We have just wrapped up a really interesting install for one of our local customers, and it is a perfect example of how home energy technology is evolving fast. This particular setup didn’t include solar panels (yet!), but it is already helping the homeowner take control of their energy use, which in turn cuts their bills. We love that they are now heading towards a greener future and that we have been part of that journey. Because our mission is to turn every home into a green home…one property at a time!
At the heart of the install was an Eleven Energy Battery system, a clever bit of kit that makes the most of off-peak electricity prices, and something we are gushing about at every opportunity. We are even writing a blog post about it. The system included a 6kW Eleven Energy Hybrid Inverter paired with eight 4.5kWh batteries. That added up to an impressive 36kWh of storage capacity, more than enough to keep a home running for the day without relying on peak-time grid energy.
And here is the clever part: instead of solar panels charging the batteries during the day (which are often added at the same time or further down the line), they can be charged overnight using cheap-rate electricity. That stored energy is then used throughout the day, helping the homeowner to dodge peak prices and stay in control. At risk of coming across a little bit cliché, this is simple, smart, and seriously efficient. There we said it, but we stand by it because it’s true.
Why Sodium? Let Us Explain…
One of the standout features of this recent install is the type of battery we used. Eleven Energy’s battery systems are sodium-based, not the typical lithium-based ones that many of our customers continue to choose. It is all about having options and deciding what is right for you. So, how does this type of battery differ from the more traditional one?
Sodium batteries are an exciting alternative for a few good reasons. First, they are more sustainable to produce, which is obviously appealing. Sodium is abundant and easier to source than lithium, which makes it an excellent choice for the planet, and makes the entire system a greener option from the start (not just in how it is used but in how it is made). Then there is performance. Sodium batteries handle temperature changes superbly, and we don’t use that fancy word lightly. They work reliably all year round, even when things get a bit frosty in winter or sweaty in summer. Sodium is definitely our friend when it comes to renewable energy.
Made for the UK
Eleven Energy is a UK-based brand, which is another big tick for anyone who wants to support local innovation. Their systems are designed with UK homes and energy patterns in mind, and their cloud-based monitoring and energy management tools make it easy to keep track of everything from your phone or laptop. It might sound a bit new age, which it absolutely is, but learning and understanding how it works could not be more straightforward. If you are a tech-minded homeowner, you will appreciate the range of resources Eleven offers, from detailed install guides to easy-peasy training videos. They have really thought through the user experience. But if this stuff is all just a little overwhelming, then please don’t panic, as we are always on hand to make that transitional period a little smoother. In fact, helping you guys get up and running is all part of the service…we are good like that.
We may be a little biased, but we find their software to be both innovative and reliable, as it shows you how much energy you are storing, how much you are using, and where it is all going. It is this kind of transparency that helps people make confident decisions about their energy use. It is also one of the BIG reasons that we are now recommending these systems more and more often. Can you tell how much we stand by the renewable energy systems that we offer our customers? We wouldn’t recommend anything that we wouldn’t use in our own homes.
Future-Proofing Your Home
The recent installation that we completed for a local family is an excellent example of how you can future-proof your home. They are planning to add solar panels in the near future, and when the time comes, the system will be ready and waiting for them to do so. With the hybrid inverter already in place, it’s a seamless upgrade.
But even without solar (for now), our customer is already making savings and gaining more control over their home’s energy. That is the real beauty of flexible systems like this: you don’t have to do everything at once. And when you do add solar, you are instantly generating and storing your own renewable energy, reducing your reliance on the grid even further. This may be one of our most overused phrases, but it really is a win-win. This blog post is becoming cheesier by the minute, but the evidence doesn’t lie, and we have a responsibility to share the facts with you.
Are You Considering a Home Battery System?
Battery storage is no longer just for tech nerds like us here at Eco Installer. It is becoming a popular option for anyone who wants to reduce their bills while switching to renewable energy. With options like Eleven Energy’s sodium batteries, you are already making a big change. If you are on a time-of-use tariff, like Economy 7, battery storage can significantly reduce your energy costs. The key is to charge up while rates are low, then run your home on that energy when prices peak. It is an approach that we are seeing every day, and sadly, it excites us a lot. If you are being honest, the benefits probably excite you, too!
If you would like to learn more about sodium battery systems (or the more traditional lithium batteries) or find out if one would suit your home with or without solar panels, please get in touch. We are always happy to chat through the options available and help you find the setup that is right for your property.
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