Over the past five years, battery storage has been heralded as the solution to South Africa’s electricity crisis. Energy storage technologies are considered a potential game-changer for the country’s adoption of renewable energy thanks to their ability to manage the intermittency of solar power.
As a homeowner or small business owner, the technical jargon around solar PV can be off-putting. But at the same time, it is crucial to understand the workings of your energy storage system so you can maximise its benefits and choose the right provider.
Getting to know the benefits
1. Generate savings
With load shedding reaching an all-time high in 2020, power prices are only going up in South Africa. Installing a solar PV system at your home or business means you no longer need to rely on the unpredictable and expensive electricity from the national grid but instead from South Africa’s abundant sunshine.
2. Round-the-clock power
A battery system allows you to store any surplus energy generated for later use at night or on low-irradiance days. As load shedding often occurs during the earlier hours of the morning and later in the evening, having a battery system gives you security during power outages.
3. Ditch the diesel generator
While diesel generators are one means of producing power, they are noisy and expensive to run. In comparison, consuming the electricity that your own solar installation has generated is far more cost-efficient and does not have any of the polluting effects of a generator. As such, solar is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the environment.
Although the upfront cost of a PV installation can feel high, the price of solar PV has never been lower. In fact, it is the most cost-effective form of energy generation available today.
4. Make the most of every watt
Solar installations without a battery backup will export any surplus power to the grid. With a battery installed, you can store any extra energy for later use, allowing you to be entirely self-sufficient.
Understanding your options
So – what should you look for when choosing a solar battery installation for your home or small business?
Battery type
The leading industry solar batteries are designed using lithium-ion technology. Not only are they most cost-effective than traditional lead-acid batteries, but are much lighter, smaller and easier to install. While lithium batteries are slightly more expensive than their lead-acid counterpart, they have a much longer lifecycle and require less maintenance.
All KODAK Batteries are lithium-ion based and come with a 10-year warranty as standard, so you can rely on your energy storage solutions lasting as they should.
Number of cycles
One cycle is a full charge and discharge of the battery — although this rarely occurs.
Both the KODAK L1 and FL5.2 Batteries offer more than 6,000 cycles at 98% charge efficiency, meaning your battery stays charged for longer and discharges more efficiently.
Battery size and useable capacity
The number of batteries required for your home or business’ energy storage system will depend on the number of appliances you are looking to keep powered.
If you cannot access sufficient stored power when you need it, you may have to back up your supply from the grid. As such, grid backup systems are a popular choice as they give you the freedom to rely on both energy sources as required.
The KODAK L1 and FL5.2 batteries are modular and scalable, meaning you can add more battery units to suit the size of your installation.
Finding the solution for you
If you are looking for a full energy storage solution that has been designed to meet load shedding needs, explore the KODAK Solar Packages. Comprising all the components you need for a complete PV battery installation, it has never been easier to take the first step towards renewable. Discover the Entry Level, High Power and MAX Power packages today.
Want to know more about KODAK energy storage? Visit the KODAK YouTube channel and watch the brand-new video on KODAK Batteries. Or, if you are ready to get started on your renewable energy journey, find an installer today.
