In Australia, probably as in many countries, our power is charged at different rates depending on the time of day (peak, shoulder, off peak).
The peak rate is substantially higher than shoulder and off peak, and the peak rate runs 6 hours per day.
I have a 1.5Kw solar system, that due to government incentives pays me a higher rate than even the peak cost, yet I still have to pay the balance each quarter.
My question is simply this: Why cant I draw power down from the grid during off peak times, store it in batteries and then use it during peak times?
I am not overly familiar with electrical theory etc, but I assume I would need to convert 240VAC to DC (12 or 24V?) to be able to store it. My problem is how do I work out how much I need to store to get me through the peak time of 6 hours? I do know that I use @ 5Kwh each day during the peak. Is this enough information to work out how much, or do I need more detail?
Matt
The peak rate is substantially higher than shoulder and off peak, and the peak rate runs 6 hours per day.
I have a 1.5Kw solar system, that due to government incentives pays me a higher rate than even the peak cost, yet I still have to pay the balance each quarter.
My question is simply this: Why cant I draw power down from the grid during off peak times, store it in batteries and then use it during peak times?
I am not overly familiar with electrical theory etc, but I assume I would need to convert 240VAC to DC (12 or 24V?) to be able to store it. My problem is how do I work out how much I need to store to get me through the peak time of 6 hours? I do know that I use @ 5Kwh each day during the peak. Is this enough information to work out how much, or do I need more detail?
Matt