Batteries   

In a DC-coupled system, the battery and solar panels share an inverter. If your system is already set up this way, adding a battery will be straightforward, provided you have an inverter that supports it. Otherwise, you may need an inverter upgrade to make your system compatible with the battery.   

AC-Coupled Batteries   

An AC-coupled battery, on the other hand, has its own dedicated inverter. This setup makes adding a battery simpler, as it operates independently from the solar system’s inverter. AC-coupled systems also allow for battery use even without solar panels, which can be ideal for facilities looking to store energy from the grid for backup.   

So, how do you choose the right system? AC-coupled systems offer more flexibility and redundancy, while DC-coupled systems tend to have a more streamlined installation process, with fewer parts to connect. The best choice depends on your specific energy needs and existing infrastructure. Book a free chat with one of our energy experts to discuss which battery type will suit your needs. 

Physical Space and Installation Considerations 

Commercial battery systems come in various sizes, and physical space is an essential factor. Typical commercial batteries are housed in metal cabinets that take up several square metres of floor space and can weigh several tonnes, so a sturdy installation area is necessary.   

Indoor or Outdoor Placement   

Depending on your building structure, battery systems can either be installed as freestanding units on open floors or as wall-mounted units. Wall-mounted systems are suitable for tight spaces and can be positioned along walls with minimal footprint, whereas free-standing units may suit facilities with open floor areas or car park space.   

Safety Concerns and Fire Risk: Is it a Reality? 

Battery fire risk is a common concern. Australian safety standards (such as AS 5139) regulate where residential batteries can be placed to avoid inhabited areas, but commercial installations have more flexibility. While some facilities prefer keeping batteries separate from essential equipment to reduce risk, modern commercial battery systems typically include fire suppression technology to contain and control any fire hazards within the battery cabinet itself. 

Financial Viability: Does a Battery Make Sense for Your Business? 

In recent years, the cost of batteries has dropped while energy rates have risen, making battery storage increasingly financially viable. For commercial users, the financial benefits of batteries are not always tied solely to energy savings but can also stem from other factors:   

• Avoiding Energy Disruptions. Some businesses, like manufacturing facilities, suffer significant losses from power outages. A battery can mitigate these losses, acting as an energy backup during blackouts.   

• Reduced Demand Charges. Batteries can reduce demand charges by discharging stored power during peak usage times, cutting down on reliance on high-rate grid power.   

• Off-Grid Possibilities. For facilities in remote areas, batteries offer off-grid options, allowing operations on land without a traditional power connection.  Our projects for Agright perfectly demonstrate this advantage. 

Complex Revenue Generation: Can Batteries Work for You? 

For some businesses, batteries can generate revenue through participation in wholesale energy markets (such as Australia’s FCAS market). These markets reward facilities that can quickly provide energy to the grid, a task which batteries can handle efficiently. However, while highly profitable for certain setups, this level of market involvement requires careful planning and coordination with industry experts.   

Integrating Batteries into Your Solar System 

For those planning future expansion, it may be beneficial to install hybrid inverters capable of supporting batteries. This approach reduces the need for later upgrades, making it easier and more affordable to add storage when it’s needed. Batteries are often modular, meaning it’s usually possible to increase storage capacity by adding more units later, up to the system’s design limits. 

Final Considerations and Next Steps 

If you’re ready to consider adding a battery to your solar system, working with a reputable supplier is key. They’ll need to assess your current system, switchboard capacity, and energy needs to determine the best solution for your site. Complexities like switchboard upgrades may also come into play, especially with older infrastructure, so an expert evaluation is essential.   

Adding battery storage can significantly enhance the functionality of a solar system and provide compelling financial benefits, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. With the right setup and expert advice, it’s easier than ever to harness the power of batteries to elevate your solar energy strategy.