AC Coupled Energy Storage Systems
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Grid-Tie PV System
Easily and affordably expand your current Grid-tie PV System with our AC Coupled Energy Storage System (ESS), fully compatible with the "Octopus Go" Smart Tariff.
The Government recently announced zero VAT on new residential energy storage batteries when purchased through your installer. Benefit from our cost-effective battery installation service (starting at just £199) and avoid VAT on your battery installation! Click here to request a quote or contact us via live chat or call 020 8064 0335 for expert advice.
Empowering You When It Matters Most
Customers often ask about adding a battery backup to their grid-tie solar systems, which typically lack battery storage. Regulations require grid-tie systems to shut down during power outages to prevent back feeding during maintenance. However, each customer has unique needs:
- Maintain power for essential appliances during a grid outage.
- Automatically charge batteries when solar panels are active to optimise power usage.
- Use low nighttime tariffs to charge batteries and use stored energy during peak hours.
Integrating a battery backup without back feeding into the grid is essential to meet these needs.
The AC Coupling Solution
The common solution is AC Coupling, which includes an AC Coupled Charger Inverter, a Battery Bank, and a critical loads panel in your existing system. This panel is crucial for powering essential devices during grid outages.
Here's how it works:
- Normally, solar panels power daytime critical loads first, then charge the batteries, with any excess power exported to the grid.
- During a grid outage, the mains power panel loses supply, stopping energy flow to the grid. Only appliances connected to your critical loads panel stay on.
- The AC Coupled Charger Inverter continues to generate power during an outage. The grid-tie inverter detects that the grid is still active, allowing the solar array to power critical loads and recharge the batteries.
- At night, even if the grid is offline, the batteries can power essential appliances using the energy stored during the day.
AC Coupling: Your Fail-Safe Power Solution
AC Coupling offers a reliable way to power critical appliances like lighting, freezers, and water pumps during a grid outage. It also allows your system to export surplus power to the grid when it's active, ensuring your battery bank is always fully charged.
Solar-Powered Homes
AC Coupled Energy Storage Systems are becoming popular in homes already equipped with solar panels and a grid-tied inverter. Homeowners appreciate the benefits of storing and using solar-generated energy at their convenience.
Compatible with Octopus Energy
The Fox ESS AC1 Charger Inverter is designed for seamless integration with smart Agile tariffs. Octopus Energy is a pioneer in offering such tariffs, but the Fox AC1 Charger Inverter also works well with other energy providers.
Reliable Backup Power
The AC1 AC Charger Inverters are designed to work with external backup generators, ensuring continuous electricity supply during prolonged grid outages, even when the battery storage is depleted.
Note: when installing energy storage systems to supply residential premises, the installer must follow important safety guidance here.
AC Coupling is your reliable route to uninterrupted power for essential appliances and efficient energy management, fully equipped to integrate smoothly with your chosen energy provider. Experience the resilience of On-Grid + AC Coupled ESS. Enhance your grid-tie system's capabilities, ensuring power when you need it most.
