Solar batteries can be an excellent asset for regular as well as new solar power users. By storing the excess energy, they can significantly boost the efficiency and versatility of your solar power setup. Whether you’re just starting to explore the feasibility of installing a solar power system, or have already installed one, solar batteries can make a huge difference.
Our comprehensive guide to solar batteries serves to answer any queries you may have, as well as aid you in determining the most suitable choice for your residence or organization.
Types of Solar Batteries
Solar batteries are a viable solution to supplementing energy back to the grid, enabling homeowners and businesses to become less susceptible to power outages and even potentially independent of the grid. Here are the types of solar batteries.
Solar gel battery
AGM and GEL deep-cycle batteries are suitable for solar applications in more extreme climates or outdoor conditions. GEL deep-cycle batteries offer greater longevity due to their narrow pore structure, which allows for better ion clogging and a larger internal group of colloidal-sealed lead-acid batteries than AGM.
Deep-cycle battery
Deep-cycle batteries represent a distinct class of lead batteries. They can run until they reach 80% or more of their capacity, ensuring sustained power for an extended period.
Deep cycle batteries provide a sustained output of energy, as opposed to starter batteries which only provide short bursts and require recharging much more frequently, typically discharging 2-5% each cycle.
Saltwater battery
Saltwater batteries are a proper storage solution for electricity. These batteries employ a saline solution to capture electrical energy for later use. All the electrical appliances uses this stored energy.
In saline water, sodium ions, a constituent of table salt, conduct and retain electricity.
Lithium-ion battery
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, commonly known as Li-ion batteries, are a type of energy storage solution that utilizes lithium ions’ reversible reduction. Consumer electronics, electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and military applications use these batteries.
Lithium solar batteries are an ideal, rechargeable energy storage solution, providing an effective and efficient way to store excess solar power generated by solar energy systems.
Flooded lead-acid battery
For decades, lead-acid batteries have been a reliable and cost-effective choice for automotive and industrial applications, despite their low energy density. It has made them one of the widely used types of batteries.
Lead-acid batteries are available in both flooded and sealed forms. There are two types of cycles: shallow and deep, depending on the application and proper depth of discharge.
For gases during charging, flooded cells need to replenish their electrolytes with distilled water occasionally.
A standard illustration of a flooded lead-acid cell is the 12-V automotive battery.
Nickel-cadmium battery
Nickel-cadmium batteries are highly sought-after in the airline and industrial sectors, primarily due to their superior durability and reliable performance in extreme temperatures. Additionally, these batteries require minimal upkeep in comparison to other options.
Cadmium is a hazardous element that, if not handled appropriately, can cause severe detriment to our environment.
Lithium-polymer battery
Lithium-polymer batteries stand apart from traditional battery systems due to the type of electrolyte utilized. The original design features a solid polymer electrolyte, which appears similar to a plastic film and does not transmit electricity, but still allows for ion exchange.
Enhanced safety features include increased overcharging resistance and reduced risk of electrolyte leakage.
Sealed lead-acid battery
Lead-acid batteries typically contain an electrolyte confined within a housing. A vent or valve is present to release any built-up gases if pressure levels exceed a certain level. Positive electrodes generate oxygen during charging.
Lead-acid batteries with a sealed lid rely on oxygen recombination cycles, in which oxygen generated during charging is captured and recombined. This process is effective as long as the charge rate is low; if the speed exceeds a certain threshold, it could lead to a case rupture or thermal run.
How To Choose The Best Solar Battery
When deciding which solar battery to use for your setup, you should evaluate your usage requirements, assess the system’s safety, and consider the system’s total cost.
Battery cost
The initial cost of a solar battery or battery system will vary based on the type and size selected.
Generally, lead-acid batteries offer a more economical option to the consumer than lithium-ion batteries; however, depending upon the intended use and application, investing in a lithium-ion battery may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Battery size
The acclaimed ‘one-size-fits-all’ battery is widely regarded as the perfect selection for many consumers since most buyers often lack technical knowledge to determine the correct choice.
However, the system compromises specific capabilities and features to meet the requirements of various applications.
Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty covers solar batteries for a pre-determined number of charge-discharge cycles or service life duration. As performance diminishes over time, manufacturers usually warrant a specific portion of the battery’s capacity to remain intact throughout its guaranteed lifespan.
During its expected lifespan, a battery’s capacity may decrease as time goes on, according to the manufacturer.
Battery life
Various factors determine the duration of any battery; the age, model, quality, and level of depletion all influence its endurance.
Battery capacity
Battery power is typically measured in amp-hours or amps, indicating the battery’s total capacity. However, it is essential to note that reaching this total capacity may take many charging cycles. As such, it is only sometimes wise to rely solely on the indicated power rating when testing a battery.
When choosing a battery for solar energy, it is essential to understand your power needs. Estimating the peak power requirements using amp-hours can be a helpful guide. For example, a battery rated 100 amp-hours can provide 1 ampere of electric energy for 100 hours or 10 amperes for 10 hours.
Power rating
The power capacity of a battery is by its kilowatt (kW) output. It indicates the amount of energy a battery can provide at one time and makes it possible to determine which appliances it can support.
The capability of an appliance is usually in kilowatts (thousands of Watts) or Amps, and each device has its power requirement.
It is essential to note that solar batteries typically possess two distinct power levels– a steady power rating and a 5-minute or rapid power rating– enabling them to generate greater power at shorter intervals. It is critical when powering devices such as sump pumps necessitating the considerable ability to initiate the operation.
Which Solar Battery Best Suits You?
Comparing various solar battery systems can be daunting due to the multiple characteristics and technical specifications. It is understandable, as the home energy storage sector is relatively new, and it may take a lot of work to find someone familiar with battery technology to consult.
There are various factors to consider for energy storage solutions.
- Consider selecting a solar battery with a high power rating for increased home power capacity requirements.
- If you need to power an appliance requiring more energy (like a sump pump), consider a battery with a high instantaneous power rating.
- If you wish to extend the time a solar battery powers your home, consider investing in a battery with a higher usable capacity.
- For optimal efficiency, seek batteries with a high round trip efficiency when charging your electric battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sun’s rays illuminate the solar panels, prompting solar energy conversion into direct current electricity. In the next step, the electricity passes to the battery, which stores the DC voltage.
The DC electricity is then discharged from the battery and converted to AC electricity through an inverter, which is suitable for use in the home.
