Solar batteries can be installed at the same time as your solar panels or may be added at a later date. In either case, they are a great way to conserve as much of your harvested energy as possible and get the best bang for your buck out of your solar installation.
But a lot of people aren’t sure how solar batteries work and whether they’re even worth adding to the system.
If you’re looking for a way to continue using your solar energy even after the sun goes down then batteries are going to be the best option.
How Does A Solar Battery Work?
A solar battery is an additional component that can be incorporated into your solar panel system. They are designed to store any excess energy harvested by your solar panels as opposed to it being sent back to the grid.
This means that you can continue to use this sustainable type of energy even when the sun isn’t out. Most solar batteries are lithium ion but there are lead-acid alternatives. However, most solar battery manufacturers opt for lithium ion as these tend to be more efficient and are far better at handling deep charges. I’ll talk more about this later on but for now, let’s look at how these batteries work.
Sunlight shines onto your solar panels and a reaction within the panel converts that energy into electrical energy. This energy starts off as a DC (direct current) which then moves through a solar inverter, converting it to an AC (alternating current) which can be used to power your devices, lights and appliances within the home.
However, your solar panels will likely harvest much more energy than you can use in a day which is where your batteries come in. Just like other types of batteries, solar batteries are designed to hold onto this energy for use at a later date.
The direct current initially generated by your solar panels is actually used to charge the batteries and this energy is then slowly released at times when the sun isn’t shining, such as during the night.
How Much Energy Does A Solar Battery Store?
How much energy your solar battery stores will be largely dependent on its individual capacity. Lithium ion batteries typically store more energy than other types and these are generally accepted as the best option for solar batteries.
Some of the less efficient and powerful solar batteries may only have the capacity to store 1kw while other, more powerful batteries could store up to 10kw. Generally speaking, it’s best to install several batteries to your system.
Are Solar Batteries Reliable?
Modern solar batteries are an excellent addition to your solar panel system and are incredibly reliable. In fact, you typically get an extended warranty that lasts between five and ten years so you won’t have to worry about forking out again any time soon.
In the main, solar batteries are designed to last for around 15 years but their lifespan will depend on how many charge cycles the battery goes through. Any battery, including solar batteries, is made to withstand a certain number of charge cycles so this is something worth checking out before purchasing a battery.
As I mentioned earlier, lithium-ion batteries are typically favoured over lead acid for their efficiency and ability to handle a deep charge. What this essentially means is that they will charge far more quickly and will retain a lot more energy, allowing you to use your devices for longer.
Should I Get Solar Batteries?
For anyone looking to get the most out of their solar panel system, the addition of solar batteries is a no-brainer.
Without batteries, you will continue to rely on the grid for power at night. But once they are installed, your home will become more sustainable and self-sufficient by continuing to use solar energy even when the sun goes down.
