The incorporation of batteries into photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption systems in buildings has a high potential to improve the degree of decarbonization and consumer benefits. However, very few studies have addressed the evaluation and comparison of the energy performance of PV systems with storage for self-consumption in buildings. Furthermore, studies have omitted the influence of energy storage at different voltage levels, which is an important param. The incorporation of batteries into photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption systems in buildings has a high potential to improve the degree of decarbonization and consumer benefits. However, very few studies have addressed the evaluation and comparison of the energy performance of PV systems with storage for self-consumption in buildings. Furthermore, studies have omitted the influence of energy storage at different voltage levels, which is an important parameter in the development of High Voltage (HV) lithium batteries.Thus, a load control system was designed and connected to the output of two self-consumption PV systems with batteries operating at different voltages, to compare the energy efficiency under the same energy demand conditions and with identical solar irradiation levels.••Optimising the integration of batteries for self-consumption••Design of load consumption control system••Operation at different voltage levels••Energy efficiency High Voltage is superior to Low Voltage.••High energy efficiency in the operating voltage and power ranges is important.Battery energy storageSolar inverterPV self-consumption systemsLow-voltageAC alternating currentBC battery charge testsBD battery discharge testsDC direct currentDPV direct photovoltaic testsEC Concerns about pollution, climate change, and the scarcity of fossil resources have driven the global transition to a “green economy” underpinned by a sustainable energy model. Currently, fossil fuels dominate the global energy system, accounting for more than 80 % of the total energy supply. Because of the large volume of CO2 emissions, the global average temperature increased by about 1 °C above pre-industrial levels, and may increase by up to 1.5 °C in the coming decades. The challenge is to avoid the steady increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and thus comply with the Paris Agreement, which aims to combat climate change and intensify the actions needed for a sustainable low-carbon future.In 2021, the global installed capacity of new renewable energy installations was approximately 290 GW, surpassing the record 280 GW installed in 2020. The Renewables Market Report stated that growth will accelerate to an average of 305 GW per year from 2021 to 2026, where global renewable energy capacity will reach 4800 GW, i.e., 60 % more than at the end of 2020. Moreover, given the current global geopolitical and energy situation, the promotion of renewable energies will be substantially intensified in the coming years in the European Union (EU). However, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this rate of growth will not be sufficient to meet the global carbon emissi.
