Battery only? Anyone got such a system

QrizB

I’d imagine that for 99% of people, having back up power is the main reason for wanting a home battery,

I don't think that's anything like the reality. Mostly it's to save money, at least as far as discussions on this forum are concerned.

Bendo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82138810#Comment_82138810

Its something I've been considering since getting an ev. Not remotely interested in power cut backup as we have had about 4 in 15 years.

lohr500

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82138884#Comment_82138884

Absolutely agree as far as our system is concerned.

The primary reason for getting the battery was to save money over the medium to long term.

The fact that our particular battery does provide back up power is a bonus, but it certainly wasn't a must have when making the purchase decision.

Reed_Richards

The problem with back-up in the event of a power cut is that you mustn't electrocute someone working to fix a broken power line near your house - and regulations exist to make sure that doesn't happen. So when the back-up cuts in there has to be an automatic switch which isolates your house from the mains. That needs more wiring and more equipment than is found in a simple inverter.

Coveredinbees!!!!

Thanks for all the replies.

mikrt

Since May I've had 2 x Fox EP12s, totalling 23kWh, without solar and with a 6kW inverter. I don't have any back up as I have a newish generator, but am considering selling that to cover the cost of upgrading with a fox EPS, (but the genny will run for longer than the battery will last.) I'm on Intelligent Octopus Go @ 6.9p for 6 hours overnight.

My EV is split from the battery and charges whenever octopus sees fit direct from the meter.

100% of my domestic usage has been shifted to the batteries and my bill has halved. I also subscribe to Axle energy which have 1 or 2 hourly sessions weekly and pay £1/kW and this reduces my bill further. My DD has come down from ~£130/M to £60/M and my credit is increasing.

Both my children were about to have solar on roof to help with cost of running their heat pumps, but I'm trying to convince them battery only is a better option….. They're both considering. ⚡️😊

Arunmor

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82144813#Comment_82144813

What were your setup costs to get this all installed (rough break down would be great). Trying to think of the things I might not think about too.

mikrt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82145025#Comment_82145025

Here's the price I paid 👍

Arunmor

I have run my numbers, we don't have an EV or solar (solar is a problem - due to trees) but do have a GSHP which can be expensive over the winter months. I was working on a battery capacity of 48Kwh which should cater by a reasonable margin any peaks in really cold weather. I wouls obviously have a fair amount to export in summer months. I reckon it will vary from 20-38Kwh per day weather and season dependent.

If I can buy overnight at 6.1pKWh and export at 12p I can get to net zero cost for electricity. However I am terrified any deals available today will not be there tomorrow.

If necessary I could fit token solar (to meet that criteria if required) but it wouldn't be great.

It should cost me about £10k or less to install the battery.

MWT

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82145678#Comment_82145678

Where are you planning to put the battery?

There is a new limit coming into effect on October 15th which would stop you putting anything over 40kWh in an attached garage for example, but it would be OK in a suitable detached structure.

There are also stronger limits on how close external installations can be to combustible materials like wooden fences.