PV Storage for Home: Energy Independence and Lower Electricity Costs with Solar Storage
More and more households are turning to PV storage to relieve themselves of rising electricity costs and become more independent of external electricity providers. With a solar battery storage system, the self-consumption of self-generated solar power can be significantly increased - to up to 80%, compared to only around 30% without storage . This allows you to make optimal use of the cheap solar power from your own roof instead of feeding it into the grid for a comparatively low feed-in tariff. Considering that a kilowatt hour of self-generated solar power costs only around 12 cents, while grid electricity costs about 30 cents , it becomes clear: A photovoltaic storage system means more independence and noticeable cost savings. In the following, you will learn how PV storage works, which technologies and brands are available, and what you should pay attention to when selecting, installing, and promoting it.
How Does a PV Storage System Work in the Home?
A PV storage system (solar power storage system) is basically a battery system that stores excess solar power from your photovoltaic system. During the day, solar modules often generate more electricity than is currently needed in the household - especially around lunchtime. Without storage, this surplus would be fed into the public grid. With a storage system, however, the excess electricity is stored in the battery instead of going into the grid. As soon as the sun stops shining (in the evening, at night, or on cloudy days), the battery storage system provides the previously stored energy again. This allows you to use your own solar power even after sunset and have to buy less electricity.
Modern PV storage systems work fully automatically: An energy management system decides, depending on the current consumption and generation, whether the electricity flows into the house grid, the battery is charged, or (if the storage system is full) is fed into the public grid. Many systems also enable an emergency power supply in the event of a power failure. In combination with a suitable inverter, the storage system can then continue to supply critical devices in the household with energy in the event of a blackout. In this way, a PV storage system not only increases self-consumption and lowers the electricity bill, but also serves as a backup solution for greater security of supply.
Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid Batteries – A Technology Comparison
Lead-acid batteries (lead-gel or lead-acid) were often used in solar storage systems in the past, while today almost exclusively lithium-ion batteries are installed. Both battery technologies differ greatly in performance and characteristics:
Efficiency: Lithium-ion storage systems have a high round-trip efficiency of approx. 90–95 %, while lead-acid batteries usually only reach 70–85 %. This means that less energy is lost when charging/discharging lithium batteries .
Usable Capacity (DoD): Lithium batteries can be deeply discharged (often 80–95 % of the capacity can be used) without being damaged. With lead-acid batteries, a discharge depth of usually only 50 % is recommended to avoid premature aging.
Lifespan: A good quality lithium-ion battery (especially lithium iron phosphate) typically lasts 5,000 or more charge cycles before the capacity noticeably decreases. Lead-acid batteries often only last for a few hundred to a thousand cycles. Studies show that lithium storage has a 5–10 times longer lifespan than lead . In practice, this corresponds to about 10–15 years of operation for lithium, while lead often has to be replaced after 5–8 years.
Costs: Lead-based storage systems are initially cheaper to purchase per kWh of capacity. However, this is put into perspective over the service life – because of the shorter durability and lower usable capacity, lead-acid batteries have to be replaced more frequently. Lithium-ion batteries have higher initial costs, but deliver more usable energy in the long run and can therefore be more cost-effective.
Maintenance: Lithium batteries are virtually maintenance-free. No regular maintenance work is required. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, sometimes require maintenance (e.g. refilling with distilled water in open systems) and should be kept in ventilated rooms, as gases can be produced during operation.
Due to these advantages, lithium-ion batteries - especially lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) - have become the standard for modern PV home storage. They offer high efficiency, long service life and more user comfort . In the next section, we will look at some popular lithium-based storage solutions for private solar systems.
Popular PV Storage Systems: Zendure, Anker SOLIX and Pylontech
The market for home battery storage is growing rapidly. Numerous manufacturers offer solutions for different applications - from compact balcony power plant storage systems to modular battery systems for complete home supply. In the following, we will shed light on three popular providers and their PV storage solutions: Zendure, Anker SOLIX and Pylontech.
Zendure – Innovative Solar Storage for Balcony Power Plants
Zendure has launched its SolarFlow series, one of the first storage solutions specifically for balcony power plants . The Zendure SolarFlow set consists of an intelligent PV hub and modular battery modules. A basic set contains the Zendure SolarFlow PV hub (as a control unit) and at least one battery unit (e.g. model AB2000 with approx. 1.92 kWh capacity). Up to four battery modules can be combined, so that the storage capacity can be expanded to almost 7.7 kWh – remarkable for a balcony system.
The way it works is specifically tailored to balcony PV: The SolarFlow system is simply connected between the PV module and the micro-inverter. Excess solar power that cannot be consumed directly at noon is stored in the Zendure battery and is available again in the evening or at night . This means that the use of solar power from a mini-PV system is no longer limited to the hours of sunshine during the day, but can take place over 24 hours. Zendure relies on durable LiFePO₄ batteries, which are designed for thousands of charge cycles, as well as a weatherproof housing (protection class IP65) for outdoor use. With a warranty of around 10 years and easy expandability, Zendure offers a flexible plug-and-play storage solution – ideal for tenants and balcony power plant owners who want to maximize their self-consumption without having to install a large PV system.
Anker SOLIX – Plug-and-Play Power Storage for Small PV Systems
Anker – known for electronics and power banks – has also entered the PV storage market with the SOLIX Solarbank. The Anker SOLIX Solarbank E1600 model is an all-in-one storage system with 1.6 kWh capacity and integrated energy management . Similar to Zendure, the Anker Solarbank is simply connected between the solar panels and the micro-inverter. It stores excess solar power and releases it again when needed – installation and operation are very simple. The compact unit is designed for outdoor use (IP65 waterproof ) and can therefore be placed directly on the balcony or the house wall.
Despite its handy size, the SOLIX E1600 impresses with its inner values: The built-in lithium iron phosphate battery achieves about 6000 charge cycles (up to 70 % remaining capacity) and Anker grants a 10-year warranty on the device . This speaks for a long service life and quality. With a storage capacity of 1.6 kWh, the basic demand for light, consumer electronics and refrigerator can be covered in an average household, for example, in the evening. For higher self-sufficiency, the Solarbank can be expanded by expansion batteries – Anker offers options here to increase the capacity. The Anker SOLIX is ideal for homeowners or condominium owners who are looking for a user-friendly storage solution to increase their own consumption. Thanks to the plug-and-play design, no complex installation with a separate battery inverter is required. In short: A comfortable introduction to solar power storage with the security of a well-known manufacturer.
Pylontech – Modular Battery Storage for Large PV Systems
Pylontech is an established manufacturer of modular battery storage systems and is widely used, especially in classic photovoltaic systems for single-family homes. Pylontech modules such as the US2000C, US3000C or US5000 series are based on durable LiFePO₄ cells and typically offer 2.4 kWh to 4.8 kWh of capacity per unit. These 48-volt battery modules are interconnected in a stack ("rack") to achieve the desired total capacity – for example, 2 US3000C modules result in about 7 kWh of storage (as a set available from NYLYN Solar) and 3 US5000 modules result in approx. 14 kWh for very high self-sufficiency needs. The great advantage of Pylontech is the scalability: Users can start small and gradually expand the solar storage system as the energy demand grows.
The use of a Pylontech battery system usually requires a suitable hybrid inverter or battery inverter, which takes over the charging/discharging control and converts the direct current of the battery into the household alternating current grid. Many well-known inverters (SMA, Victron, Growatt, etc.) are already compatible with Pylontech – the integration into existing PV systems is therefore straightforward. Pylontech batteries are characterized by high discharge rates and a usable capacity of up to 95 %, which makes them very efficient. As with other LiFePO₄ storage systems, the lifespan is several thousand cycles; Pylontech usually grants a 7 to 10 year warranty on its modules (often 10 years through registration) . This modular system is ideal for homeowners with larger photovoltaic systems who are looking for a tailor-made storage system for the highest possible independence from the grid. Pylontech storage systems are also popular for emergency power solutions in single-family homes, as sufficient capacity and a suitable inverter can supply entire households in the event of a power failure.
Choosing the Right PV Storage System: What Matters?
The choice of the right storage solution depends on individual factors of your household and your PV system. Before you decide on a system, you should consider the following points:
Determine your own energy needs: How high is your average electricity consumption per day and when does it occur? Households with high consumption in the evening hours benefit particularly from a larger storage system, as it must store enough solar power from the day to cover the demand until the next morning. Think about which consumers you want to cover with battery power (base load such as refrigerator, WLAN, lighting or also larger appliances). The required capacity of the storage system (in kWh) should be chosen so that it can cover a large part of your typical night consumption.
Performance requirements & emergency power: Pay attention to the output power of the storage system or the associated inverter. This determines how many devices you can supply with battery energy at the same time. For pure self-consumption optimization, a lower kW output is often sufficient, while for emergency power operation in a blackout, enough power must be available to supply important consumers (heating pumps, freezer, possibly some socket circuits). If emergency power capability is desired, make sure that the system supports such a UPS function - not every PV storage system can automatically jump in during a power failure.
Budget and cost-effectiveness: Set your available budget in relation to the potential savings. Small storage systems (e.g. <5 kWh) are cheaper to purchase and are worthwhile if you mainly want to save some grid electricity in the evening. Larger storage systems increase self-sufficiency, but cost significantly more - here you should check after how many years the investment will pay off. Also note any battery subsidies (see below) that reduce costs. Compare the costs per kWh stored over the service life of different systems: A more expensive lithium storage system with many cycles can be cheaper in the long run than a cheaper one that has to be replaced earlier.
PV system and technical compatibility: The choice also depends on your existing or planned PV system. For balcony power plants, only specialized plug-and-play storage systems such as Zendure or Anker are practically suitable - classic home storage systems are oversized for this. For a larger roof-mounted PV system, storage systems and inverters should be able to communicate with each other. It often makes sense to use a hybrid inverter that controls the PV generator and battery together. Check whether your existing inverter is compatible with the desired battery system (manufacturers issue compatibility lists).
Desired degree of self-sufficiency: Consider how independent you want to become from the public grid. If you only want to optimize your self-consumption and save electricity costs, a medium-sized storage system that supplies power in the evening until the night is usually sufficient. However, if you are striving for a very high degree of self-sufficiency or even temporary island operation, plan more generously with the capacity and choose a system that can be expanded. For complete independence, additional measures are often necessary (e.g. an emergency generator or a second PV system for winter), but every additional kWh of storage brings you closer to this goal.
Installation and Maintenance of a PV Storage System
Installation: The commissioning of a PV storage system should be carried out with care. Small balcony storage sets (such as Zendure SolarFlow or Anker SOLIX) are designed to be installed relatively easily by the end user - they are supplied with suitable connectors and integrated into the existing balcony PV. Nevertheless, it is important to follow the instructions exactly and to call in specialist personnel if you are unsure. Larger battery storage systems, which are permanently integrated into the household power supply, must be installed and configured by an electrician. Among other things, the connection regulations of the network operator must be observed (when retrofitting a storage system, this often has to be reported) and the correct setting of the inverter/battery manager is crucial for safe function. A certified installer ensures that all components – PV modules, charge controller, inverter and battery – work perfectly together. The placement of the storage system is also important: Lithium batteries should be set up in a dry, well-ventilated room that is protected from extreme temperatures (e.g. utility room, cellar). Make sure to keep sufficient distance and to observe the prescribed safety distances.
Maintenance: One of the advantages of modern Li-ion storage systems is the low maintenance effort. During operation, the Battery Management System (BMS) monitors the battery and prevents harmful conditions. As the operator, you should only occasionally keep an eye on the system displays or the associated app to ensure that everything is in the green. It may be useful to have the installer carry out a check-up at regular intervals (e.g. annually), during which the system and the storage system are checked for correct function (similar to a heating maintenance). Any software updates of the storage system should be installed, if provided by the manufacturer. Otherwise, the following applies: Lithium storage systems are largely maintenance-free - no refilling of liquids or the like is required. The situation would be different with lead-acid batteries, but these are hardly ever used in new PV storage systems. Important for longevity is above all to avoid extreme environmental conditions: Very high or very low temperatures can affect the battery. If you observe these few points, you will have little effort and great benefit with your PV storage system for years.
Subsidies and Government Incentives for PV Storage
The purchase of a PV storage system is supported in many cases by government funding programs. In Germany, there has been a major financial advantage since 2023: Photovoltaic systems and battery storage systems are exempt from value-added tax . This means that the 19 % value-added tax is not charged when purchasing a storage system - a significant price advantage. In addition to this tax relief, there are (or were) various funding programs as a subsidy or low-interest loan. KfW programs ran at the federal level in the past, and individual federal states have also launched their own storage subsidies. However, these change over time. For example, Berlin currently subsidizes battery storage systems with 300 € per kWh capacity (up to 15,000 €) subsidy  as part of the "SolarPLUS" program. However, such attractive state programs are often budgeted and sometimes limited in time. Therefore, find out if there are funds available for home storage systems in your federal state or municipality. In some regions (as of 2024), state funds are exhausted, while new programs are being planned - a look at the websites of energy agencies or environmental ministries is worthwhile.
There are also comparable subsidies in Austria and Switzerland: Climate protection subsidies are often awarded for private storage systems, or PV storage systems are subsidized as part of photovoltaic complete packages. In addition, battery storage systems indirectly increase the economic efficiency of your PV system, because the solar power you consume yourself - unlike feed-in - is tax-free and, above all, much cheaper than grid electricity. Summa summarum: Use available subsidies and tax advantages to reduce the investment costs of your PV storage system. Your solar installer or provider (such as NYLYN Solar) can provide you with advisory support and point out current programs.
Your Path to Your Own Storage Solution – Advice from NYLYN Solar
A PV storage system brings you a big step closer to your dream of energy independence and helps you save electricity costs. It is important to find a solution that fits your household exactly. NYLYN Solar offers you a wide range of PV storage solutions - from compact balcony power plant storage systems such as Zendure and Anker SOLIX to scalable systems from Pylontech for larger solar systems. Use our experience and get individual advice: We help you to select the ideal solar power storage system based on your energy needs, budget and desired degree of self-sufficiency.
Take on your project now: Contact the NYLYN Solar team today for a non-binding expert consultation. Together, we will find the optimal storage solution for your home and accompany you from planning to installation to commissioning. Increase your self-consumption, protect yourself against power failures and benefit from government subsidies - with a PV storage system from NYLYN Solar!
