The Best Time to Plant a Solar Tree
One of my favorite Chinese proverbs goes, “When is the best time to plant a tree? 20 years ago. When is the second best time to plant a tree? Now.” This logic applies perfectly to installing solar technology in your property.
My solar panels are 10 years old now. We probably paid more in 2013 for what is a relatively small installation (3.32 kW) than we would today. But it had paid for itself in under 8 years. Meanwhile, those panels are guaranteed for 25 years, so we have 15 more years to go. Had we not started with the panels, we may never have started at all.
As always, big thanks to Ohm Energy, who have worked patiently with us, designing and developing this installation over the past 10 years. We couldn’t have done it without them. If you’re in shouting distance of Eastbourne, where they are based, I would recommend them without hesitation.
So if you’re contemplating getting started with solar technology, then my best advice is to just start with something. And with the well-publicized and ever-increasing energy costs, that time is now. The longer you wait, the more you’ll end up paying in the long run.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Combining solar panels, battery storage, and a heat pump can create a highly efficient and sustainable energy system for homes and businesses. Here’s how it all works together:
The solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can be stored in batteries for use during times of high demand or when sunlight is not available. The heat pump then uses this stored energy to provide heating and cooling, further reducing the need for non-renewable sources of energy.
This integrated system can result in significant cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and increased energy independence. It’s a true game-changer when it comes to taking control of your energy bills.
The Surprising Perks of Battery Storage
Now, I know what you might be thinking – battery storage? Isn’t that just another expense? Well, let me tell you, it’s one of the best investments you can make.
Our experience has been a bit of a learning curve, but the payoff has been huge. When we first installed our heat pump system under the ECO4 funding, we also paid for a 4kW battery ourselves, and we’re soon adding another.
At first, it took some getting used to, but one thing we’ve noticed is that the battery is always flat in the morning, despite us turning off everything we can. And sometimes, when we watch the app (which is mesmerizing, by the way), we notice that the panels are sending power to the grid even when the battery is not full.
I’m assuming the battery can only charge at a certain rate, so we’re thinking about charging it off the economy seven tariff to maximize our savings. But the bottom line is, our energy bills have been slashed by about 75%. Not too shabby, if you ask me!
The Heat Pump Conundrum
Now, when it comes to the heat pump, you might be wondering, “Can’t that just drain the battery in no time?” Well, our electrician was right – you’d need a huge storage battery to run a heat pump. That’s why we’ve never connected our heat pump to our battery storage.
You see, we’ve become quite familiar with how a heat pump works and how much energy it can take from your battery in the event of a power cut. When it’s really cold, you’re better off leaving your heat pump running day and night. Even at current electricity rates, it doesn’t cost that much to run if you keep your property at a reasonable temperature all the time.
We learned this the hard way in our first winter. Trying to heat a house from cold with a heat pump? That’ll cost you a fortune. So, we’ve found that when it’s a bit nippy in the evenings but not cold enough to have the pump going all the time, we light a fire. And when the temperature comes down properly through the winter, we leave the heat pump running all the time, and it just kicks in when the temperature drops below whatever we’ve set it to – slightly warmer in the day, around 20°C, and slightly cooler at night, 17-18°C, but we never let the house get cold.
But if there’s a power cut in winter, we light the burner rather than having the pump connected to the battery, because it would drain the battery in minutes flat in the event of no mains power. We don’t have any of our kitchen appliances on the battery either, for the same reason.
We basically have all lights, all our shop power, sockets and lights, and a few random plug sockets around the house connected to the battery so we can continue to run the shop if the power goes off during the day and can see and run a few appliances at night if it happens at night. Yes, that means cold water once the tank is empty, but I’d rather be able to see and run a few appliances than have hot water. Usually, a power cut is brief around here, but in the event of it going on for a couple of days, we don’t want to drain our battery in 2 hours and then have no power – it kind of defeats the point of having the battery backup in the first place for us.
The Cost Conundrum
Now, all of this is well and good, but you might be wondering, “How much did all of this cost, and did you get any help with paying for it?”
I totally understand the desire to do this – heat pumps, solar panels, and going off-grid. But it can be a bit daunting, trying to figure it all out. I’m certainly not the most tech-savvy person, so I needed the right help and a full package deal to see what it was going to cost.
I’ve noticed that some companies tend to quote these “stupid prices” just to rope you in, and then the costs start to creep up. Suddenly, that 4K jumps to 15K, and they start throwing in all sorts of extras – labor, scaffolding, inverters, batteries, and the like.
That’s why I really recommend finding a company that can provide a full package deal with one fixed price. That way, you can see exactly what you’re getting and what it’s going to cost, without any nasty surprises down the line.
And don’t be afraid to shop around and ask lots of questions. This is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. After all, the sun isn’t going anywhere, and the sooner you start harnessing its power, the more you’ll save in the long run.
Putting It All Together
When you step back and look at the big picture, it’s clear that solar energy, coupled with battery storage and a heat pump, is a game-changer when it comes to taking control of your energy bills.
Not only can you slash your electricity costs by up to 75%, but you’re also doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. And let’s not forget the added benefit of increased energy independence – no more worrying about power outages or price fluctuations.
Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve, and the initial investment can be daunting. But trust me, it’s worth it. And with the right support and guidance, you can navigate the process with ease.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planting your solar tree and reaping the rewards for years to come. Head over to SolaraSystems Inc. to learn more about how you can cut your energy bills for good with solar plus storage.
