Home Battery Storage: A Case Study in Energy Independence
High electricity prices, new energy tariffs, and a desire for energy independence are driving more homeowners to explore home battery storage. For Carl Fagerberg, the solution was a Raymond Solid State battery system installed by Elbilsvaruhuset, a combination of security, smart technology, and real-world practicality. “It feels almost ridiculous how easy it has become to use solar energy,” Carl says.
From Curiosity to Investment
Carl describes himself as a tech enthusiast with a strong interest in smart energy solutions. “The idea of a green society appeals to me. I believe in small-scale systems that can relieve larger structures. Plus, new technology is always fun,” he says. The decision to invest in a battery storage system came after many conversations with different providers.
“I spoke with several companies and deliberately asked simple control questions to test if the salespeople knew what they were talking about. In the end, I concluded that Elbilsvaruhuset not only had the knowledge and reasonable prices, but they were genuinely interested in the customer, that is, me.”
A Complex System Requiring the Right Partner
When Elbilsvaruhuset entered the picture, Carl already had 24 kWp solar panels, two Ferroamp inverters, and a separate production fuse at home, a powerful and complex setup. After in-depth discussions with Carl, Niclas Ullbrand at Elbilsvaruhuset presented a solid yet flexible and adaptable solution.
“We ultimately chose a flexible solution: a Solis S6 20 kW inverter and a Solid State battery from Raymond at 27 kWh. This provides both the freedom to utilize existing parts, the possibility of island operation/backup, and a future-proof open platform, fully compatible with the existing Ferroamp inverters.”
A Battery That Adapts to the House and the Day
In practice, home battery storage is about shifting energy in time. “The battery automatically charges on solar surplus or during cheap hours and delivers during expensive hours. Through dynamic control, charging is optimized per hour without manual intervention; in the event of a power outage, the system can also (with configured island operation) keep the house running,” Niclas explains, emphasizing the interaction between battery, inverter, and smart control.
When it came to choosing a battery for Carl, there were many options, but factors such as safety and lifespan were crucial. That’s where Raymond Solid State came into the picture.
“Solid state technology represents a new level of safety and durability. It is revolutionizing both electric cars and battery storage, with more cycles and much higher safety than older technologies.”
The Results: Lower Costs, More Self-Generated Electricity, and Peace of Mind
After Carl chose to supplement his solar energy system with smart energy storage, the effects have been clear:
- Electricity Price Arbitrage & Peak Shaving: His electricity costs have decreased through electricity price arbitrage, higher self-consumption of solar electricity, and the ability to cut power peaks, both Carl and Niclas summarize.
- Backup Power: Full backup power to the entire house if island operation is activated, Carl notes.
- Everyday Simplicity: Without me doing anything, the batteries are charged with solar electricity during the day and then manage to supply both the electric car and the house with free electricity, he says. In winter, the battery is charged during the cheapest hours.
Earlier this summer, after the system had been running for a few months, Carl reported that "so far this month, our house has only consumed 26 kWh from the grid, including charging the electric car which has only been charged at home, it feels almost ridiculous that it was so easy to maximize our solar energy.” Carl’s electricity consumption should be compared to the normal energy consumption for a villa or townhouse, which is approximately 20,000–25,000 kWh annually, according to a calculation from E:ON based on an average of their villa customers.
Safety and Lifespan in Focus with Raymond Solid State
Safety and lifespan are among the most important factors in a home battery for homeowners. Here, safety is about how the entire system behaves if something deviates: cell chemistry that is not flammable, a BMS (battery management system) that monitors each module, correct dimensioning against inverters, and an installation that follows standards. Lifespan determines how long the investment provides value, how many cycles the battery can handle, and how it performs in the everyday climate. Raymond Solid State is a battery that is truly at the forefront of the market when it comes to safety and lifespan.
“We have tested cells from several manufacturers and conducted overcharge, penetration, and heat tests, without leaking electrolyte, smoke, or fire, and with very low temperature increase of one degree. The results from test centers in Sweden and Europe show a new reference level for safety.”
In addition to safety, home batteries need to function stably over time and preferably in a Nordic climate, and preferably be able to be expanded as needs change. Both cell chemistry and system architecture play a role here (modular setup, own BMS, compatibility with common inverters). Mattias continues and says that "thanks to the cell chemistry, our batteries handle cold well and you can expand the system over time. The standard warranty is 10 years and 8000 cycles, with 80% remaining." He also says that "there are now several insurance companies, fire protection consultants, and procurement consultants who recommend Raymond’s Solid State battery storage."
What does it mean for the household? In short, the system with Raymond Solid State is designed for safe operation, predictable performance, and long service life, where the battery is an important piece of the puzzle in a whole that also includes inverters, control, and competent professional installation.
Security from First Conversation to Commissioned System
Energy storage systems are generally an advanced, technical solution, but that does not mean it needs to be difficult. Elbilsvaruhuset’s process is clear and simple, Niclas Ullbrand describes the flow as follows: "We start by collecting data and doing a needs analysis and dimensioning together with the customer, which ultimately results in a quote. In our digital system, we book installation with one of our certified installers, who carries out and commissions the system. On site, function and safety tests are performed, followed by a smooth handover and follow-up." Niclas also adds that "Elbilsvaruhuset of course helps with, among other things, green deductions, and offers quick support after start-up."
Carl agrees and says that "the system has exceeded my expectations" and highlights that "Elbilsvaruhuset was genuinely interested in me as a customer", an important aspect for Carl in the choice of company.
Lessons for Other Homeowners
The benefits of a battery storage system are many, but for many, the decision often feels overwhelming. Niclas Ullbrand at Elbilsvaruhuset mentions the following three tips to facilitate the decision.
- Divide the decision into hardware and software. Choose solutions with good warranties, it often becomes more profitable in the long run.
- Dimension correctly and think about placement and regulations. Make sure your solution is future-proof and keep track of regulations such as BBR.
- Look at what the control/software can do today. Updates can often be delayed, choose solutions with proven functions that work today.
Elbilsvaruhuset helps to find the right solutions based on your unique conditions so that you can feel confident that you are making a qualified decision. Carl also adds a tip, "if you install solar panels, make sure everything ends up under the same consumption fuse. Our separate production fuse made the installation a little more complicated than necessary."
The Future with the Battery System
Energy-smart homes are quickly moving from point efforts to interacting systems where solar panels, inverters, battery, smart hub, charging box, and heat pump work together. The control is becoming increasingly automated: the house stores surplus when it is cheap or sunny and uses it when it is expensive, without you having to do anything. In practice, the home becomes a small energy hub where security, control, and lower cost are three sides of the same coin.
An important point for those who are going to buy today is that many solutions are modular and expandable, for example, Raymond Solid State, the battery Carl chose. You can start in a reasonable size and build on when needs change, for example, if you invest in an electric car that needs to be charged more, if the family’s consumption increases, or if you want longer backup in the event of a power outage. If you choose components with broad compatibility and good support, you are rarely locked in, but can upgrade both hardware (more battery modules) and software (smarter control) over time. In short: a wise choice now protects the investment and makes it easy to keep up with developments.
Carl also reasons in just that way: "The conditions are constantly changing, if we start charging the car more, it may be time to expand with more battery modules." From the manufacturer’s side, the same direction is emphasized: "Our architecture with its own BMS and modular construction makes it easy to scale, and to mix both new and older modules," says Mattias Hansson.
In conclusion, Carl Fagerberg’s journey shows how home battery storage can provide lower costs, increased self-sufficiency, and security, without hassle. With Elbilsvaruhuset’s holistic approach and Raymond Solid State as the technical foundation, the result is both simple in everyday life and future-proof. Niclas summarizes that "this gives the family both lower costs and security for the future, and we are there all the way."
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