Home backup power: why solar panels alone aren’t enough
Home backup power may be something you’ve pondered over, especially if you live in an area prone to grid outages. Becoming energy independent can help protect you against potential failures of the grid. However, a common misconception about home backup power is that solar panels alone can keep your home appliances running. While solar can […]
Standalone battery storage without solar: the unsung hero of energy freedom?
What you’ll read in this article: The growth of home solar PV panels coupled with battery storage has empowered households to cut electricity bills and carbon emissions. While awareness around the benefits of solar and storage continues to grow, this could leave another, more accessible, and more affordable route to energy independence in the shadows. […]
GivEnergy All in One 3.6 or 6.0? Which one is right for me?
GivEnergy All in One 3.6 or 6.0? The GivEnergy All in One combines a battery and an inverter into one compact unit. Couple it with a supporting Giv-Gateway, and you’ll be able to switch seamlessly between grid and battery power. This means you can keep the power on during grid outages. The new All in […]
What is IP65 rating? ‘Is my GivEnergy home battery waterproof?’
What is IP65 rating? When it comes to waterproof and dustproof protection, IP65 is pretty run-of-the-mill, especially for products designed for use outdoors. GivEnergy battery storage systems are no exception. But what does IP65 actually mean? How waterproof is waterproof? And the question you’re all pondering: ‘is my GivEnergy home battery waterproof?’ So, what is […]
‘Which GivEnergy battery is right for me?’ 4 questions you MUST consider
So, you’ve decided to get a GivEnergy battery. Great! (We would say that, wouldn’t we?) A GivEnergy battery can help you cut: While a home battery is a great investment, it also requires careful consideration to make sure you get the right one for you. If you want the answer to this question in a […]
Powering eco-friendly new build houses with clean energy
What you will read in this article: Making residential buildings more environmentally sustainable is a key part of the UK’s legally binding net zero carbon emissions targets. And an obvious opportunity here is in powering eco-friendly new build houses with clean energy. On the one hand, significant progress has already been made regarding decarbonising domestic […]
Solar installers: here are 3 reasons you should ALSO install home batteries
Solar installations are booming. And that’s great news for… solar installers. Installations in the UK hit a 12-year high in 2023, according to MCS figures, with 190,000 rooftop installations in one year. The latest estimates suggest around 519,409 UK homes are generating solar, according to The Eco Experts. But could solar installers also tap into […]
EV Man answers your questions about GivEnergy kit
GivEnergy Visual Content Manager, Andy Rogerson, aka EV Man (EVM), recently did his first Instagram Live. The video has also been posted on the GivEnergy YouTube channel. In the video, Andy answered your questions about GivEnergy kit. He discussed: … and a whole lot more. Read below to find the written version of what Andy […]
Home battery payback period: 4 things to include in your calculations
What you’ll read in this article: A home battery is perfect for reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. Data from GivEnergy customers suggests that on average, users reduce annual bills by 85% and carbon emissions by 300kg. Home batteries come with an upfront cost. This includes the price of the units and installation. With this […]
Why EVERY solar power installation should have battery storage
Walk around any residential area in the UK and you’ll likely see a home solar power installation. Given their ability to reduce carbon emissions and energy bills, solar panels make sense. Not to mention they tend to be scalable, and increasingly affordable. But is a home solar power installation worth it without battery storage? Here, […]
Industry update: home battery installations in lofts
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has issued new recommendations on home battery installations. This includes installations in lofts. The main question from our installers and customers following the PAS (Publicly Available Specification) is: can you install a GivEnergy battery in a loft space? Short answer: yes. However, there are a few key details we need […]
What is a microgrid?
What you’ll read in this article: Microgrids are on the rise. Households, businesses, and communities are increasingly seeking greater energy independence. In the face of climate change, energy insecurity, and rising bills, microgrids offer a feasible alternative to traditional energy models. In this article, we explain what a microgrid is, as well as tackle other […]
Home battery fire risk: 3 reasons you DON’T need to worry
What you’ll read in this article: Incidents of battery fires aren’t difficult to find online. These usually involve electronic devices using a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-on) battery. You’ve probably read about a smart phone, laptop, etc. bursting into flames. With this in mind, it’s reasonable to question the fire risks posed by home battery storage systems. […]
What is an off grid home? 4 questions answered
An off grid home: for many, this may conjure up images of free living amidst the depths of nature, free from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While it might sound like a dream for some, the reality is that an off grid home requires careful planning and consideration. Here, we explain what an […]
Solar panels and battery cost: 5 questions answered
Solar panels and battery cost may be something that’s crossed your mind if you plan on making your home more energy efficient. Solar panels coupled with battery storage are a killer combination which can: If you’re unsure about how much all this costs, read on. ‘Is now a good time to buy solar panels and […]
Eco-friendly new builds: the call for cross-industry collaboration
From 2025 onwards, all new builds in the UK will have to comply with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) – legislation requiring homes to be more energy efficient. The FHS aims to cut carbon emissions by 75% per home compared with properties built under current regulations. Achieving this ambitious target will require a multifaceted approach […]
‘How much solar storage do I need?’ An easy 3-step guide
‘How much solar storage do I need?’ is probably a question you’ve pondered if you have: Annoyingly, the answer is all too familiar… ‘It depends!’ It depends on the capacity of your solar panels, the electricity usage of your property, and how much sunlight you get, among other things. In this 3-step guide, we’ll show […]
Can you run an air source heat pump on a home storage battery?
Questions answered in this article: Installations of heat pumps are on the rise. According to the MCS Foundation, the number of heat pumps installed in the UK in 2023 went up 19% on the previous year. With a £7,500 government grant on offer in England and Wales, installations are only set to increase, helping to […]
What is electricity grid trading? 3 steps to making money from excess energy
What you’ll read in this article: Policymakers are pursuing net-zero carbon emissions. Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to slash their energy bills. Fortunately, the two go hand in hand. As a result, energy is no longer a one-way street. Gone are the days when consumers would simply use electricity drawn from the grid and […]
Home battery installation: 6 questions to ask your installer
So, you’ve decided that a home storage battery is for you. Home battery installation is a big step but it needn’t be stressful. For peace of mind, make sure to ask your installer a few questions beforehand – from the Ts & Cs of your warranty, to where the system can be installed, and everything […]
Energy as a service (EaaS): 3 ways it empowers consumers
Questions answered in this article: Energy used to be a simple game. You use x-amount of gas or electricity, and get billed by your supplier, accordingly. Energy as a service, or EaaS, is changing that. Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about the how, when, and at what cost they use energy. So, what is EaaS […]
Home battery power: ‘How much capacity do I need?’ and other questions answered
More and more households are seeking energy flexibility – the ability to use less energy overall and to shift use times to when energy is abundant, clean, and cheap. At the heart of the energy flexibility revolution? Home battery power. In this post, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions customers have about home […]
How do home battery storage systems work? A layman’s guide
With the potential to cut energy bills and carbon emissions, it’s not surprising that the number of billpayers installing home battery storage systems is on the rise. Data from GivEnergy customers suggests that with a home battery, you can save around 85% on your energy bills and cut your carbon footprint by 300kg per year. […]
Your home battery journey: 5 things to know from installation to saving on bills
The benefits of a home battery are becoming increasingly obvious. According to GivEnergy’s own internal data, customers can save around 85% per year on their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions by around 300kg. If you want to start your home battery journey, make sure to do your research on which battery is right […]
EV storage: 3 ways EVs & energy storage can work in harmony
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed there are more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in recent times. You may also know that battery storage is becoming more and more prevalent – for homes, businesses and at grid-level. What you might not know is how the two can work in harmony. […]
Energy resilient: what does it mean and what can you do about it?
What you will read in this article: With extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to climate change, grids are increasingly under threat. The question of how to be more energy resilient is on the minds of world leaders, policymakers, businesses and ordinary citizens alike. Many are now waking up to the role that renewables […]
3 ways to make your home energy independent
What you will read in this article: There was a time when an energy independent home was merely a pipe dream for many of us. ‘Going off-grid’ might have conjured up images of tree-hugging hippies living in the depths of the wilderness. Oh, how times have changed. Energy independence is now becoming a reality for […]
What is round trip efficiency in battery storage?
Round trip efficiency (RTE) is a measure of how efficiently a battery can store and discharge energy. Find out why it’s crucial in the world of BESS. Terminology in the world of battery storage can seem daunting to the average Joe. Luckily, we’re here to help. Round trip efficiency (RTE) is something you may have […]
What is ESS in the energy storage world? 3 key questions answered
If you’ve read anything about energy storage, there’s a good chance you’ve come across ESS. But what is ESS, exactly? In short, ESS stands for energy storage system. It generally does what it says on the tin – stores energy which can then be discharged for later use. So, what are the different types of […]
LiFePO4 battery: what is it & why is it best for BESS?
The LiFePO4 battery is now a popular choice for battery energy storage systems (BESS). What is it and what makes it so great? The LiFePO4 battery has become a popular battery storage choice. Make no mistake. It’s not the only choice out there. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are another popular choice with a […]
Should you buy a wind turbine for home? Consider these 3 things
A wind turbine for home can be a great way to generate your own energy from a renewable source. However, you need to bear a few things in mind when deciding if it’s right for you. More and more households are seeking to generate their own renewable energy. While solar panels coupled with battery storage […]
Retrofit storage batteries: the key to reducing demands on grid infrastructure
What you will read in this article: The world is generating more renewable energy than ever before. Between 2007 and 2022, the global share of renewables in electricity generation rose from 18.24% to 29.91%. However, much of that progress could be for nothing if grid infrastructure fails to keep pace. One recent report suggests that the world […]
[BREAKING] UK government announces tax relief on battery storage systems
In a much-needed move towards energy efficiency, the government has unveiled plans to grant VAT relief on the installation of energy storage batteries. This welcome move extends far beyond the previous VAT relief policy, which was limited to batteries installed concurrently with solar panels. The policy – set for implementation on February 1, 2024 – […]
The evolution of energy storage batteries: from emergent technology to a mature market
In our pursuit of a sustainable future, energy storage has emerged as a crucial component of the global energy landscape. Indeed, as more and more homeowners look to transition towards clean, low-cost energy, the installation of energy storage batteries is spiking. With this rise of the home storage battery has come rapid technological advancement. Driven […]
Three-phase inverters: what are they, how do they work, and what are their benefits?
In the dynamic world of renewable energy, making the most of our power sources is essential. And one important development in the journey towards sustainable energy solutions is the rise in three-phase inverters. Still a fairly new technology, three-phase inverters are now beginning to grow in popularity. So, let’s dive into their fundamentals. In this […]
Explain like I’m 5: depth of discharge
Maybe you’ve seen the term ‘depth of discharge’ used on our website, on a battery datasheet, or elsewhere while investigating home battery storage. However, it’s not obvious to a layman just what the term means. Depth of discharge, or DoD, is a factor you’ll absolutely need to consider when choosing which home storage battery is […]
Energising a sustainable future: our CEO on advancing energy storage systems
AZoCleantech – the leading online publication for the clean technology community – chatted to our CEO for their latest thought leadership interview. Jason Howlett shared his insights on how GivEnergy is revolutionising the residential and commercial sectors with our cutting-edge energy storage systems. Want to read the interview? Scroll on… 🧐 Q: Can you tell […]
What is a hybrid inverter?
FAQ: What is a hybrid inverter? A: In a nutshell, it’s the “smart” part of your energy storage system. Let’s take a closer look. As we are all trying to make more sustainable choices, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are gaining in popularity. However, harnessing energy from these sources can be challenging […]
The missing part of the Future Homes Standard: energy storage
By now, you’ve likely heard about the Future Homes Standard becoming mandatory in 2025. The initiative sets out minimum energy efficiency requirements for all new homes built in England – with a view to improving both the economy and sustainability of home energy usage. Unfortunately, the Future Homes Standard has a glaring omission. While factors […]
Do solar panels need batteries?
One of the questions we’re mostly commonly asked is: “Do solar panels need batteries?” The answer is not technically – but that doesn’t mean that it’s not highly advisable. Having solar panels without a battery is like going to get water without a bucket. You can drink your fill while you’re at the water source, […]
Smart tariffs and home storage batteries: a match made in heaven
Smart tariffs – also known as time of use tariffs – offer different prices for energy at different times of the day. So, you get cheap energy prices during off-peak hours. (Such as when fewer people are using energy overnight, or when renewable energy generation is peaking.) Getting low costs whenever there’s green energy flowing […]
The superior choice: embracing LiFePO4 batteries over NMC technology
In the world of energy storage batteries, technological advancements have revolutionised the way we power our homes and businesses. Two popular contenders in the market are: While both technologies offer advantages, LiFePO4 batteries are the smart choice over NMC batteries. Here’s an overview on why LiFePO4 cell technology is safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable […]
How energy storage can ease the UK’s fuel poverty problems
In 2022, an estimated 13.4% – or 3.26 million – households in England were in fuel poverty. For 2023, the projection sees this rise to 14.4%, or 3.53 million households. Unfortunately, tackling the UK’s fuel poverty problem is no mean feat. Policies, prices, and political agendas can change rapidly. The most certain and sustainable way […]
Maximising micro-generation with energy storage
Solar has long been the renewable of choice for homeowners looking to generate green energy. With our prime location for wind power, however, UK bill-payers are beginning to pay attention to home wind turbines. Despite the UK’s advanced wind power capacity and generation, the residential market has remained niche – up to now. Across rural […]
Battery storage – the heart of the low-carbon home
Today’s billpayer faces a perfect storm when it comes to energy usage: soaring costs, energy uncertainty, and mounting climate concerns. Amid such strains, more and more consumers are turning to renewable energy systems. While such a shift towards renewable energy is welcome, it’s not enough. Renewables are, by nature, intermittent. So, it is only when […]