How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for Your Needs
Solar battery technology is one of the central elements of the ongoing
electricity and solar energy revolution. Reliable and affordable battery
technology, after all, not only keeps the lights on when the lights go out, but
also stores solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining.
In fact, no article on battery storage would be complete without
mentioning the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which undoubtedly makes battery
storage eligible for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) - now on 30 % until 2032.
Even plug-in electric cars, which use similar energy storage, play an
important role in promoting the development of solar batteries. All of these
factors lead to significant improvements in battery technology and lower costs
for battery storage. Likewise, many homeowners are considering battery storage
as part of their solar project.
Let's take a look at some of the decision factors to consider when
helping a customer decide on the right battery for their home.
H
ow to Choose the Best Solar Battery for Your Needs
Are the Batteries Worth the Price?
For solar customers who are really looking to get the most out of their
PV system, a good home battery can be a good option. There's no sugar coating
how expensive they are — typically between $10,000 and $20,000 to install — but
if a solar customer can afford it, the benefits of installing a solar system
are significant. And, as mentioned earlier, solar batteries are eligible for a
30% federal solar investment credit, and many local utilities also offer
incentives, which greatly reduce costs.
Considering that solar batteries do triple duty as an emergency power
generator, can help reduce long-term energy costs, and reduce a home's carbon
footprint, they're often affordable. money. The payback period for solar
batteries can be as short as five years plus or minus a year or two depending
on other factors such as total system capacity and design and available
incentives.
Of course, some of the advantages of solar batteries - such as peace of
mind and resiliency - are valuable to some solar consumers, and should also be
a factor in determining whether solar batteries are worth it. Of course,
knowing ROI and showing ROI to customers are two different things. Aurora's
Energy Storage Tool allows you to design battery chargers, schedule and
configure them, and more for customers, so they can quickly see the benefits.
In addition, rapid advances in solar battery technology mean that new
batteries are hitting the market while older ones are still on the shelves.
From the old lead acid, solar energy buyers now have a wide variety of battery
types, technologies and sizes to choose from.
There have been many advances in the electrical energy storage industry
over the past decade. One of the most popular is the development of modular
systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall. These types of batteries have made energy
storage easier, easier to install and transport, and cheaper to maintain.
If you are considering storing batteries for solar power, the first thing you need to know is how to choose the right one. How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for Your Needs
Choose a Battery System
Many people, especially homeowners, are involved in solar energy without
knowing it. The market has changed for their needs by defining what a buyer
should "expect" when investing in a solar system. This information is
not always good. The wealth of solar battery options can make this a difficult
task. Although most people go for one-size-fits-all, it is not always the best.
The Problem with One-size-fits-all Batteries
There are three good reasons why you should not choose one type of solar
battery:
1. The technology of using a battery is not difficult. Most
one-size-fits-all batteries use lead-acid technology to store energy. It's not
the best technology on the market.
2. These batteries can be large, but they usually don't have much energy
storage capacity. The cost rarely justifies the power.
3. These solar batteries are usually more or less compact. Insufficient batteries cannot meet the manufacturing capacity. On the other hand, the battery is big, not always charged, especially in winter.
One-size-fits-all
batteries are considered an option for many people, because most consumers
don't know what to look for. However, it often changes plans and capabilities
to meet the minimum requirements of different use cases.
Solar Battery Specifications
All solar batteries are made differently. Some manufacturers use robots,
while others assemble batteries by hand. Quality controls can affect battery
quality. Some manufacturers are known to use heavier grid voltages that affect
battery cell performance. More importantly, some types of batteries are tested
well for safety and performance, while others are not.
Therefore, it is not common for batteries with similar specifications to
have different functions in life. Finding the right battery for your solar
installation can mean the difference between good and bad power system
performance. It can also mean the difference between attention or high.
Most Important Things you should have on your Checklist when Shopping for Solar Batteries
• Battery power
Batteries are rated in amp-hours, or just amps. The indicated power is
usually the battery's fully developed power. This means that it may take 10 to
15 minutes to charge the battery to its recommended capacity. In other words,
it can be misleading to test your battery after a short charge.
You don't need to understand the physics of electricity to measure your
energy needs or properly measure your battery. If you use electricity, this
guide can help you estimate your electricity consumption based on your
electricity bill.
As a general rule, measure your peak power needs in amp-hours. A 100-hour
battery, for example, can produce 1 amp of electrical power for 100 hours or 10
amps for 10 hours. When choosing a solar battery, understanding your energy
needs is key to choosing a battery with adequate energy storage. Note that
batteries that have a longer warm-up period before reaching full capacity may
last longer than batteries that boast a higher initial capacity.
• Longevity and Cost/Disposal
Battery life is a critical factor that manufacturers compete with when
designing heavy-duty solar batteries. This process is usually done to ensure
that the battery is resistant to heat and cold to provide the best performance
for a long time. The type of battery technology also plays an important role in
determining battery life. Three things that affect battery life that you should
look for when buying one are:
• Depth of discharge: This is the extent to which the battery is
discharged or used, depending on its capacity. Since batteries degrade as they
are used, their capacity deteriorates over time.
• Cyclic life: This is the rate of charge and discharge of the
battery. With regular use, a flooded battery usually lasts between 300 and 700
cycles. Gel batteries can store and deliver peak power for 500 to 5,000 cycles.
Lithium batteries can last 200 cycles.
• Temperature: The chemical activity inside the battery increases with temperature. To prolong the life of your solar batteries, place them in a temperature-controlled room. How to Choose the Best Solar Battery for Your Needs
• Flooded or Sealed Battery
Solar batteries can be divided into two broad types: flooded and sealed.
Flooded batteries are standard lead-acid batteries used in cars and off-road
solar installations. They are cheap, but since they are easy to clean and
store, they last a long time. When used, these batteries produce a small amount
of hydrogen gas.
These batteries are also known as VRLA batteries (valve regularized lead
acid) batteries. Cannot be kept or caring for them because they mark it. The man
holder has been holding water and dish into the battery to extend their lives.
These batteries do not emit hydrogen gas when in use.
• Maximum Output Power
Solar batteries can be classified according to their kilowatt rating or Kwp.
Kwp is the maximum power of the system under ideal conditions. The top results
are comparable to absolute units.
When choosing a solar battery, the Kwp level indicates the maximum power
it can produce and its best performance: the higher the number of power output,
the better the battery.
• Round Trip Efficiency
The cycle efficiency of a battery is the amount of energy that can be
calculated as a percentage of the energy used to store it. For example, if 100
kWh of electricity is supplied to the battery and it can produce 90 kWh, the
efficiency of the transport battery will be 90% (90 kWh / 100 kWh x 100).
Choosing the battery for a higher Round Trip Efficiency because they are rich.
• Ambient Operating Temperature
Climate is the average temperature of the air surrounding the battery or
the temperature of the room in which the battery is placed. The temperature
indicates the maximum temperature below which the battery will work properly.
The operating temperature of a solar battery is a very important level that is
often overlooked. This is especially important for those who live in areas with
high temperatures.
• Brand and Warranty
Many different manufacturers are competing to produce the best solar batteries.
Their design and production processes are different, and therefore, the end
product is also different. The type is an important factor when choosing a
solar battery. Your priorities and budget should determine whether you should
buy a battery made by a new start-up or a major car charging company. Whatever
you choose, be sure to check the warranty details carefully and choose a
product that offers a great warranty.
• Amount of Money
Prices for solar batteries vary. Solar battery prices range between $200
and $750 per kWh. Lead-acid batteries average around $260 per KWh and
lithium-ion batteries average $271 per KWh. This brings the total cost of the
battery to between $5,000 and $7,000. Actual prices may vary depending on your
location and available models. Note that the Federal Investment Tax Credit
(ITC) provides incentives for installing solar energy systems in the United
States. Also, the tax credit for the installation of residential solar systems
is 30% until 2032 thanks to the update of the CII.
Style, or technology, is the most important thing to consider when buying
a solar battery. Your budget and specific needs should determine the type of
battery you choose.
1. Lead-acid
Tried and tested, lead-acid batteries are the standard for electrical
storage. This type of battery has been around since its invention in the 17th
century, but it is still the most commonly used for energy storage. Until five
years ago, these were the only useful batteries that could be used to store
electricity for homes or factories.
Advantage of Lead Acid Batteries
The most significant strength of lead acid batteries is that they are
cheap. They are installed in rural and remote areas because they are cheaper to
buy than to pay for the extension of the electricity grid. Lead acid batteries
are deep cycle batteries, which means they can be continuously generated over a
long period of time. Their waste rate is constant. These batteries were flooded
and shut down. Both work on the same principle.
Disadvantages of Lead Acid Batteries
At first glance, lead acid batteries look boring - they are big, ugly and
heavy. Because they take up a lot of space and their operating temperature is
lower than room temperature, they should be placed in an air-conditioned
hangar.
Where lead acid batteries are: Lead-acid batteries are the first
choice for solar system installations. Their price and stability make them
reliable and easy to upgrade or replace. Most of the country's security systems
also use lead-acid batteries.
2. Lithium-ion
Li-ion batteries are popular because they are a source of energy for
electric car manufacturers. The potential of lithium-ion as an energy storage
device has not yet been proven, but it is promising. However, with this rate of
improvement, it is only a matter of time before they become the most popular
batteries for solar storage.
Tesla's Powerwall battery is the most popular energy storage device using
this technology. There are two types of lithium-ion batteries on the market.
The first, and the most popular among electric car manufacturers, is the
chemical type NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt). The other is a LiFePO 4 (lithium
iron phosphate) type battery.
The NMC battery type has a long life, making it ideal for use in outdoor
installations. LiFePO batteries work well at high temperatures, making them
ideal for use in areas with high temperatures
Advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
Li-Ion batteries require little or no maintenance. They have high battery
power density. This means that lithium-ion batteries can store more energy than
physically sized lead-acid batteries.
Because they have a long life, they have a long life and a high depth of
termination. Lithium-ion batteries can deliver between 4,000 and 6,000 cycles
at an 80% depth of discharge and last up to 15 years.
Disadvantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
The main disadvantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they are
expensive. They cost up to twice the price of lead-acid batteries with similar
energy storage capabilities. These batteries, unlike lead acid batteries, are
also very fragile and require a stable circuit to ensure proper operation.
Where lithium-ion batteries are used: Lithium-ion batteries have
entered the automotive industry. Demand for this battery is higher than EV
manufacturers are eager to produce.
3. Flow
Also known as redox flow, flow batteries are a new entrant in the solar
battery race. These batteries use an aqueous solution of zinc and bromine and
vanadium to store the electrical charge. There are only a few companies making
this battery today, the most famous being Red flow, an Australian company.
Advantages of Flow Batteries
Flying batteries are highly scalable. This means that the power and input
of the battery can be increased or decreased according to the size of the
battery. They are different from the other batteries on this list because deep
discharge has no effect on performance or battery life. They have a long cycle
life and low self-discharge. It should be noted that the flow battery does not
heat up during use.
Disadvantages of Flow Batteries
The fluids used to manufacture batteries are very expensive. Although
their technology has been in operation for decades, these batteries are not
well known to the public because few companies produce them commercially.
Because of their chemistry, batteries are capable of carrying loads. The zinc
and bromine in batteries are also highly corrosive and toxic.
Where Flow Batteries are used: Flow batteries are ideal for use in
situations where the battery receives multiple charge/discharge cycles per day.
They are ideal for use in larger installations.
4. Sodium-nickel Chloride
Sodium nickel chloride batteries are a major competitor for lithium-ion
batteries. This energy storage uses a special chemistry that makes it highly
recyclable. It does not emit toxic chemicals, and there is no danger of heat or
fire. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, sodium-nickel chloride batteries do not
require a cooling system to function properly.
Advantages of sodium-nickel chloride batteries
Because of its chemistry, sodium nickel chloride batteries are safe and
reliable. It can work well even in extreme temperatures between -4°F and 140°F.
Batteries are recycled safely because they do not contain hazardous or toxic
chemicals. Advantages of sodium-nickel chloride batteries
They have a lifespan of only about 3,000 cycles and a depth of discharge
of only 80%. This means that up to 20% of the energy it stores cannot be used.
These batteries are also expensive to install, especially for residential solar
systems and large projects.
When Sodium-nickel Chloride Batteries are used: Sodium nickel
chloride batteries are best used in large scale installations in solar power
installations and emergency power storage systems.
Comparison of Battery Types
Lead-acid
• The cheapest in the market
• Easy to maintain; Sealed
lead-acid batteries do not require maintenance
• Be very reliable
• It is easily recycled or
discarded
• Large and takes up a lot of
useful memory
• Short lifespan between 1000 and
3000 cycles. On average, lead acid batteries can last 5-8 years
• About 60% shallow depth at 70º
temperature.
• Ideal for off-grid solar systems
and emergency backups
Lithium-ion
• Requires less maintenance
• High battery power density saves
space
• Long life expectancy and
longevity
• Maximum depth of termination
• Very expensive
• Degradable and must be machined
• Use electronic circuits to
provide stable power output
• Ideal for electric vehicles, remote
cameras and drones
Flow Battery
• Capable of delivering more than 10,000 cycles with no malfunction or safety capability.
• Fast charging rates
• Little or no risk of heat or
fire
• Very expensive
• It is difficult to dispose of
and cannot be recycled
• Ideal for large scale
installations
Sodium-nickel Chloride
• Safety and reliability
• Can work well even in high
temperature
• Can be recycled
• Life expectancy is short
• 80% depth of discharge is
shallow.
• Very expensive
• Ideal for large scale
installations, backup systems
Read: 10 Key Benefits of Solar Energy
Final Thought
The right battery and size for your customer depends on their specific electrical needs. Many first-time buyers use solar battery storage calculators to get a quick and accurate estimate. The most recommended battery for most industrial and residential installations today is the lithium-ion battery.
As
battery technology develops, batteries are becoming more compact, more energy
efficient and cheaper. If the budget is tight or you want to install a basic
solar system, lead acid batteries can be effective. However, since
environmental factors have a direct impact on the performance and longevity of
these batteries, be sure to consider its characteristics against the expected
energy consumption and climate, among other things. Schedule a personalized
demo to learn more about how Aurora can help you add battery protection to your
offerings.
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