Heaters are essential appliances for UK families. The UK climate conditions determine that residents need to use heating for a long time to maintain warmth. Especially in winter, when the weather is cold and humid, independent heating for households has become a necessity.
Electric storage heaters convert electricity at low prices into thermal energy and store it, effectively reducing heating costs and improving energy utilization efficiency. If you have a solar generator, you can use it to generate electricity during the day to charge the electric storage heater, reducing a significant energy bill.
In terms of home heating, electric storage heaters can be combined with solar generators. They store heat during the day and use it for heating at night or when there is insufficient sunlight, which is both environmentally friendly and economical.
In this guide, we will explain why linking these two technologies is crucial and help you understand how to choose the right electric storage heaters.
What are the Advantages of Linking Electric Storage Heaters and Solar Generators?
There are several important reasons why combining electric heat storage with solar energy systems is a better solution:
- Reduce Carbon Emissions
Integrating solar generators with electric storage heaters can help homes significantly decrease their carbon footprint. Solar power has become the most suitable way of producing clean and renewable energy. It does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels.
In the background of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the UK has made great strides in achieving the goal of net zero. Greenhouse emissions have been reduced by over 50% below the 1990 levels. It generates 33% of its electricity from renewable sources.[1]
There is no better way of contributing to creating this warm home than by using renewable energy sources. Combining electric storage heaters with solar energy defines what is needed to achieve zero emissions.
- Energy Cost Savings
Electricity has become a basic requirement for every family in the UK. It keeps homes warm and runs cooking, entertainment, lighting, and many other applications.
However, due to the high power of many heating appliances, such as microwaves, induction cookers, and electric storage heaters, homeowners will find that they have huge energy bills in winter, which can result in additional costs for some families.
Linking electric storage heaters with solar generators offers substantial savings on these bills. Solar energy is abundant and free, providing an alternative to grid-supplied electricity. Utilizing solar energy to generate electricity and store thermal energy during the day for heating at night can reduce energy costs. Moreover, families can enjoy long-term financial benefits.
- Improve Heating Stability
Electric heat storage combined with solar power generators can provide a stable heat supply during unstable power grid conditions, ensuring the continuity and safety of household heating. This improvement in stability is crucial for ensuring a comfortable indoor temperature, especially in situations of variable climate or power outages.
For example, extreme weather, such as rainstorms and ice disasters in winter, will increase the probability of power failure, and the lack of a standby power supply and heating equipment will greatly affect comfort.
Unlike conventional heating systems that rely solely on grid power, solar-assisted heaters continue to function even when blackouts occur. This ensures uninterrupted warmth and comfort for occupants, particularly during cold winters when reliable heating is essential.
- Improve Energy Efficiency
Aside from energy stability, you also need to improve your energy efficiency. Energy efficiency means optimizing the utilization of available resources. The combination of electric heat storage and solar generators can store energy when solar energy is sufficient and release it when needed, improving energy efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Homes that have fully embraced solar energy have always enjoyed more freedom and energy whenever needed. Combining solar generators with electric storage heaters creates even bigger opportunities for reliable power generation.
The Best Tips for Winter Heating
When winter approaches, maintaining home warmth becomes an important task. At the same time, we also hope to save electricity costs as much as possible.
So, how can you get a warm home while ensuring you don’t get huge bills at the end of the month? Here are a few tips that should be very useful.
- House Insulation
Although battery generators are a wise investment in winter, if your house is poorly insulated, the heat generated will escape through the gaps in your house, forcing the heater to work harder.
Adequate insulation is crucial for minimizing heat loss and reducing heating costs. Properly insulating walls, floors, roofs, and windows creates a thermal barrier, preventing heat from dissipating and cold drafts from entering the home. Invest in high-quality insulation materials and seal large gaps or cracks, and you will improve energy efficiency and lower heating bills over time.
- Maintain Heating Equipment
Heating equipment is essential in every family. However, like other machines, it can also experience component wear, blockages, and many other issues, leading to poor performance. Proper daily maintenance is recommended to maintain this efficiency.
For example, it’s helpful to clean or replace air filters, check for leaks or blockages in ducts or pipes, and inspect heating systems for any signs of wear or malfunction. Doing this can keep you from costly breakdowns, prolong the lifespan of your systems, and maximize energy savings.
- Reasonably Utilize Sunlight
You must know the best times to charge your devices and when to use them for power output. Optimizing the available energy to get the most from it is key.
Ways of improving utilization include opening the curtains during the day and letting the sunlight directly into the house. Fully charge the generator when there is sunlight in winter. At night, you can directly use the electricity in the portable power station. Also, you can use solar-powered heating systems or incorporate solar panels to generate electricity for heating purposes.
- Regional Heating
The way you arrange your house will determine its efficiency and outcome. Certain parts of the house are essential and must be heated, like the living room and an occupied bedroom. Instead of heating the entire house, focus on frequently occupied regions and concentrate there.
Doing so ensures energy optimization, prioritizing where it matters the most. With targeted heating, you can significantly save energy and still get great warmth and comfort.
- Optimize Energy Use
In the UK, electricity prices may not be consistent throughout every period. This means connecting to the grid during low electricity prices and using a solar power generator UK during peak electricity prices.
This is one of the best energy management strategies. When heating demands rise in winter, you will not feel as much pressure as you would if you didn’t have a good strategy. Besides, combining electric storage heaters with solar generators gives opportunities to charge other essential equipment without spending too much.
Purchase the Most Suitable Solar Generator
We have discussed why you need solar generators and electric storage heaters in your home. The next crucial thing is knowing which device suits your needs.
The last thing you need is to buy a solar generator that is too small to meet your requirements or too big to be a waste. Below are the main considerations for those needing a real-home solution.
- Energy Storage Capacity
The energy storage capacity of a solar generator is crucial. This is especially important for sustaining heating needs during nighttime or extended periods of low sunlight.
It’s recommended that systems with substantial battery storage be chosen to store surplus solar energy generated during the day. The stored energy can then power your heating system during peak demand hours or when solar irradiance is insufficient. Your system should be powerful enough to support night heating.
- High Power Generation Efficiency
Uninterrupted heating and stability during power outages is paramount. It’s even more crucial if you have connected essential equipment and other devices that should never go off.
Consider generators equipped with MPPT charge controllers and efficient converters. These modern technologies assist in energy optimization. Also, consider models with more advanced technologies from trusted brands.
- Economic Benefits
Evaluating the relationship between initial investment costs and long-term demand is wise. Although the initial cost of solar generators is slightly higher, they do not require long-term fuel costs.
Consider carefully the initial investment and long-term after-sales support from the brand. Quality and durability should be a priority when making your purchase. With responsive customer support, you are sure of reliability for a long time.
- Expansion Requirements
Future energy needs and scalability are also anticipated. Choose modular or expandable solutions that allow for seamless integration of additional solar panels or battery modules as your household’s heating requirements increase.
Such scalability ensures that your solar generator can grow alongside your energy needs. It will provide a sustainable and adaptable solution for years to come. When you invest in a flexible and expandable solar generator system, you can future-proof your heating setup.
Best Power Sources for Electric Storage Heaters – Jackery Solar Generators
Multiple factors must be considered when choosing a reliable power source for home electric storage heaters. Choosing well-known suppliers on the market is recommended, as their pre-sales and after-sales services are more comprehensive.
Jackery solar generators have stood out as one of the best power sources for electric storage heaters. Here are their top picks:
- Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you want to heat large spaces such as the master bedroom and living room, you don’t need to spend much money on an unsuitable solar generator. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is the most suitable option. Its features include:
- Expandability: Expand this solar generator from 2 to 12 kWh to meet your rising winter heating needs. You can add more solar storage batteries to it when you want more power.
- Excellent performance: Don’t let its size fool you. This generator powers heavy-duty devices up to 3000W. You can connect all your equipment and feel confident of a great outcome.
- Reliability: With ultra-fast charging and a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, you can fully charge it in 2 hours with 6 Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels. Its 10-year lifespan assures you that you made the right choice.
Invest in the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, and you will solve your house heating requirements. It is good for large rooms or living rooms. Besides, it’s one of the most affordable generators.
- Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus may not be necessary for smaller rooms. You need something smaller and yet powerful. This is where the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus plays a role. It comes with the following features:
- More power in a small size: With 1260Wh capacity and 2000W output, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus offers you the best performance in any situation. It comes with up to 5kWh expandable capacity, too, which can help you in heating for a long time and emergencies.
- Durable: This solar generator features a long-lasting LFP battery with 4000 charge cycles. The long 5-year warranty allows you using it with peace of mind.
- Fast charge: With advanced IBC technology, it only takes 2 hours to charge with 4 Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels. Moreover, you can also experience faster 100-minute wall charging, so you don’t have to worry about heating during winter camping.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a true definition of power and performance. It’s small, portable, and extremely effective in heating your rooms during winter. Also, it’s among the most affordable solutions out there.
Conclusion
Electric storage heaters play a vital role in heating UK homes during extreme cold. Combining them with solar generators ensures reliable, off-grid comfort with a warm house and efficiency in power consumption. It also promotes eco-friendliness.
Jackery has emerged as the top contender in the UK market. With solutions such as the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, you are sure of comfort in winter without compromising sustainability. Get your generator today, and the freezing weather will never scare you.