What is a solar battery? The answer to this question will be fully explained in this PowerVersity tech-explained article. Read on to learn more.
On the other hand, are you looking for the best solar battery that you can use to keep things running in your home?
Then, look no further—this article contains the best information on solar batteries.
For better understanding, I’ll be explaining this article in sections. In the first section, I’ll give you an overview of solar batteries.
In all honesty, some people don’t even know how a solar battery works. However, in the next section, I’ll explain how a solar battery works.
Moving further, I will highlight some of the pros and cons of solar batteries. This is so that you will know how to use it without putting the battery life on hold.
The next sections contain the features or factors to consider. Then, comes my recommendation in a comparison table.
In the last section, you’ll find my final thoughts. There, I gave a summary of all that has to do with solar batteries.
So, if you want to get the most from this article, I’ll advise you to read to the end, and I believe it will help you in no small way.
What Is A Solar Battery: Overview
Since its emergence, the solar energy sector has been growing and increasing tremendously. The growth in this energy sector has given birth to different technologies. One of which is the solar battery.
You may be wondering what a solar battery is. I will explain to you what it means.
A solar battery is a device that stores excess or surplus energy generated by your solar panels. It is usually charged with energy from solar panels.
This energy is later converted to electricity and is used to power your home and other home appliances.
It, therefore, goes without saying that a solar battery is as important as your most luxurious home appliances.
This is because, with a solar battery, you can keep things, especially your home appliances, running even during a power outage.
A solar battery has three main components: – lithium base, two electrodes, and titanium mesh, all of which have a thicker positive grid spine.
The most advanced solar batteries are the ones with tubular technology. In addition, they often have a deep cycle design that enables them to be fully discharged.
This will help the potential of the battery be well utilized.
How A Solar Battery Works
Understanding how a solar battery works is essential when adding a solar panel to a solar power system.
Of course, some people have no idea how a solar battery works at all. However, you will learn how a solar battery works in this section.
Typically, when a solar panel generates more power than you consume, the excess flows into your battery storage for later use.
A solar battery allows you to get the most out of your solar panels by storing the excess solar energy instead of sending it to the electric grid.
Thus, when the sun goes down, or if you experience an outage for any reason, you can use the stored energy in the battery to keep things running in your home.
What Is A Solar Battery: Pros And Cons
Like every other home device, a solar battery has its own pros and cons. However, as usual, the pros always exceed the cons.
Pros
Battery Backup In Case of A Blackout
Having a grid-tied solar PV system in your home is very important, especially if you’re experiencing a power outage every now and then.
A grid-tied PV solar system produces clean energy during daylight hours that you can use to power your home appliances.
Therefore, a battery backup system incorporated into the design of your solar PV system will provide you with sufficient backup power for a period of time.
Increased Self-Reliance On your Solar System
Solar power only generates electricity during the day when we are away from it. As such, most of the electricity we consume is in the evening.
In this case, having a larger solar PV system will help you store energy in the battery system for later use.
This will help limit the amount of electricity you draw from the grid and also reduce your energy bill.
Save Money On Energy Bills
With the price of electricity at a record high, having a battery storage system is as important as anything else in your home.
With a battery storage system, you can store excess energy that you can use later on to keep the thing running in your home.
This will save you a great deal of wealth you would have otherwise wasted on electricity bills.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Almost all utilities rely on fossil fuels to produce electricity. Oftentimes, this leads to the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment.
But thanks to the development of solar technology, you can now use electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
The use of solar battery storage systems helps reduce your carbon footprint and also promotes a safe and livable environment.
Become Energy Independent
There is no better feeling than knowing that you can generate your own clean electricity for personal consumption instead of depending on your local utility.
You can generate and enjoy as much electricity as you want with a lithium-ion battery and a large solar PV system.
Thus, you won’t have to bother about or be subjected to the ever-increasing electricity cost.
Cons
Energy Storage Is Expensive
When it comes to getting the best, you’ve got to pay the best for it.
If you’re investing in a solar system, you should be aware that energy storage costs are quite high. This may ultimately increase the cost of your solar PV system.
Initially, installing an energy storage system won’t make financial sense. It all depends on your consumption tariff rate.
However, if you sit and calculate your return on investment, you’ll realize that it’s all worth it—in the long run.
Increased Maintenance
Although, on its own, a solar system is very easy to maintain. However, adding a battery system increases the maintenance requirements.
Also, the level of maintenance will depend on the type of solar battery that you’re using.
For instance, if you’re using a deep-cycle lead-acid battery, you have to top up water levels periodically and ensure that the terminals are kept clean.
Don’t use clean water. You can only use distilled water.
Also, you need to be very careful because the chemicals in batteries are highly toxic and corrosive.
Nevertheless, there are other modern types of energy storage batteries, such as lithium-ion, that are totally maintenance-free.
Increased Complexity of Your Solar System
The design and installation of an energy storage system oftentimes increase the complexity of the solar PV system.
As such, unless properly handled, things can go wrong in the system’s design, installation, and operation.
Therefore, ensure that all the requirements regarding the battery system’s design, installation, and operation are duly followed.
The lifespan of a Home Battery
The battery’s lifespan will depend on the type of solar battery you’re using. If, for instance, you are using a lead-acid battery, you should be aware that it can only discharge to a maximum of 50%.
As such, discharging these types of batteries more than the battery’s required limit can decrease the lifespan of the battery.
However, there are other battery types, like lithium-ion, which can discharge up to 80%.
Nevertheless, you should consider changing your battery system at least once during the lifespan of your solar PV system.
What Is A Solar Battery: Features/Factors To Consider
Features of Solar Batteries
Every battery has its own peculiar features; what makes it different from others? Below are some of the technical features of solar batteries.
Battery Size/kWh
The first thing you need to know is the battery size, often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Solar batteries, just like every other battery, come in different sizes. But, first, you have to know this.
For instance, smaller batteries can measure from 2 kWH to 20 kWh. In fact, a small-sized battery with 10 kWh can last for up to 12 hours. That’s quite impressive.
However, there are other sizes with higher kilowatt-hours that can last for up to 20 hours at a go. It all depends on you and what you want.
Energy Capacity/kW
Unlike the battery size, the energy capacity of a solar battery is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kW).
To be clear, kWh refers to the total amount of energy used, while kW refers to the electricity usage rate.
Your battery’s energy capacity tells you how many appliances in your home it can power at once.
So, it’s always important to ask beforehand about a battery’s capacity before reaching out to your purse.
Depth of Discharge
Of course, you can use your solar battery to store excess solar energy, but have you thought about how much energy you can use?
It’s really important that you take note of this.
The depth of discharge is an important factor you should consider before buying any solar battery. It covers the amount of energy you can use from your solar storage system.
Battery Lifespan
There are three different metrics used in measuring a battery’s lifespan. These include:
- Expected years of operation
- Required throughput
- Expected cycles.
The battery life is defined in years, while the battery throughput and cycles are more like a mileage warranty.
Solar batteries are known to have a high lifecycle. As such, they don’t require frequent maintenance or replacement.
They remain highly functional even if you charge and discharge them a thousand times.
Safety
When it comes to safety, solar batteries are at the very top of the list. However, before they can be certified for installation, they have to meet certain safety requirements.
Therefore, before you set out to buy any solar battery, ensure that it meets all the requirements.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Solar Battery
Some of the factors you should consider when buying a solar battery are:
Location And Climate
Your location plays an important role when it comes to choosing a solar battery for your home or business.
If, for instance, you live in an area where energy generation is high after the period, but you consume energy only at night, you’ll benefit from the storage system.
Energy Production
The amount of energy that is generated depends on the type of solar panel you’re using.
For instance, if you’re using a poly panel, the energy it will generate will be a bit lower compared to a monocrystalline solar panel.
In this case, if you have a 5kW solar system, you will need a battery with a capacity of at least 10kWh.
Energy Consumption
The amount of energy you consume on a daily basis will determine the type of solar battery you should buy.
If you’re the type that only uses electricity at night when you return from work, then there’s no need to go for a big solar battery.
However, you may want to consider your option if you have a large family.
Lifestyle
This has to do with your budget and priorities. So before you go out to buy a solar battery, make sure to plan your budget.
Of course, you don’t want to overspend; that is why I said you should have a budget plan.
Also, you should consider your priorities. Are you planning for the short-term or the long-term? You have to take note of that.
If you’re going for a short-term plan, you may not have to spend much. However, if it’s a long-term plan, make sure that it’s worth it.
Nevertheless, ensure, by all means, that you don’t overspend.
What Is A Solar Battery: My Recommendation
| Product Name | Dimension | Weight | Battery Cell Composition | Voltage | Brand Name |
| LiTime 12V 200Ah PLUS Lithium LiFePO4 Battery | 21 x 8.2 x 8.5 inches | 48.28 Pounds | Lithium-Phosphate | 12.8 Volts | Litime |
| OGRPHY 24V 100AH LiFePO4 Battery | 20.5 x 9.4 x 8.5 inches | 51.8 Pounds | Lithium-Phosphate | 24 Volts (DC) | OGRPHY |
| Cloudenergy 12V 300Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery | 14.37 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches | ‎66.3 pounds | Lithium-Phosphate | 12.8 Volts | Cloudenergy |
| Redodo 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery | 12.99 x 6.82 x 8.46 inches | 25.35 Pounds | Lithium Metal | 12.8 Volts (DC) | Redodo |
| LOSSIGY 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Battery | 12.95 x 6.69 x 8.43 inches | 24.7 Pounds | Lithium-Phosphate | 12 Volts (DC) | LOSSIGY |
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar batteries are quite expensive. They can cost anywhere from $200 to $15,00 to install.
Solar batteries have a long lifespan, with some lasting for up to 15 years. However, if you decide to install one in your home, you’ll need to replace it in the future to match the lifespan of the solar PV systems.
To start with, solar batteries, like I said earlier on, store energy generated by solar panels. However, a solar battery can also be charged with electricity from the grid.
The disadvantage of using a solar battery include: Eenergy storage is expensive; Increased maintenance; and the life span of your battery, among others.
Yes, of course. You can use solar panels without battery storage, provided it’s connected to an electrical grid.
There are basically four types of solar batteries. They are: lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and flow batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are considered the best when it comes to longevity.
As is the case with all batteries, your solar battery needs to be recharged from time to time. Although, an average fully-charged solar battery can last for up to five days without charge.
Yes, you can run your home AC with solar battery storage.
The simple answer is yes. Solar batteries can overheat, especially when the rate at which they generate internal heat is higher than the rate at which that heat is released. If not properly handled, it can cause damage.
What Is A Solar Battery: My Final Thoughts
As the world keeps moving to a more sustainable energy source, there’s a need to invest in new solar energy technology.
If perhaps, you stay off the grid for a while, a solar battery will serve you best, even in times of blackout.
Not only that but with it, you can keep your home running even on rainy days.
Although it may cost you a great deal of wealth to get a strong and reliable solar battery, it may not make financial sense at the start.
But if you’re thinking long-term, then rest assured that it’s worth the investment.
Thankfully, I have recommendations on the best solar batteries you can buy for your home. So, all you need to do is choose the one that suits your budget.
More importantly, before you spend on any solar battery, it’s important that you consider the pros and cons of the product.
You can also ask the dealer for further clarification.
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