You want to go greener, but you haven’t gone the whole hog yet and covered your roof in solar panels. You’ve heard about battery storage systems, but aren’t sure if they are economically viable without being part of a complete solar system. Well, while batteries are an excellent addition to solar panels, storing excess solar energy and using it when the panels are unable to operate, you CAN still save money with battery storage alone. So, dip your big toe into the world of renewable energy and read on to discover how installing a battery storage system can save you money without the need for an entire elevation of panels.

Which battery is right for me?

There are an array of choices available which include Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge, Huawei Luna, MyEnergi Libbi and GivEnergy. As experts in battery installations, Carter Renewables will identify the best options for the specific need considering items such as capacity, cost, efficiency and life expectancy.

So how can I save money without solar panels?

1. Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariffs

In areas where utilities charge different rates for electricity at different times of the day (TOU tariffs), battery storage systems can store energy during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and then use it during peak hours when electricity rates are higher. This load shifting can significantly reduce electricity bills. Read more about TOU tariffs from the Energy Saving Trust.

2. Demand Charges

For commercial and industrial customers, a significant portion of the electricity bill can come from demand charges, which are fees based on the highest rate of electricity usage during a billing period. Battery storage systems can help reduce these demand charges by discharging stored energy during periods of high demand, thus lowering the peak usage.

3. Backup Power

While not directly a money-saving feature, having a battery storage system can provide backup power during outages, which can be invaluable for avoiding productivity losses or spoilage in businesses, and discomfort or disruptions in residential settings. Have peace of mind that in these situations, your battery storage system has got your back! This happened recently at Carter Renewables HQ, where our trusty Tesla Powerwall stepped up to the fore after a power cut (below).

4. Incentives and Rebates

Various regions offer incentives and rebates for installing battery storage systems, which can offset the initial cost and make the investment more attractive. In December 2023, the UK government introduced VAT relief on the installation of battery storage systems.

What else do I have to consider before installation?

While battery storage systems without solar panels can save money in the long run, the savings depend on the specific circumstances, including local electricity rates, any differences between peak and off-peak rates, the initial cost of the technology and installation, as well as ongoing maintenance, and individual usage patterns. 

Contact us today to analyse your energy usage and help advise you on the best battery storage system for your needs and lifestyle (and perhaps convince you to cover one side of your roof in solar panels too).

Solar garden lights have become increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective way to illuminate outdoor spaces. They harness energy from the sun to power LED lights, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional electric lighting. Today we explore the advantages and disadvantages of using solar garden lights, so our customers can make an informed decision based on their location, affordability and usage.

Pros of Solar Garden Lights

1. Environmentally Friendly: Solar lights utilise solar energy, a renewable and abundant resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By generating power from the sun, solar lights help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
2. Cost-Effective: Solar lights operate independently of the power grid, eliminating electricity bills associated with outdoor lighting. Once installed, solar lights require minimal maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
3. Easy Installation: Solar lights are wireless, making installation simple and safe without the need for electrical expertise. They can be installed in various locations, without concern for proximity to power outlets.
4. Safety: Solar lights typically operate at low voltage, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Most solar lights come with sensors that automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, enhancing convenience and security.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in numerous styles, colours, and shapes, solar lights can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
6. Recyclable parts: Garden solar lights are made up of solar panels, batteries, LED lights, and plastic casings, all of which can be separated and recycled appropriately. Recycling these components allows for the recovery of valuable materials and reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste, and some suppliers even offer their own recycling programs. If you’re local to Reading, check out re3, where you can check the recyclability of almost every household item, including garden solar lights!

Cons of Solar Garden Lights

1. Dependence on Sunlight: Solar lights depend on sunlight to charge, which can be inconsistent due to weather conditions, geographic location, and seasonal changes.In addition to this, shorter daylight hours and overcast skies during winter can significantly reduce the performance of solar lights.
2. Initial Cost: Although costs have decreased, the initial purchase price of quality solar garden lights can be higher compared to traditional lighting options.
3. Light Intensity: Solar lights generally produce less intense light compared to wired electric lights, which may not be suitable for areas requiring strong illumination.
4. Battery Lifespan: The rechargeable batteries in solar lights typically last 1-2 years before needing replacement, which incurs additional costs and maintenance.
5. Durability Issues: Prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions can damage solar lights, affecting their longevity and performance. There is also a wide range of product quality on the market, and lower-quality solar lights may fail prematurely or underperform.
6. Recycling Difficulties: Although individual components of solar lighting can be recycled, this can be a time-costly exercise by the customer, as very few recycling centres recycle the lights as a whole unit. Putting unwanted or broken solar lights into general waste collections, or disposing via incineration is extremely harmful to the environment, due to the hazardous materials solar lights contain, such as batteries and bulbs.

Solar garden lights offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for outdoor lighting, with significant benefits such as environmental friendliness, ease of installation, and aesthetic versatility. However, their dependence on sunlight, initial cost, and variable performance can pose challenges. Although billed as an eco-friendly option for garden lighting, solar garden lights are not widely recyclable as whole units, posing issues for the more eco-conscious consumer. Careful consideration of these factors will help determine if solar garden lights are the right choice for your specific needs and environment. By understanding both the advantages and drawbacks, our clients can make informed decisions about integrating solar garden lights into their outdoor spaces, contributing to a more sustainable future while enhancing their garden’s ambiance.

Smart tariffs, also known as time-of-use (TOU) tariffs or dynamic pricing, are electricity pricing structures that vary based on the time of day, day of the week, or other predetermined factors. These tariffs aim to reflect the actual cost of generating electricity at different times and encourage consumers to shift their electricity usage to off-peak periods when energy costs are lower.

Smart tariffs typically involve higher prices during peak demand periods, such as in the evening when people return home from work and energy consumption spikes, and lower prices during times of lower demand, such as late at night or early morning.

By offering incentives for consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours, smart tariffs can help utilities manage demand more efficiently, reduce strain on the grid, and promote the integration of renewable energy sources. Additionally, they can empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their energy usage and potentially lower their electricity bills by adjusting their consumption patterns accordingly.

So which smart tariff is best for me?

Market leader and the UK’s most awarded energy supplier Octopus Energy have a wide range of tariffs, all suited to customers’ differing needs and lifestyles, but choosing the tariff for you can be a minefield! Here we break down the tariffs and explain in layman’s terms which is the tariff for you and your household.

Agile Octopus

With Agile Octopus, customers get access to half-hourly energy prices, tied to wholesale prices and updated daily. So when wholesale electricity prices drop, so do your bills – and if you can shift your daily electricity use outside of peak times, typically between 4-7pm, you can save even more. Agile prices can spike up to 100 p/kWh any time – although a in Winter 2023-24 the max 30 min slot was 68p/kWh with the cheapest being -4p/kWh! Yes they actually paid you to use electricity. This tariff is therefore best suited to customers who can shift large amounts of their energy use to avoid these expensive peaks, often by using smart home technologies like solar and batteries.

Intelligent Octopus Go

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), then Intelligent Octopus Go is the tariff for you! Automatically charge your car when it’s cheapest and get super-low smart charging rates plus six hours of cheap energy for your whole home every night. Making the most out of this tariff is as simple as connecting your EV or charger in the Octopus app, before just plugging in your car and telling Octopus how much charge you need. Octopus will then automatically schedule your charge for when energy is cheapest and greenest, and you’ll only pay 7.5p/kWh regardless of the time of day.

Octopus Flux

For you solar PV and battery owners out there, the Octopus Flux tariff has been designed exclusively for your needs. Compatible with all solar PV and battery systems, Octopus Flux is an import and export tariff optimised to give you the best rates for consuming and selling your energy and support the grid during peak periods. It gives customers super-cheap rates between 02:00 – 05:00 every day, when you can top up your battery with any extra energy you may need, as well as a peak rate between 16:00 – 19:00, the optimum time to discharge your battery and export surplus energy back to the grid.

Cosy Octopus

Finally, if you’re the proud owner of a heat pump, check out the Cosy Octopus tariff to keep your home warm for less with super cheap rates, twice a day, every day. It’s a three-rate tariff with double dip Cosy Hours every day: six hours of super-cheap electric to warm your home. You need a heat pump to be eligible for Cosy Octopus, but it doesn’t need to have been installed by Octopus Energy. If you’re in the process of getting one installed, you can still switch to Cosy.

Picking the right tariff depends on the low-carbon technologies you own (i.e. EVs, heat pumps, solar or battery storage) and your personal energy consumption. Octopus Energy have a wide range of tariffs, so if you’re looking for something different than the ones mentioned above, check out their full range or take their quick quiz. Even if you’re at the very start of your renewable journey, and don’t have any smart technologies (yet!), you can save cash and carbon by shifting your consumption to cheaper times. Octopus Tracker is a great introduction to smarter energy, with different energy prices daily. 

Use this link to sign up to Octopus and get £50 credit on your account!

You’ve installed solar PV panels and you’re generating renewable energy from the sun, so what’s next?  What about a solar diverter, a handy device that works alongside your solar panels to enhance energy utilisation within your household.

What is a solar diverter?

A solar diverter’s function is to channel surplus electricity produced by the solar panels towards a designated appliance, typically for water heating, rather than exporting it to the grid, enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar panels for the homeowner.

How do solar diverters work?

When the solar panels produce an excess of electricity beyond the current household consumption, the solar diverter automatically detects this surplus and redirects the extra energy to a specified appliance, such as water heaters, or electric heating systems. Most electric vehicle (EV) chargers can also do this too. This increases the self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on grid power and thus, lowering electricity bills. Although using a diverter to heat water is the most common use, it’s worth noting that solar diverters can’t be used to heat hot water if a combi boiler is installed in your home.

Let’s talk about finances, how much do solar diverters cost?

Ultimately, the price of a solar diverter is influenced by various factors such as the brand, model, features, and installation specifications. The good news is, they qualify for 0% VAT, which helps improve the payback by saving typical gas use to heat the water. However, the optimal utilisation of solar energy varies depending on individual circumstances. For most users, maximising savings and achieving quicker payback involves using surplus electricity within the home. Yet, if you benefit from a favourable solar buy-back tariff, selling your excess energy back to the grid may prove more worthwhile.

Which solar diverter should I go for?

Today we shine a spotlight on the myenergi eddi. As myenergi explain themselves, “a solar photovoltaic (PV) system without an eddi is like a car without a steering wheel or driver. Without an eddi, you have no control over where you want your self-generated energy to go, or how you want to use it.”

By installing a myenergi eddi, you are able to make the most of the green energy generated from your solar PV or even your wind generation system. By directing the excess renewable energy to other appliances, you can, for example, heat 100% of your hot water on self-generated green energy.

Tell me more about eddi…

eddi uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor PV performance and your energy consumption. This means that surplus power can always be used in the best way – heating your water with solar ready for when you need it most. The eddi can fully heat your water using much lower amounts of solar generation, such as during winter mornings, late summer evenings or when it’s overcast, ultimately improving the life and efficiency of the heat pump, and prevents reliance on top ups from the grid.

At Carter Renewables, we highly recommend consulting with us to obtain an accurate cost estimate for a solar diverter tailored to your home, lifestyle and specific requirements. Contact us today to get your solar diverter journey started, and to get that metaphoric steering wheel added to your car!