Project Summary: Battery Storage Installation
- Client: Homeowners, 1930s bungalow, Portobello, Edinburgh.
- Task: Battery storage installation with Q Cell batteries and inverter, with no solar panel installation required.
- Outcome: Saving 76% on yearly electric bills.
- Installation cost: The cost for installation of this 13.72 kWh system is £5200. However, if you use less energy, your storage needs will decrease, meaning your overall costs will be lower. Your daily energy usage directly affects the cost of the system, so it could be cheaper or more expensive depending on your habits.
- Payback period: Around 5 years, with savings over 15 years of £13,578 based on today’s rates. These savings will increase as electricity prices rise annually. Installing a battery-only system has extra savings potential, and thanks to 0% VAT on battery-only installs, you could achieve full return in as little as five years!
The customer requirement was to reduce energy bills!
A homeowner in the Portobello area of Edinburgh, living in a 1930s bungalow, was facing high energy costs, with an average daily usage of 12 kWh at peak rates.
At the time, they were being charged 27.20p per kWh, resulting in significant monthly electricity bills.
The client wanted a solution that would reduce their high energy costs and also increase the overall energy efficiency of their home. They were looking for a long-term investment that would enable them to minimise their reliance on expensive peak-rate electricity and safeguard them against the future uncertainties of rising energy prices.
By adopting a sustainable energy solution, the homeowner aimed to both lower their environmental impact and secure significant savings in the years to come.
Cutting energy bills using battery storage, without needing solar panels
Ideal Electrical Solutions was tasked with designing and installing a renewable energy solution that would reduce the homeowner’s energy expenses while meeting current energy needs.
The goal was to install a battery storage solution that would allow the homeowner to benefit from off-peak electricity rates and lower their daily electricity expenditure.
Our team worked closely with the homeowner to design a battery storage system that would meet their energy demands and enable them to make the switch to a lower-cost off-peak electricity rate.
The process of installing a battery storage solution
The installation process was:
1. Installation of battery storage: To begin the project, we installed a 5kWh Q Cell inverter along with 2x Q Cell batteries, providing a combined storage capacity of 13.72 kWh.
These high-performance batteries are IP65 rated, meaning they are durable and suitable for external installation.
The batteries and inverter were securely mounted on the exterior wall of the bungalow, utilising dead space while ensuring the system remained easily accessible for maintenance.
2. Upgrading the electrical system: In order to meet current electrical wiring standards, we installed a new consumer unit. This upgrade was essential for safely accommodating the new energy storage system. Additionally, we integrated a metering module into the setup, which enables precise monitoring of the charge and discharge requirements of the battery system.
3. Cabling and connectivity: To facilitate the connection between the fuse board and the battery storage system, we ran steel wire armoured cable, which also included a data cable for linking the metering system to the inverter.
An additional Cat6 cable was installed as well, providing a direct LAN connection to the homeowner’s router. This allows for reliable internet connectivity, ensuring the homeowner can monitor the system remotely and track its performance.
4. System testing and commissioning: Once the installation was complete, we tested to ensure all connections were fully functional and safe and provided electrical certificates.
The inverter, batteries, and metering system were all combined seamlessly, ensuring the system was optimally set up and ready for use.
5. Future-roofing with lifetime monitoring: To give the homeowner peace of mind, the system is backed by a 15-year product and performance warranty with the manufacturer.
Additionally, the system includes free lifetime monitoring, which allows for continuous performance tracking and any necessary updates. This ensures that the battery storage solution remains efficient and effective for years to come.
The results – 76% savings by switching to off-peak electricity rates and installing battery storage!
Following the installation of the battery storage system, the homeowner was able to reduce their electricity costs significantly by switching to an off-peak electricity rate of 6.5p per kWh, down from the previous peak rate of 27.20p per kWh.
- Energy usage: 12 kWh/day
- Previous cost at peak rate (27.20p/kWh):
12 kWh * £0.272 = £3.26/day - New cost at off-peak rate (6.5p/kWh):
12 kWh * £0.065 = £0.78/day - Daily savings:
£3.26 – £0.78 = £2.48/day - Annual savings:
£2.48/day * 365 days = £905.20/year
Simply use the calculator below to estimate your home energy savings.
These savings are calculated based on your current rates and the new off-peak rate.
Contact your energy provider for exact figures.
As electricity prices rise, your savings potential increases, making now the perfect time to invest in battery storage solutions.
Our batteries are guaranteed for 15 years and often exceed this lifespan.
What did the homeowners say about their installation?
Here is the feedback we received:
The team at Ideal Electrical Solutions did a great job installing our battery storage system. They were professional, efficient, and explained everything clearly.
Since the installation, we’re already noticing a big drop in our electricity costs by using off-peak rates, and the system runs smoothly without any issues. Having the 15-year warranty gives us both the confidence that we’ve made a solid investment.
Overall, we’re really pleased with the work and the results.
Homeowners in Portobello, Edinburgh
Summary – Achieving long-term savings and energy efficiency with battery storage
By installing a battery storage system, we helped the homeowner reduce their electricity costs by switching to a more affordable off-peak tarrif. The installation was completed with minimal disruption, and the system now delivers reliable, cost-effective energy storage. With the added benefit of a 15-year warranty and lifetime monitoring, the homeowner can enjoy peace of mind and long-term savings.
If you would like to find out more about battery storage, please contact us and we can discuss options and identify the best solution for you.
