Recent advances in
household-scale battery systems are making them an ever more attractive option
for new home buyers, and there’s an expectation that they could become
commonplace as part of a home’s electrical infrastructure in the near future.
A new guide from the
NHBC Foundation now aims to ensure that battery systems are selected to be fit
for purpose.
The report – NF83 ‘Watts in store? Introduction to energy storage
batteries for homes’ – looks at key aspects of battery selection,
ensuring that the right questions are asked of manufacturers and that installed
systems meet reasonable expectations of home owners.
While inclusion of a
battery system is currently a choice, driven either by home buyers who are
increasingly aware of the leading brands, or by house builders themselves who
see a marketing advantage in offering a battery system, their potential
benefits to householders and to the efficiency of national energy supply are
significant.
This point has been
recognised in other countries, particularly in Germany, where government
incentives have stimulated uptake of household batteries and in turn reduced
the installed cost dramatically.
Commenting on the new
report, NHBC’s Head of Standards, Innovation and Research Neil Smith said:
“Selection is not straightforward as there is now a range of battery types on
the market, with considerable variation in performance, and some complexity in the
way their performance is described.
“This guide encourages
careful specification of performance in line with reasonable homeowner
expectations and is a contribution to ensuring successful implementation of
battery storage technology.”
The new report is
available for free download from www.nhbcfoundation.org
