Residential-based energy storage will become the new 'Boiler 2.0' and could form part of a virtual power plant, as electricity to supply space heating, hot water, and power for every socket and appliance in the home, providing a viable solution to the global energy crisis and helping us to achieve our net-zero goals and offset the power needed for the inevitable EV parked outside and in need of charging.

Using a battery energy storage system (BESS) combined with renewable technology and connected to the grid enables a home to store excess clean energy either for its own use or for selling back to the grid. The system can then recharge from the grid automatically during off-peak hours, capitalizing on cheaper tariffs. This setup creates a more flexible energy system, increasing the possibilities for renewable energy and helping to decarbonize the grid.

‘Boiler 2.0’ – Future technology

BESS is a swiftly evolving technology with a wide range of storage capabilities so what we don’t want is to create a system or components that will become obsolete as the technology advances. As with existing boilers, energy storage products will need to be serviced and maintained in order to extend their lifespan.

Boilers currently last for between 10-15 years before having to be stripped out and replaced, which no one likes to do; it is costly, messy, and wasteful. Another drawback with existing boilers is that, if a home is extended, to accommodate a growing family, for instance, the boiler and/or water tank may need replacing (even if it’s relatively new) to meet increased demand.

The beauty of battery storage is that it is often modular. If demand for power increases, it is possible to just add more batteries without the upheaval and waste of stripping everything out and starting again. We are in a position (yet) to install energy storage systems that can work independently everywhere, harnessing renewable energy to heat and power a home as well as recharge one, two, or possibly even three EV’s parked outside and power a heat pump. However, energy storage provides the flexibility to capture and use as much renewable energy available as possible from the grid, locally generated sources, or both, to supply our growing energy needs.

Energy storage for the urban environment

Of course, not every residential property will have the space or capacity to install an energy storage system for their own use so a more collaborative approach will be needed. In Spain for instance, solar communities are springing up, where groups of people are coming together to share the electricity generated on roofs. A battery-based solution allows everyone to participate.

The first thing we need to address, however, is the cost of these installations. Currently, the installation of a new boiler will cost £1,500 – £2,500 whereas a home energy storage system is likely to cost three to four times as much. Pand BESS solution adopts second-life batteries.

PAND BESS with 'Boiler 2.0'

Pand Battery Energy Storage System, renewable energy source, produces electricity with Boiler in low cost and long life span, and is charged by PV panels, Power plant, compitible with PCS, such as Goodwe, Growatt, Voltronic, Megarevo, SRNE, Solis, Victron, Deye. It can be installed once for long-life residential utility with low cost, friendly environmental, high performance, high safety through authority IEC/CEC/UN certification.

The opportunity and risk of Boiler is that there is a longer-term return on fianancial investment, which means a homeowner using Energy storage products with a longer operating life will continually reap the benefits over time. Longevity and reliability are the key to make longer-lasting storage solutions a reality.