The principle of operation of photovoltaics is simple. A PV installation generates electricity from solar energy, which powers a household. During sunny days, production is so high that surpluses must be transferred to the grid. As a rule, at the time of increased demand, the prosumer can take the transferred energy. However, this model does not always work. The solution? Invest in a power bank that allows the storage of the produced electricity.
Auto consumption – benefits of investing in an energy bank
Typically, a household uses about 20-30% of the energy produced by a photovoltaic micro-installation. The rest goes to the power grid. However, when the PV installation is unable to produce energy, e.g. at night, and the grid is damaged, access to electricity is difficult. This is problematic for the idea of energy self-sufficiency.
There is more and more talk about increasing the self-consumption of energy produced by home photovoltaic installations. Self-consumption limits the transmission of surpluses to the grid, increases the energy independence of the household, allows for lower electricity bills, and shortens the payback period.
Energy bank – tailored to today's needs
An energy storage, or so-called energy bank, enables the storage of electrical energy produced by a photovoltaic micro-installation. The device charges at the moment of the greatest energy gain from the panels, and when the sun sets, it supplies the necessary electricity to the household. Thanks to this, it does not have to draw energy from the energy seller. However, this does not mean that it becomes completely independent from the distributor. It can further send back surplus energy that does not fit in the installed energy bank, and at the moment of increased demand - when all the energy from the storage has been used - it can draw it from the network.
Popularity of energy banks - future forecasts
Photovoltaics are very popular. Data provided by the Energy Market Agency show that in December 2022, the total capacity of installations powered by solar energy in Poland amounted to 12.189 GW, which is over 158% more than in the same period a year earlier.
Energy storage subsidies – what programs can you benefit from?
"My Electricity" Program
As part of the "Mój Prąd" program implemented by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, it is possible to obtain financial support not only for the implementation of a photovoltaic installation, but also for the purchase and installation of energy storage systems, called energy banks . Thanks to the available funding, investing in energy storage technology becomes much more financially attractive.
Also check out: 5 reasons to choose a hybrid photovoltaic installation
The “Mój Prąd” program is implemented in subsequent editions, during which applications for co-financing can be submitted. Currently, the program edition marked with the number 5.0 is available. Prosumers who have decided on a hybrid installation, consisting of the MIELLEC LV-5 energy bank and the Deye inverter, can count on financial support of up to approximately PLN 18.4 thousand. This support is divided into three categories:
- a subsidy for the purchase of an energy storage facility up to PLN 14,400,
- co-financing for the purchase of a hybrid inverter up to PLN 3,000,
- support for the implementation of a photovoltaic installation up to PLN 1,000-3,000.
The subsidy for the purchase of an electricity storage system is a maximum of PLN 16,000, but there are significant restrictions on the price per 1 kWh of energy storage installation. The maximum eligible costs for the customer for 1 kWh of storage may be PLN 6,000. In practice, this means that for a 5 kWh storage, the price covered by the subsidy is PLN 30,000 gross.
For energy management systems such as HEMS or EMS, a subsidy is available covering up to 50% of the project implementation costs, with the maximum eligible cost being PLN 6,000. The final amount may of course be higher, but the subsidy amount will be calculated only from the previously indicated PLN 6,000.
Read also: Energy Bank Grants – Everything You Need to Know
Thermal modernization relief
Another way to reduce the costs of investing in an energy bank is to take advantage of the thermal modernization relief. This relief allows you to deduct from tax part of the costs incurred for the thermal modernization of a building. This also includes the purchase and installation of an energy bank. The amount of the relief depends on the tax threshold of the person making the investment. Energy storage, treated as equipment of a PV installation, is included in the scope of devices and services subject to the relief. The amount of the deduction is 12-36%, depending on the tax threshold of the person making the investment. In the case of the MIELLEC LV-5 + Deye hybrid installation, the thermal modernization relief amounted to PLN 2-6 thousand.
Price after subsidies
After all deductions, the final cost of the Deye + Miellec LV-5 set is only PLN 9,900-15,000.
Investing in an energy bank – is it worth it?
Analyzing the rising energy prices, investing in an energy bank is becoming more and more attractive. This solution not only allows you to save on electricity bills, but also contributes to increasing energy independence. Depending on the needs and capabilities of the household, even the smallest energy storage device available on the market can significantly increase the self-consumption of generated energy. Additionally, in the event of a power grid failure, the energy bank provides access to electricity. This is a solid investment that brings both short- and long-term benefits.
Investing in an energy bank – benefits
Investing in a power bank brings many benefits. In the case of a typical 5 kW home PV installation with a demand of 4000 kWh per year, installing the smallest storage available on the market, i.e. 5 kWh, increases the self-consumption of the generated energy to about 55% (whereas without a power bank this indicator is about 22%). This means that significantly more of the produced energy is used directly by the household. This translates into lower electricity bills and greater independence from the power grid.
Read also : My Electricity 5.0 is enjoying considerable interest! What is worth knowing about the new edition of the program?
Energy storage – the future of the energy sector
Data provided by the Energy Market Agency show that citizens are becoming more aware of electricity storage . High and unstable electricity rates and the deepening energy crisis are leading to purchases of energy banks. Experts predict that 2023 could see a record investment in photovoltaic batteries. The development of energy storage technology is not only a benefit for end users, but also an important step towards full independence from the power grid.
Benefits of investing in a power bank
- Increasing energy independence
One of the biggest advantages of investing in an energy bank is the possibility of increasing energy independence. By using an energy storage facility, households can significantly reduce their dependence on the power grid by using electricity produced by their own PV installations.
- Savings on electricity bills
The energy bank allows you to store surplus energy generated by the PV installation. This energy can then be used at times when the installation is not producing electricity, for example after sunset. Thanks to this, electricity bills can be significantly lower.
- Protection against network failures
In the event of a power outage, having a power bank allows you to continue using electricity. This is especially important for people living in areas where power outages occur frequently.
- More efficient use of PV installations
Having a power bank allows for more efficient use of the energy produced by the PV installation. Surplus energy that would normally be fed into the grid can be stored and used later.
Contributing to environmental protection
Investing in an energy bank not only brings economic benefits, but also environmental benefits. Using your own renewable energy helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against global warming.
- Possibility of using subsidy
There are various programs available on the market that offer subsidies for people who want to invest in a power bank. This means that the initial investment cost can be much lower.
