A solar battery installation can be a great addition to your solar power system. It helps store excess energy generated by solar panels. This means you can use the extra energy to power your house even during rainy or cloudy days. Suppose you consider going solar to reduce electricity bills while protecting the planet using clean energy. In that case, you might wonder what will happen to the surplus energy since you may not be able to consume it. Well, the answer is solar batteries.

With the increase in demand for energy storage technologies, it is good to know how solar batteries work. This month, Solaris Tech will discuss the basics of solar batteries, how they work, and their key benefits.

What is a solar battery?

A solar battery is a device homeowners can add to their solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by their solar panels. A solar battery uses the stored electricity that can be used to power their homes when the panels do not generate enough electricity, including nights, cloudy and rainy days, or even during power outages.

Benefits of using a solar battery

Are you considering pairing your solar panels with energy storage? Here are some of the benefits of using a solar battery.

Energy independence

When you install a solar battery, you do not have to rely much on your utility. This is excellent news, primarily if you are residing in an area that experiences frequent blackouts. A solar battery will help keep your light on and your phones charged.

Normally, solar panels stop generating electricity when the power goes out, but when you add a battery to your solar system, solar panels keep powering your home - even during a power outage.

Reduce carbon footprint

When you install a solar battery, you get to use all the clean solar energy your panels produce. So, pair your solar panels with batteries if you want to go green. This is the best way to ensure that your home maintains a small carbon footprint.

Cost savings

Installing a solar battery can also help you save on your electricity bill. How much you can save varies depending on the type of net metering your utility offers.

A solar battery makes more financial sense if your utility uses time-of-use rates. With time-of-use rates, the price of electricity varies depending on the time of day. With a solar battery, you can use your stored energy when electricity is most expensive, giving you more significant electric bill savings.

Types of solar batteries

Four main types of solar batteries are used to store energy: lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow batteries and nickel-cadmium. Let us dive into each of them.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead acid is the oldest type of solar battery. It has been developed alongside clean energy resources. Lead-acid batteries have two types of solar batteries; sealed lead-acid and flooded lead-acid.

Sealed lead acid batteries are designed to reduce the release of toxic gas into the atmosphere during the charging process. Whereas flooded lead acid batteries are a bigger version of a traditional car battery.

Regarding the features, lead-acid batteries generally have a shorter lifespan, and their depth of discharge is lower compared to the other storage options. Lead-acid batteries also require regular maintenance. That is why lead-acid batteries are considered the cheapest option among the four types of batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries

We can call these batteries the ‘new kid on the block’ compared to the much longer history of lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent among residential homeowners. This is because lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifespan; they also require less maintenance and are more lightweight and small compared to lead-acid batteries.

These solar batteries can handle deep discharges of 80%, meaning they have a higher usable capacity. An essential drawback of these batteries is that they pose a threat of thermal runaway. This means they can catch fire very quickly if not installed correctly.

Flow batteries

Another kid on the block, flow batteries, is a new player in solar battery technology. Despite the fact that it is a reasonably new storage solution, it still requires improvements; there are a couple of points that make flow batteries a popular option.

Flow batteries have a depth of discharge is 100%. So, you can use the total stored energy. Flow batteries are non-toxic, and they are also water-based. This technology is still in the development stage. Therefore, flow batteries are comparatively more expensive than the other options.

Homeowners deciding on flow batteries need to ensure that the roof has adequate space as they occupy more space due to the low storage capacity.

Nickel Cadmium

Nickel-cadmium batteries - called ‘nickel batteries’ and ‘Ni-Cd’ - have been in the battery technology scene for a while. Nickel Cadmium batteries are popularly known for their ability to operate at extreme temperatures without any complex battery management systems. Nickel Cadmium batteries are popular among commercial-scale projects.

One important point to remember is that nickel-cadmium batteries are ancient, and because of their higher toxicity levels, they are primarily banned in many countries.

Key takeaway!

Understanding how a solar battery works are essential if you consider adding solar panel energy storage to your solar power system. Solar batteries operate like a large rechargeable battery for your home; you can take advantage of any excess solar energy your solar panels create, giving you more control over when and how you use solar energy.

The exemplary system design is vital to maximising your solar panels. Our expert team at Solaris Tech will guide you on your clean energy journey. From solar power installation and service to system maintenance and monitoring, our solar professionals are here to help you take advantage of clean energy.

Start your green journey today with Solaris Tech. Email us at info@solaristech.com.au or dial 1300-946-524 for an obligation-free chat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Batteries

• Is it worth getting a battery with solar?
  A solar battery can be an excellent addition to your solar panel system. Solar batteries efficiently save excess electricity that can be used when solar panels cannot generate enough energy.
  
• How much do solar batteries cost in Australia?
  Generally, solar batteries in Australia cost around $1,000 - $1,500 per kWh capacity, including installation and GST.
  
• How long will a 10kwh solar battery last?
  In case of power outages, the 10kwh battery pack can power your home for about 8 hours on average 1kWh / hr for 8 hrs. Combine the 10kWh battery pack with solar or use it independently to provide your home with power both day & night.
  
• Are solar battery banks worth it?
  Solar power banks and regular power packs may be equal in portability. Still, solar power banks edge other types of power packs regarding convenience when travelling, easy recharging, and environmental friendliness. Solar power cuts your electric bill and carbon footprint.