When it comes to solar batteries, location is everything. Choosing the right location for your solar battery can make all the difference in its performance, longevity, and safety.
The best place for your solar battery is in a well-ventilated, easily accessible area away from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions. Both indoors and outdoors can work depending on your property, but safety should be a key consideration.
Keep reading as our solar panel experts explore the most suitable locations to install solar batteries and cover important considerations.
Why does location matter when installing solar batteries?
Solar batteries are highly technical products that vary in size and shape. Choosing the right location is crucial for keeping your battery in good condition for years to come. It also keeps you and your family safe from potential fire hazards or electrical faults.
When deciding where to install a solar battery, you should consider how accessible the location is for maintenance, whether there are any safety issues (such as hazardous objects or flammable materials), and whether you have enough space to install the battery.
How close should the battery be to the solar panels?
While it isn’t essential, we recommend fitting the battery close to solar panels if possible. This helps to minimise energy loss due to shorter wires. It all depends on your property’s requirements and the type of battery storage product you get.
Are there regulations for solar battery installation?
All batteries pose health and safety risks to humans and the environment, which is why it is crucial to follow relevant health and safety regulations when installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in your home. These regulations relate to the technical requirements of solar systems, as well as electrical safety and fire safety.
Solar batteries should be located away from main living areas or potential fire exit routes, so a separate building such as an outhouse or garage may be best for maintaining safety. They should be well-ventilated and kept far away from flammable materials.
Use a renewable energy company that has the correct accreditations:
- The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures quality and control of the products and installation and that companies operate in line with the correct guidelines and standards.
- The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) ensures that all work is carried out safely and is signed off by the local authority.
At Going Green Renewables, our accreditations are a commitment to excellence, giving you the added peace of mind that you can trust us to deliver quality and reliability.
Should solar batteries be installed inside or outside?
It’s really up to you. Nowadays, there are more solar battery products that fit both indoor and outdoor needs. However, a professional solar battery installer will advise you on the best setup for your property, depending on the space and shelter available.
Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to solar battery storage.
Installing solar batteries outside
An outdoor installation is great if you don’t really have the space to install your product indoors. It keeps the battery away from your main living areas and should provide easy access if needed. That said, outdoor installations may not offer the best protection from general wear and tear or unpredictable British weather conditions.
If you want to go for an outdoor installation, it’s best to choose somewhere that offers protection from the wind, rain, and even the sun (although it’s used to power solar panels, direct sunlight can cause issues for your solar products).
Installing solar batteries inside
Solar batteries are most efficient when kept at a consistent room temperature. Extreme temperatures – hot or cold – can cause problems. This is where an indoor installation might be more favourable. However, you must consider any fire risks or safety issues that could come from an indoor installation.
If you want an indoor installation, you should choose a space that is closed off from your main living areas or fire escape routes. The space needs to have proper ventilation to prevent overheating and should be free from fire risks, such as flammable materials.
Where we recommend installing solar batteries
Solar batteries should be installed close to your home’s electrical system and in a place that offers easy access for maintenance and repairs. They do best in locations that provide a consistent temperature and are out of direct sunlight. Garages, utility rooms, and outbuildings are common places to house a battery storage unit, as they are sheltered and away from your main living space.
Garages
Well-ventilated garages can provide the right level of shelter to protect solar batteries from high temperatures and harsh weather. Many garages already have the necessary electrical connections, which makes installations fairly straightforward.
Indoor utility rooms
Utility rooms are another suitable location to install solar batteries thanks to their convenient access, consistent temperature, and electrical setup. They keep your battery storage system away from the main living areas while still providing access when needed.
Outbuildings
Outbuildings are a good option for when indoor installations aren’t viable. A purpose-built outbuilding or shed can provide a suitable installation location if it meets safety regulations and has the necessary infrastructure.
What to avoid when choosing solar battery placement
You’ll want to avoid certain areas when looking for a place to install your solar battery to keep it safe and help its longevity. Direct sunlight, unventilated areas, and high humidity will likely affect the quality of your solar battery. Avoiding these areas will keep your system running as it should and save you money in the long run.
Direct sunlight
While the sun itself poses little threat to your solar battery, extreme temperatures and prolonged UV exposure may reduce its lifespan and hinder energy storage. You should keep your solar batteries out of the sun to prevent them from overheating and keep them working for longer.
Many modern solar battery brands have products that are designed to withstand a bit of sun. But it’s always best to play it safe and shelter batteries when making a high-end solar investment.
Unventilated areas
Similarly to sunlight, unventilated areas can trap heat and cause your solar battery to overheat. This could result in a product malfunction or reduced battery quality over time. Sticking to well-ventilated areas helps maintain a consistent temperature and allows the battery to cool down properly.
Humidity levels
Water and electricity are never a good mix. While most solar battery products use waterproof components, high humidity levels can lead to faster corrosion and reduce the battery’s lifespan. The battery may even develop a fault or stop working altogether if water gets inside. Be sure to check the location for humidity before fitting the battery.
To learn how to protect your solar batteries, read our guide here.
Need expert advice on your solar battery installation? Get in touch
At Going Green Renewables, we make your solar PV system work for you!
We can install a solar battery at the same time as your solar panels or add them to your existing system. We provide ground-mounted solar batteries and wall-mounted solar batteries and will install them in a location that best suits you. It’s all very flexible.
Very impressed with the service and would highly recommend. Andy was very helpful in discussing options and ensuring we got the right solar and battery combination for our needs. Jay and Mike who did the install were excellent. Very quick, efficient, tidy and kept us informed all the way. Couldn’t be more pleased with the final product and the service beginning to end.
– J Whitby
Whether you’re looking for a brand new solar setup or to upgrade your current solar storage, we’re more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01252 560 587 or contact us online for a free quote!
Further reading: