Solar Storage Batteries

About Solar Storage Batteries

Solar electric systems are among the top power-supply choices among energy-conscious consumers. Having a well-projected set of solar panels on the roof or mounted to the ground ensures a steady flow of electric power that makes the user partially or completely independent of the grid. However, there's an obvious benefit to preserving any unused electricity in a battery - it provides peace of mind at nighttime, in case of a blackout or during cold days.

Home battery storage isn't a new notion. In fact, this type of storage has long been utilised in off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as wind electricity generators on isolated properties. New types of installations made energy storage more popular than ever, and it's expected that most established solar systems will feature a battery within the next decade.

Grid VS Off-Grid

• Grid-dependant: A grid-connected solar system with no battery is still the most common residential setup. The panels collect and supply power during the day, serving as the primary source of energy, while the grid serves as a backup during nights or cold seasons. 
• Hybrid: These systems rely on both battery storage and grid backup. They typically include one or more hybrid inverters, too. During the day, the solar panels deliver energy, storing any access inside the battery. The stored electricity is the next priority, used mainly during the night or days with little sunlight. Grid is the last resort, engaged as the safety net if all other sources fail. 
• Off-grid: This system is fully independent of the main power grid. Solar panels provide all the required energy, sometimes supported by other alternative sources, such as wind generators. Large-capacity batteries secure the steady power supply during the night and cloudy days, taking the role of the primary power source. A diesel-powered generator can also be employed if there is a sudden surge in electricity demand. 

Grid-connected systems are typically more costly and significantly more complicated than off-grid ones. They require a substantial solar and battery capacity as well as inverters that can handle larger loads. Off-grid homes must be highly energy-efficient, with the load demand meticulously planned in advance and regulated throughout the day.

Off-grid systems are best suited for remote locations where a grid connection is either unavailable or too costly to build.

Blackout Issues

Having a battery doesn't necessarily provide full energy coverage in the event of a blackout. The so-called "anti-islanding protection" in most solar PV systems is projected to make the system shut down completely if it senses a grid blackout. That way, it might leave little or no power stored in the solar charger power bank. 

Advanced solar inverters can provide anti-islanding protection without shutting the system down. However, such a system can be costly and typically requires higher solar and battery capacity.

Types of Solar Storage Batteries

Lithium-Ion

The most popular form of battery in use today employs technology comparable to their smaller counterparts found in smartphones and laptops. Lithium-ion spectre comprises a range of different categories, from simple units to those combining cobalt, nickel, manganese, and more. 

Lithium-ion batteries are suitable for a range of ambient temperatures. Their key advantage, however, is the several thousand charge-discharge cycles they provide. An average lithium-ion battery can last for over ten years in conventional use. Another asset is the heavy discharge of up to 90% overall capacity. 

NMC (Lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt) solar batteries offer the best ratio between the available storage and the amount of space required for it. At the same time, LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) technology boasts the longest lifetime with the absolute highest safety rating possible.

Lead-Acid & Lead-Carbon

Lead-acid technology is best known for being used to start the automobile. However, it's also capable of providing reliable large-scale energy storage. Lead-acid batteries are affordable, with accessible disposal and recycling process options. On the downside, they are slow to charge and also sensitive to high ambient temperatures - extensive exposure can result in a shorter lifespan.

Flow Battery

Designed to provide an alternative to lithium-ion, flow batteries use pumped electrolytes and chemical reactions to perform. They are stable in different ambient temperatures and easy to recycle. With a life span of over ten years, flow batteries lose no capacity over time, discharging to 100% without residue. The disadvantages are the high price tag and even higher maintenance requirements.

Things to Consider Before Buying Solar Storage Batteries

• Capacity: Determines the amount of energy the battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The nominal capacity indicates the total energy amount, while the usable capacity shows its functional part. 
• Depth of discharge (DoD): This shows the amount of energy available for use without stimulating battery degradation. Lithium-ion batteries can discharge up to 90%, while flow batteries offer 100%.
• Power: The average continuous delivery capacity of the battery.
• The number of charge/discharge cycles: Also known as the cycle life, it indicates the number of rounds the battery can complete before expiring. 
• Ambient temperature range: Some batteries, such as lead-acid type, can't perform well in high temperatures, while some others are sensitive to cold.
• Power rating: A battery with a high average power rating can deliver more power at once, while a high instantaneous rating indicates the capacity to power energy-intensive appliances.
• Roundtrip efficiency: High rating allows the user to maximise the utility of every kilowatt-hour stored in the battery. 

If you need assistance to find the right solar storage batteries for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.