ESS - Energy Storage System

Sometimes known as solar energy storage, or home batteries. We use the Victron system, very similar to off grid, to provide grid connected energy storage. The main advantage with Victron is that its totally flexible. With standard ESS systems you are very limited in terms of battery capacity and adding solar. With Victron you can add as much solar as you like, plus add batteries, even generators to make a truly bespoke power system.

A recent installation in Penistone is a good example of that. The customer already had a 4kw solar PV system installed back in 2012. He wanted a large battery storage system, plus if possible more solar.

We obtained G99 approval and then designed and installed an additional 6kw of solar panels, with 31 Kw of BYD batteries. The power system was Victron, using a Multiplus2, 5000 inverter and a 100amp solar charger. The customer controls his system via the Victron app, this displays energy in use, solar energy from his existing and new solar arrays, plus any energy taken from the grid. All complete with charts and historical data. Its even possible to set cheap rate over night charging via the app!

We also installed several critical load circuits, that in the event of a power cut will remain live. Typically other systems shut down when the grid goes off, or at least when the battery is depleted. With Victron the additional solar panels are DC connected and will continue to charge the batteries. Meaning that the critical load circuits are truly off grid and will continue to function so long as the batteries get charged by the solar panels.

The system has significantly reduced the customers imported electricity and energy bills, plus they have the knowledge that the power will stay on when the grid goes down.