The electricity grid is increasingly under pressure, especially due to the rapid increase of solar panels and electric cars in residential areas. This regularly leads to so-called grid congestion: situations where the network cannot handle the large amount of locally generated electricity. For residents, this sometimes means limitations in energy feedback or delays in new connections. Can a home battery be the solution here? In short: yes, in many cases it helps enormously. With a home battery, you store generated electricity, making you less dependent on the electricity grid. This not only lowers your own electricity bill, but also actively contributes to reducing grid congestion. By absorbing peaks in electricity production and usage, you ensure that the pressure on the local network is significantly reduced. In this blog, we explain how this works, what the benefits are, and what you need to consider when using energy storage at home.

What exactly is grid congestion?

Grid congestion occurs when the electricity network does not have enough capacity to immediately discharge all locally generated power. This problem often surfaces on sunny days when many solar panels simultaneously produce electricity. Because all this energy is fed back into the electricity grid, peaks arise that the network cannot handle. As a result, energy companies are forced to impose restrictions on feedback or temporarily suspend new connections. This has negative consequences for homeowners and businesses wanting to invest in sustainable energy. One of the most practical solutions for this is storing and using the self-generated energy locally. With a home battery, you can store the energy produced during the day so that you can use it in the evening. This prevents you from having to feed energy back at times when the grid is already full. This significantly reduces peak load on the local grid and prevents your energy from being wasted because the grid has no space to accommodate it.

How does a home battery contribute to reducing peak load?

The power of a home battery lies in reducing peak moments on the electricity grid. Especially around noon, solar panels produce more energy than households directly use. Without a battery, you feed this energy back to the grid, leading to congestion. With a battery, you store this surplus and then use it during peak consumption moments, such as in the evening when everyone is home. This makes your energy usage local and flexible, and thus less burdensome for the electricity grid. By storing locally generated electricity yourself and utilizing it later, you better spread the usage and prevent overload. This not only has advantages for your own energy bill but also significantly reduces the stress on the local infrastructure. When more households opt for home energy storage, grid operators can delay or even avoid costly network expansions. This keeps the power grid more stable and prevents local power outages or feedback limitations.

Local energy usage and less grid dependence

One of the major advantages of a home battery is that you use as much locally generated energy yourself as possible. This local usage means you are less dependent on energy companies and the electricity grid. You directly benefit from lower energy costs because you need to purchase less electricity from suppliers at higher rates. Additionally, it protects you against fluctuations in energy rates, especially if you make use of dynamic pricing. By storing energy during the day and using it yourself in the evening, you make yourself less vulnerable to potential price increases or grid issues. This way, you maximize the yield from your solar panels and significantly enhance your energy independence. This local usage is also more environmentally friendly because it contributes to a better balance between supply and demand. The less energy you need to feed back, the lower the chance of facing limitations due to grid congestion. A home battery thus helps you live smarter, cheaper, and more sustainably.

Why is investing in a home battery particularly interesting right now?

Due to the increasing problems surrounding grid congestion and the planned phasing out of net metering from 2025, investing in a home battery is particularly interesting right now. The benefits are concrete:

• Fewer problems with feedback through local storage.

• Immediately lower energy costs and independence.

• Less dependence on dynamic price fluctuations.

• A contribution to preventing grid congestion in your neighborhood.

These factors make a battery financially and practically more attractive, especially as local governments and grid operators increasingly focus on solutions to counter congestion. Investing now also means benefiting from potential schemes or initiatives intended to stimulate local storage and smart energy use. This allows you to recoup your investment faster and gain maximum advantage from your solar panels and other sustainable measures. A home battery therefore perfectly fits into a future-proof and sustainable energy plan for your home and neighborhood.

What should you look out for when purchasing a home battery?

When you decide to purchase a home battery, it is important to carefully consider the right capacity, installation, and warranties. The capacity should match your energy consumption and the amount of energy your solar panels produce. A battery of 5 to 10 kWh is usually sufficient for an average household, but if you use a lot of electricity or have many solar panels, a larger capacity may be necessary. Additionally, pay attention to the brand, warranty period, and any maintenance costs. Preferably choose a battery with a good reputation and warranties that match your needs. A home battery is a significant investment, which is why it’s important to compare well in advance and seek advice. To help you with this, you can find extensive information on the ideal home battery from reliable suppliers and experts who provide you with a clear overview of possibilities and costs. This way, you make an informed choice that perfectly aligns with your situation and needs.

Frequently asked questions about home batteries and grid congestion

Does a home battery really help against grid congestion?
Yes, it reduces local peaks by storing excess energy.

How much does an average home battery cost?
Between €3,500 and €10,000 depending on capacity and brand.

Can I get a subsidy for a home battery?
Currently, there is no national subsidy, but some municipalities offer schemes.

What happens to my battery when it's full?
Excess energy is fed back to the grid less often.

Does a home battery require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required, regularly check with your installer.

Can I use a home battery without solar panels?
Yes, particularly useful with dynamic energy rates.

Does a battery shorten my solar panel payback period?
Yes, especially after the phasing out of net metering, you earn back your investment faster.