Solar panel systems have undoubtedly revolutionized electricity production, but what happens when the sun goes down? Many people are undecided whether or not to invest in solar energy because they fear dealing with blackout issues during days without sunlight or when the sun goes down. However, that is not the case because you can add solar batteries.
Solar batteries ensure your home is lit and your electrical appliances are running because they store excess energy produced by your solar panels for use on days without sunlight and when the power demand is high. Investing in solar batteries is a wise idea if you want to reduce your dependence on the grid during peak usage or outages.
If you have read this far, chances are you are considering investing in solar panels for your home, or perhaps you want to learn how they work, which is an excellent thought. Below, we have discussed everything you need to know about solar batteries and how to choose the best type for your home or commercial establishment.
Understanding How a Solar Battery Works
Purchasing solar batteries is a choice you will not regret if you have decided to go green. Solar batteries help you maximize the benefits of your solar panel system.
During daylight hours, your solar panel systems contain solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Since not all electrical appliances in your home can use direct current, you will need an inverter to convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is ready for use.
However, all the energy produced by your solar panels is not consumed instantly. You should consider purchasing solar batteries to store the extra energy your solar panel systems generate daily for later use rather than letting it return to the grid.
Chemical reactions occur inside your solar batteries to store the extra energy your solar panel systems produce daily. Therefore, at night, when the sun is not shining or on cloudy days when the sunlight is insufficient to create sufficient electricity, the stored power is converted to usable electricity to light up your home and power your appliances.
Generally speaking, solar batteries help you maximize the consumption of electricity generated by your solar panels and reduce over-dependence on the power grid.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Batteries You Should Be Aware of
Although most discussions about solar energy center on an investment's possible return, this discussion should not stop there. If you want to completely off-grid your home or business, solar batteries could be the only investment you need to make on your property. Discussed below are the advantages and disadvantages of solar batteries:
Advantages
Some of the notable benefits of using solar batteries include the following:
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They Help You Save on Power Bills
Solar batteries store the excess energy your solar panel systems generate, acting as your power bank. During a cloudy day, or when the sun goes down, the energy stored in your solar batteries can power your home, eliminating any need to use electricity from the grid, especially during those peak demand days when electricity costs are higher.
Relying on your solar batteries in this situation lessens your reliance on the power grid, significantly reducing electrical bills.
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They Ensure Your Home is Powered Whenever There is a Blackout
Solar batteries help your home or commercial establishment remain powered whenever the grid fails. That can save you a lot of financial losses, especially if most of your services require you to use electrical equipment or a computer.
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They Lessen Your Dependence on the Power Grid
By storing the excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day, you can sell the surplus power to utility companies. Aside from offsetting your energy costs, doing that gives you satisfaction, knowing your energy source does not leave any carbon footprint on the environment.
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They Have a Long Lifespan
Depending on the type you choose and how you care for them, solar batteries can last you up to 25 years or longer.
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They are Noise-Free
Unlike generators, solar batteries do not make noise when converting the stored energy to electricity whenever needed.
Disadvantages
While solar batteries have some disadvantages, their advantages outweigh the demerits. Examples of these disadvantages include:
- They are costly to buy or replace.
- They have limited power storage capacity.
- Some types of batteries could be bulking, taking a lot of your space.
- Some could require regular maintenance.
Comparing Different Solar Battery Types
All solar batteries perform the same primary function of storing surplus energy that your solar panel produces, but they vary depending on the application and their power storage capacity. Below are four types of solar batteries that many people and business owners use across the globe:
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are undoubtedly the most popular and preferred solar battery type because they are durable, highly efficient, and need little maintenance. While they could be expensive, these batteries remain the most preferred solar energy storage option for many home and business owners who rely on solar panel systems because of their excellent performance.
Aside from their high cost, another drawback of lithium-ion batteries is that they can catch fire if installed improperly because of an effect known as thermal runaway.
Lead- Batteries
Another common type of battery used in industrial and automotive applications is lead-ion batteries. Their long history in the market and current popularity show their reliability as an energy storage option for those with solar panel systems that generate surplus energy.
As the most cost-friendly solar battery option, a lead-ion battery could be an excellent choice for your home if you want to incorporate solar batteries into your solar panel systems without breaking the bank. However, these batteries have their disadvantages. For example:
- They are bulky and heavy.
- They are less efficient compared to other options.
- They need regular maintenance because you need to add water.
- They emit gasses.
- They have a short lifespan.
Flow Batteries
Mainly engineered for large-scale applications, this new technology of solar batteries uses water-based electrolytes that flow between two internal chambers within your battery. Aside from being long-lasting and efficient, flow batteries have no negative environmental impact.
Unfortunately, these batteries are expensive and large and could require regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
Mainly designed for commercial applications due to their tolerance to extremely high temperatures, durability, and high discharge capacity, nickel-cadmium batteries are rarely used in residential areas. Compared to other battery types, this type does not require regular maintenance. Unfortunately, they contain cadmium, which can negatively impact the environment if disposed of improperly.
Key Steps to Take Before Purchasing Solar Batteries for Commercial or Residential Use
Do your homework and find out if purchasing a solar battery will be a wise investment for your home or commercial establishment before making the decision. Here are key steps to take before you begin shopping for the best solar battery type for your home or commercial establishment:
Access the Energy You Require in Your Home or Business Premises
Before you go shopping for a solar battery, you need to know how much energy your house uses monthly or yearly. Here are some of the factors you should consider:
- The number and type of appliances you have in your home.
- The periods when energy use is greatest.
- Your home's or business premises' total power consumption.
Access the Installation Requirement
Aside from ensuring your solar batteries are compatible with your solar panel system, you should consider the installation requirements you will need to ensure they are well-installed and running effectively. Ensure your solar battery integrates seamlessly with your unique solar panel systems, inverters, and other required components.
Consult With a Reliable and Experienced Solar Energy Installation Company
Last but not least, speaking with a solar energy specialist or installer can help you make an informed choice regarding solar energy and solar batteries for your home or business. After considering all your needs and inherent financial constraints, the solar energy installer you choose will recommend the best solar battery for your house.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Ideal Solar Battery
To optimize the efficacy and efficiency of the installed solar panel systems, the following crucial factors will come into play when selecting the ideal brand of solar batteries for your residence or place of business:
Your Budget
The type of battery you decide to use to store the excess energy generated by your solar panels will depend on how much you can afford for this important purchase. A lead-acid battery could be cheaper than a lithium-ion battery, but it does not have a long lifespan.
Whether the Battery Has a Warranty
When selecting a dependable solar battery for commercial or residential use, consider the warranty its manufacturer offers to guarantee a hassle-free and reliable investment. Find a battery with an extended warranty that protects you against any possible performance or defect issue that could arise after buying it. A solar battery warrant assures the customer that it will perform optimally during its lifespan.
The Battery's Depth of Discharge (DoD)
Another critical consideration when selecting an ideal solar battery for your home or residence is its DoD. As the name suggests, a battery's DoD is the parameter that describes how deeply you can discharge it before you recharge it.
The Battery Maintenance Needs
If maintaining your batteries is a hassle, consider investing in one that requires little or no maintenance. That is particularly true if you rarely visit home to ensure they are well-maintained.
The Battery Durability
Installing durable batteries with an extended life span lessens possible replacement costs and reduces one's carbon footprint on the environment.
The Battery's Size
You will likely need to install batteries that match your solar panel power output. For instance, if your solar panel's output is 5 kW (kilowatt), you would want to install a solar 7 kWh (kilowatt-hours) battery to ensure no surplus energy is wasted or directed to the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Batteries
Most people living off-grid or planning to go off-grid ask several questions before they buy solar panels and batteries. Below are answers to the most typical and frequent queries most people ask about solar batteries:
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What Should I Consider When Finding a Reliable Solar Battery Installer?
While many online businesses advertise themselves as qualified solar battery specialists or installers, not all of them can be trusted with this critical investment in your home. Below are vital factors to consider when looking for a reliable solar battery installer:
- His/her experience.
- his/her reputation.
- his/her cost of services.
- Whether he/she is licensed.
- Whether he/she is available for the work.
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Which Type of Solar Battery Do Most Homeowners Prefer?
While it can be expensive, a lithium-ion battery is an excellent solar energy storage option for several homeowners nationwide because it requires little maintenance and is long-lasting.
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How Long Can a Solar Battery Last?
A solar battery can serve you for five to fifteen years, depending on the type you choose, how often you use it, and how well you maintain it.
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How Many Batteries Do I Need to Power My Entire Home With Solar Panel Systems?
The number of batteries you need to power your home will depend on several factors, including:
- The number of appliances in your home that rely on electricity and the number of hours you wish to power them daily.
- The size of your solar panel system.
- Your solar panel system size.
- The energy requirements of your circuit.
Find a Reliable Solar Battery Installer Near Me
Investing in solar batteries can have high upfront costs, but ultimately, they can save you a lot of money on energy bills during blackouts or when the sun goes down. If you are already living off-grid or planning to do so, solar batteries could be vital components of your solar panel system.
If you need more guidance on choosing and installing the best solar batteries in your home or residential premises, our seasoned solar battery installers at Sun Solar Electric are here to help. Call us at 707-658-2157 to schedule your initial consultation with our understanding solar energy specialists, wherever you are in the Bay Area.