Rent-a-roof schemes have made solar power more accessible by offering homeowners the chance to benefit from solar energy without the upfront costs of purchasing and installing the system. However, a common question many homeowners ask is whether they can further enhance these benefits by adding battery storage or EV charging solutions to a leased solar system.
In this blog, we explore how you can incorporate battery storage, like the GivEnergy AC Charger and MyEnergi Libbi, alongside EV charging options like the Tesla Wall Connector, MyEnergi Zappi, and GivEnergy EV Charger—without affecting your contract with the system owner.
Understanding Rent-a-Roof Solar Schemes
Rent-a-roof solar schemes allow homeowners to host solar panels on their roofs in exchange for a share of the energy generated. Typically, a third-party company owns and maintains the panels, while homeowners benefit from using the electricity produced. However, the contract often places restrictions on modifications, creating concerns about adding complementary systems like batteries or EV chargers.
Can You Add a Battery or EV Charger to a Rent-a-Roof Solar Setup?
In most cases, rent-a-roof contracts do not specifically prohibit the installation of battery storage or EV charging systems. The critical factor is ensuring that these additions do not interfere with the existing solar array or impact the system owner’s ability to monitor and manage their equipment.
Before proceeding, it is essential to:
- Review Your Contract: Check for any clauses related to modifications of the electrical system or the use of solar-generated energy.
- Consult the System Owner: Get written approval from the company that owns the panels to ensure no breach of contract.
How to Integrate Battery Storage and EV Charging Solutions
Battery storage and EV charging can significantly increase the self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity bills. Here’s how you can add these technologies to any Solar PV array without effecting the existing system:
1. GivEnergy AC Charger and GivEnergy EV Charger
GivEnergy’s AC Charger is a versatile battery storage solution that can be retrofitted to your existing solar setup without affecting the solar panels or the inverter. Since it connects directly to the household’s AC supply, these chargers do not interfere with the direct current (DC) flow managed by the rent-a-roof system. The battery can store excess electricity produced during the day and release it when solar generation is low, maximising your self-consumption of renewable energy.
Additionally, the GivEnergy EV Charger can be installed alongside the GivEnergy battery or independently. It allows for smart charging of your EV, prioritising the use of excess solar energy generated by the rent-a-roof system. Both the AC Charger and the EV Charger are compatible with time-of-use tariffs, such as those offered by Octopus Energy, enabling you to charge the battery or your EV when electricity prices are low and use it during peak times—further enhancing your savings.
2. Tesla Powerwall 3 and Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a robust battery storage solution that can be added to your home’s energy system without disruption to the rent-a-roof solar array. Because it connects directly to the home’s electrical distribution panel, it operates independently of the solar panels and does not interfere with the system owner’s ability to monitor their equipment. This makes the Tesla Powerwall 3 an ideal option for homeowners looking to store excess solar energy for later use.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 also offers backup power capabilities, ensuring that your home remains powered during a grid outage. It can automatically switch to battery power, providing seamless energy continuity. Combined with the Tesla Wall Connector for EV charging, you can further utilise stored solar energy to charge your electric vehicle, making the most of your solar investment.
3. MyEnergi Libbi and MyEnergi Zappi
The MyEnergi Libbi is a state-of-the-art battery storage solution designed to work seamlessly with the MyEnergi Zappi EV charger. It connects to your home’s AC supply, storing any excess solar energy and allowing you to use it when needed. The Libbi’s intelligent energy management system ensures that your stored energy is used efficiently, providing additional benefits such as load-shifting to take advantage of low-cost tariffs, like those from Octopus Energy.
The MyEnergi Zappi, a smart EV charger, can be installed alongside the Libbi or independently. It allows homeowners to charge their electric vehicles using surplus solar energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity. It also features an ‘eco mode’, which ensures the EV charging is prioritised using renewable energy first.
Steps to Ensure Compatibility with Your Rent-a-Roof Contract
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult a certified installer familiar with both battery and solar systems to ensure compatibility.
- Notify the System Owner: Share your plans and get confirmation that your intended modifications will not violate the contract terms.
- Choose Compatible Solutions: Opt for solutions like GivEnergy AC Chargers, MyEnergi Libbi, or Tesla Powerwall 3 that do not require direct integration with the solar panels. Pair these with EV chargers like the MyEnergi Zappi, GivEnergy EV Charger, or Tesla Wall Connector.
Key Considerations Before Installation
- MCS Battery Storage Accreditation: When choosing an installer, ensure they have not only the MCS accreditation for solar PV but also the specific MCS Battery Storage accreditation. Many installers rely solely on their MCS PV accreditation and may not have the expertise to integrate battery systems correctly. Choosing an installer with MCS Battery Storage accreditation ensures that they meet the highest industry standards for safety and quality.
- Cost of Additional Equipment: While adding battery storage or an EV charger can lead to long-term savings, there is an upfront cost involved. Ensure that the financial benefits justify the investment.
- Impact on Contractual Rights: Any modifications should not affect the system owner’s rights or the maintenance schedule of the solar array.
- System Efficiency: Choose systems that seamlessly integrate with your household electricity use without compromising the efficiency of the existing solar array.
Rent-a-roof schemes offer a fantastic way to access the benefits of solar energy. By carefully choosing compatible battery storage and EV charging solutions, you can further enhance your home’s energy efficiency without affecting your contract. GivEnergy AC Chargers, MyEnergi Libbi, Tesla Powerwall 3, and their respective EV chargers—GivEnergy EV Charger, MyEnergi Zappi, and Tesla Wall Connector—are ideal options for homeowners looking to maximise their solar energy consumption while staying compliant with rent-a-roof agreements.
If you are considering adding a battery or EV charger to your rent-a-roof system, contact The Green Way Solar today to discuss your options and ensure a smooth integration with your existing setup. Our team is one of the few MCS-accredited battery storage specialists in the area, making us the ideal choice for optimising your home’s renewable energy system. Let us help you make the most of your solar investment!
