Residential photovoltaic generators are made up of three different systems: the panels, the inverter, and the accumulator or battery. The first two are essential for the generator to function, while the third – the batteries – are optional. So why should we install batteries in our generator if they are not essential for its operation?
Including batteries in our photovoltaic generator, if done properly, has multiple advantages. In addition to providing us with the security that, even if there were a power cut, we would still be able to use our household appliances, a small 10kWh accumulator can provide us with total independence from the supply network. The key is, at sunset, to have enough energy stored to get through the night without needing to demand supply from the electrical grid. When the sun comes up the next day, the battery is refilled and the cycle begins again.
An average household with solar panels installed consumes between 5 and 10 kWh of electricity from the grid each day. This demand could be met by batteries that charge during daylight hours, so that as long as there is sunshine, a household with solar panels installed could end up never needing electricity from the grid.