NICHE Solar – Battery Energy Storage

What is a battery energy storage system?

They are devices that enable excess energy(in low demand times) generated by your NICHE Solar PV System, to be stored and then released for use as and when the power is needed most(in peak demand times, on cloudy days or at night). Also, Battery Storage can be used to charge your Electric Vehicle (EV).

Important to Note

You will need to have a fully functioning solar PV system, with Solar Panels connected to a Solar Inverter to add a Solar Battery to your NICHE Solar system. Also, you will require a Solar Charge Controller to regulate the load and excess energy coming from your Solar Panels.

All the above is packaged and installed for you by NICHE Solar.

If you opt to later down the track install your battery storage, we certainly recommend installing a Solar Hybrid Inverter rather than a Standard Solar Inverter. This will save you in the long run by simply adding on “Plugging In” your battery storage unit/s without the need to replace the Standard Solar Inverter or having to add another inverter and interface. These inverters are used in DC Coupling configurations.

AC vs. DC Coupling Configurations

What is meant by this? It is simply 2 different ways of connecting your battery to your NICHE Solar PV System.

AC Coupled

Pros

• Can be retrofitted to an existing system

Cons

• Solar energy production is limited to the max AC output of inverter. E.g. 5KW
• More expensive option due to adding another inverter
• Energy losses due to having to now convert your power 3 times
• Battery charging limited to AC power consumed by home

DC Coupled

Pros

• Solar energy production is not limited to the max AC output of inverter. Through ‘oversizing’ the Solar Panels(E.g. 10kW, the Solar Hybrid Inverter to produce enough energy for home usage(AC) – 5kW) + charge the battery(DC) 5kW.
• Less expensive option due to not requiring another inverter
• Limited Energy losses due to having to now convert your power only once
• Faster Battery charging

Find out more about the FAQ here.