With solar power swiftly turning into the future wave, many people are hooking up to this clean, reliable, accessible solar energy that the sun emits daily. Today solar panels pop up on rooftops at an unprecedented level; you can see them at various places. But do you know what additional devices are required to complete a solar energy system function? One of the essential components for harnessing solar power is the solar battery. Without solar batteries, there would be no place to store the electricity produced by your solar panels.
Solar batteries have the solution for all your power consumption devices. The sole purpose of these batteries is to store energy and allow you to use it at night or when it is cloudy because electricity production decreases during these times of the day. However, when it comes to buying a solar battery, there’s a lot that you need to consider.
To give you ease, here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know when heading out to buy a solar battery. Continue reading!
Types of Solar Batteries
There are various types of solar batteries available in the market that cater to distinctive requirements. The most commonly used batteries are:
- Lithium-ion batteries: They are the most widely used and readily available batteries. These are compact and lighter than other batteries. Li-Ion batteries have a longer lifespan and high round-trip efficiency.
- Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest and most used batteries in earlier solar systems. The batteries have a lower lifespan and very low round trip efficiency.
- Saltwater batteries: Saltwater batteries use sodium as an electrolyte. They are easily recyclable and less harmful to health. The main drawback is it has low energy density and costs more than others.
Round Trip Efficiency
Round trip efficiency for a battery is defined as the percentage of the amount of energy you can use compared to the amount used by the battery to store it. Suppose a battery took 10 kWh energy to give an output of 7 kWh. This means 3kWh is consumed in transmission and other works. This makes the round trip efficiency 70%. Any battery with more than 80% round trip efficiency is suitable for the system and maximum savings.
Capacity and Power Rating
One of the critical factors is the battery’s capacity and how much power it can deliver. Capacity is the amount of solar energy the battery can store. It is measured in Kilowatt-hours (kWh). You may need to get multiple batteries if you need more power. Power rating comes into play when you are using heavy appliances. It shows how much energy can be delivered by your battery at a given time. To run all the devices in your home, you would need a high capacity and sound power rating system for your home.
Lifespan and Safety Rating
Battery lifespan is measured on three criteria, i.e., expected cycles, expected throughput, and expected years of operation. When buying online, you can ask the supplier for all these details or check the product specification column. Over that, to get a certificate for installation in homes and workplaces, there are specific safety requirements that every battery must meet. Buying a battery that has certification from the battery chemistries is advisable. If you have purchased a non-certified battery, it comes with a risk of fire or acid spill.
Cost
One of the factors is also how much the solar power system installation will cost. Good quality solar panels and batteries are expensive; however, it is better to go for a solar battery that meets all your needs and has all the necessary certifications. Before taking your final step, don’t forget to check your subsidies from the government for solar installation. This way, you can install solar panels in a cost-effective manner.
