Tips for Installers: why a smart meter belongs with every home battery
Have you installed a home battery for your client or are you planning to do so? This is the opportune moment to also recommend a smart meter. Regardless of how sophisticated a battery may be, it will never operate optimally without the correct data. This blog explains why a smart meter is indispensable for every battery installation and the benefits this offers your client.
1. Gaining control over energy savings
A smart meter provides real-time insight into electricity consumption and export. This data is crucial for determining when a battery should charge or discharge. Without a smart meter, the battery lacks vital information to operate effectively, leading to a reduction in efficiency. And it is precisely this efficiency that is paramount. Ultimately, the objective is to reduce reliance on the grid and achieve lower energy costs.
2. Smart battery control via an Energy Management System
Smart meters form the foundation for Energy Management Systems (EMS). Such a system is essential for maximising the utilisation of a battery. For instance, it charges when there is a surplus of solar energy, discharges during periods of high electricity prices, and prevents peak loads. Without a smart meter, an energy management system cannot make these decisions, preventing the full realisation of a home battery's benefits and the maximisation of the investment.
3. Ready for dynamic contracts and an overloaded energy grid
The energy market is evolving. More and more energy suppliers are offering dynamic tariffs. Furthermore, an overloaded energy grid necessitates users to manage generated energy intelligently. A smart meter is indispensable in this scenario. This system records consumption and export every fifteen minutes. This enables smart electricity usage and storage, preparing for dynamic energy contracts, a concept increasingly observed in practice.
In summary, a battery without a smart meter will function, but far from optimally. With a smart meter, the installation's full potential can be realised, genuine energy management can be provided, and satisfied clients will see a faster return on their investment.
