Home energy storage is getting a lot of buzz lately as homeowners begin to see increasing energy prices, changing energy tariff rates and a greater interest in energy independence.
It’s prime time for contractors selling “storage-ready” solar, but those in the market should recognize important design and installation considerations, especially as customer needs change.
Many of these design and installation issues are answered with smart preparation and analysis. The first step is a thorough evaluation of technologies, letting you select the best solution for your customers. Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the solution allow for consumption monitoring?
You can’t say how much energy storage a customer will need if you don’t know how much energy they use and when. - Is it an off-the-shelf integrated solution, or is it necessary to cobble together a disparate suite of components?
Integration will be critical as your customers’ needs change. Systems where PV generation communicates with energy storage enables greater optimized energy performance in the home and smart device integration moving forward. - Does the solution make sense financially?
Does the expected life of the system and product warranty support your ROI calculations? Consider integration of secondary generation sources, such as generators, to provide more cost-effective energy needs for power outages of longer duration. - Is the solution scalable?
Consider solutions that are scalable. If a customer’s energy analysis indicates they are best served with a 3.7-kWh storage solution but may need 7.4 kWh after two years, is there a solution that provides 3.7 kWh need in year one, yet is expandable to 7.4 kWh as an add-on? - Is the solution safe?
Is the battery chemistry the best available for stationary, multi-cycle use?
Storage-ready systems should come with tools to help installers develop customer energy usage profiles, which will help them make proper sizing decisions. Systems should have the flexibility to integrate small and large battery capacities, scaling as necessary. Finally, storage systems should have a common communication framework that extends across the whole array.
This tip was contributed by Sharon Kirk, director of worldwide training for Enphase Energy.