Hello - just had a solar panel installation including battery & hybrid inverter both of which are mounted externally. I am considering a boxing around the units (for appearance sake) but Is it recommended that the battery (or inverter) are protected by insulation or are they ok within the UK climate. I have fitted a canopy over the top to protect from driving rain / snow etc.
https://community.givenergy.cloud/d/3734-outdoor-installation-minimum-temperature-battery-spec
This thread is a good place to start
JGab in short your battery will reduce the charging rate when the internal cell temperature drops below 20 degrees C, and stop charging entirely if it gets below zero.
So yes, some insulation around the battery is a good idea in winter, but make it removable for summer.
In summer the opposite problem that the inverter can get too hot, you’ll probably want to fit some fans. Again, posts on the forum on this topic
geoffreycoan it appears there is also a reduction in the discharge rate under certain conditions, GE have yet to admit this
Al E.Gator I believe that the battery can discharge at down to minus 10 (or something like that).
Personally I’ve never seen any reduction in discharge rate, I get 2.9kWh out of my 9.5 and 2.7 out of the 5.2 regardless of temperature. But I am on BMS 3015 not 3017
geoffreycoan ...and they're in a heated shed so your wife's saddles/etc don't crack IIRC 😉
Being serious for a bit - this will affect everyone because building regs are changing, so the default install position for batteries is going to be on an outside wall. Integral garages will be OK with ventilation and appropriate linked alarm.
I doubt you'll find anyone (MCS certed) who will install batteries anywhere other than those locations* - there are of course exemptions/etc but I doubt many reputable firms would want to "own" those for the duration of the warranty.
Other brands of battery storage have heaters. GE don't.
*outbuildings are fine
Vestas there's no way I would get any executive approval for putting anything in my wife's horse stuff shed. Once I had rebuilt it, insulated it, fitted power and lights, plugged in an oil heater and a bluetooth temperature monitor so I could automate turning the heater on, my involvement and access was done.
It took negotiation to get her to leave the shed key accessible to me ...
My batteries are in the unheated garage. Did notice the battery temperatures dropping when I left the garage door open the other day, so do try to keep it shut in this winter weather
Agree with your comments about install locations changing, but I don't think installers are generally savvy (or honest) about the implications of an outdoor install, especially temperature related charging limits
geoffreycoan yeah it’s an odd one as I’ve heard people who’ve said they’ve seen no restriction, and then others (including myself) that see a clearly stepped reduction in power. It such clear limits that it must have been coded to perform that way.