The utilisation of home battery storage is of great interest to those seeking to conserve energy. Solar panels installed on roofs can provide a significant benefit if the surplus electricity is stored in a battery during nighttime hours or on days with reduced sunlight.
Understanding how these batteries operate and the considerations to consider before installation is essential.
In this article,we will go through factors and considerations while buying solar battery storage.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Solar Battery
Capacity rating
Battery size
Depth of discharge
Battery lifetime
Output at peak power
Round-trip efficiency
The efficiency of a battery, expressed as a percentage of the energy used to store it, can be calculated by determining how much energy can be output from the battery compared to the initial input energy.
A battery with an efficiency of 90% can store 100 kWh of energy and return only 90 kWh (90 kWh / 100 kWh x).
Opt for batteries with a higher cycle efficiency for cost-effectiveness.
Battery type
Cost
The price point of solar batteries varies significantly. Prices range from $200 to $750 per kWh, with lead-acid batteries typically averaging around $260 and lithium-ion batteries at $271 per kWh.
The batteries range from $5,000 to $7,000, varying depending on the locality and brands available.
Types of Solar Batteries
Lead-acid Batteries
Lead-acid battery technology, long utilised to start cars, is also employed for large-scale storage. With its tried and true performance, this battery remains a reliable option.
Despite advancements in performance and price reductions, lead-acid technology’s long-term viability is still being determined compared to lithium-ion and other technologies.
Lithium Batteries
Today, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of battery for residential applications. This technology is similar to smaller electronics such as smartphones and laptops. Amongst lithium-ion chemistries, lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) is the most favoured for use in home batteries.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) is a well-known chemical that is less likely to cause thermal runaway than lithium oxide. This event can result in battery damage and fire due to overheating or overcharging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home energy storage batteries often come in three varieties – lead acid, lithium-ion, and saltwater. Generally, lithium-ion batteries are the most suitable choice for a solar panel system, as other types may be more cost-effective.
