When choosing a battery (or batteries) for your solar panel system, there are three categories of batteries that work best. So in this article, we will:
Part 1) quickly
compares the three main types of solar batteries (lead-acid, saltwater, and
lithium).
Part 2) Compare the components of batteries, such as depth
of discharge, capacity and power, efficiency, battery life, and manufacturer.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to pick
out the best battery for your solar panel system! So let’s get started…
Part 1) The Three Best Types Of Batteries For Solar PanelSystems:
The best type of battery for your solar panel system will
depend on what you’re looking for. There are three battery types that work
exceptionally well; however, each battery type has pros and cons. So the first
decision to make is the type of battery that will fit your system.
Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used rechargeable
battery in the world. They’re also among the longest-used and most reliable
batteries in existence. Compared to the other batteries we’ll discuss in this
report; they are the cheapest option but you trade cost for some battery life
and depth of discharge. But for homeowners needing lots of storage for a lower
cost, or if you are just making the move to a solar panel system, lead-acid
batteries may be a very good option. They’re the type of battery we use in most
of the battery banks in our solar panel systems.
Another great thing about lead-acid batteries is that you
can use the maintenance and reconditioning methods we teach you in the EZ
Battery Reconditioning program to greatly extend the lead-acid battery’s lifespan.
Saltwater batteries are more expensive than lead-acid
batteries, but also have a greater lifespan. Unlike lead-acid batteries,
saltwater batteries are essentially brand new to the market and remain both
somewhat untested and harder to come across. Of the three types of batteries,
saltwater has the greatest depth of discharge, so you’ll get the most output
per charge before needing to recharge.
Lithium batteries are the most expensive and the longest-lasting of the three types of solar batteries. Their depth of discharge is less
than that of a saltwater battery, but more than that of a lead-acid battery.
Comparing all three options, the lithium battery is probably the highest-rated,
but also the most expensive. An example of a lithium battery is the Tesla
Powerwall.
Part 2) Compare the components of batteries
Once you’ve picked the best battery type for your solar
panel or off-grid system (that meets your system’s needs), there are components
to explore to find the ideal battery for your system.
Cost
Cost is probably one of the more obvious components. But the
old saying, “you get what you pay for” holds true when buying batteries as
well. In some instances though, certain batteries may be overkill for your
system so the most expensive battery may not be the best choice always.
For most systems, a battery will cycle daily, meaning it
will charge and drain regularly. With each cycle, the battery’s ability to hold
the same charge lessens slightly. So one component to consider is the warranty
on the battery that guarantees a certain number of cycles of useful life. But
keep in mind that if you use the maintenance and reconditioning methods we
teach you in the EZ Battery Reconditioning program, you can extend the life of
your batteries.
Depth of Discharge
Depth of discharge is how much you can drain the battery
down before needing to recharge the battery without harming its life. Certain
solar batteries can be depleted further than others, allowing for more use
between charging. Essentially, a battery with a 90% depth of discharge per
cycle will provide more battery power per charge than a battery with less.
Capacity and Power
Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), capacity is the amount of
energy a battery can store over time. The more capacity a battery has, the more
power it can store.
Power is how much energy a battery can provide at a given
moment. A battery with both a high capacity and high power can run a large
system for several hours; a battery with low capacity and high power can run a
large system but only for a short time.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the amount of energy used compared to the
amount of energy it took to store said energy. Batteries require power to
charge and efficiency compares the energy taken to charge a battery with the
amount of energy that the charged battery produces. The higher the efficiency,
the more cost-effective the battery.
Manufacturer
This may not be a component most would consider, but it is
something to pay attention to. As with other technology, there are both trusted
brands and start-up brands. A trusted brand comes with known flaws and
benefits; a start-up brand can perhaps have better technology, but can also
have yet unknown technological issues. Depending on your system needs, you may
decide to go with a well-reviewed company or one that is brand new to the
market.
Part 3) What happens when your solar batteries start to die?
If you follow this article you should be able to compare
batteries and pick out the best battery for your solar panel system’s needs.
But your new solar batteries won’t last forever. So what can
you do? …and what can you do when your batteries actually die? Well, that’s
where our battery reconditioning course comes in! You can use it to bring
nearly any type of dead battery back to life again – including solar batteries,
marine batteries, car batteries, forklift batteries, plus many other types. If
you’d like to watch a new presentation about our course, you can see it here
for a limited time.
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