Low Elec Usage - Should I consider Solar Panels?

n15h

Thanks, I hadn't factored in that a battery on its own costs almost the same as a PV install! I see now that adding a battery means it would take 25-30 years to recoup the cost of the battery alone from the savings made by being self-powered for 6-7 months.

I have come across kits like the one below, where under £4,700 it comes with panels, an inverter and a 4kwh battery. Are these ready kits any good? (I am doubling the cost i.e. £9,400 to account for installation).

https://www.sunstore.co.uk/product/4500w-48v-2-7kwh-deluxe-off-grid-solar-system/

QrizB

The particular kit you've linked to is for off-grid use, a cabin in the woods or a remote smallholding or something like that. It's intended for places where you can't get a mains supply.

There's an off-grid option at PVGIS: https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/#PVP

I've dropped a pin in the vicinity of East Midlands Airport and have put in the details for 4.5kW of solar PV, 4kWh of battery and 3kWh/day (roughly your average consumption). Over most of the yeart it should work but on 12% of days - mainly in December and January - you'll have a flat battery and won't have enough power to make it through the day / night..

That kit also looks to come with middling lead-acid batteries that will need replacing every 2-3 years. I haven't looked for a data sheet but those style batteries are typically good for 1000 cycles or so. Replacing the batteries every 3 years will cost around £800, not much less than the cost of your current on-grid electricity bill.

n15h

@QrizB thank you so much for your guidance! I had assumed off-grid meant not using the grid for the home. I guess there is a lot to consider especially that lead-acid batteries need replacing more often over the short term, thereby minimising any savings already made.

Are there any websites or good information sources where I can research more on PV panels / batteries / considerations? I always try to learn as much about the product before I take the plunge to having PV panels installed. I was going to also have a look on Youtube for any videos about PV / batteries.

Also thank you to everyone that has commented in this thread so far. Your guidance has helped me improve my understanding and given me some areas I need to have a think about.

QrizB

It's got a strong US bias but https://diysolarforum.com/ has a lot of information. Try not to let it overwhelm you.

I've been dabbling in solar PV for 20 years and I'm still learning!

n15h

Thanks, appreciate it. Wow 20 years?! Impressive - one day i may get to that same level

Reed_Richards

I have a 4.8 kW solar PV system with a 6.5 kW battery.  My summer use dropped from about 8 kWh per day to about 1 kWh per day.  But that was before I got an ASHP and became a high user of electricity.