Common Types Of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are storage units that are used to store energy generated from solar energy systems. Most homeowners understand that there is a disparity between when solar energy is generated and when it is consumed. Solar energy batteries solve this problem by storing excess energy generated during the day and making it available during the night. Solar batteries also act as an excellent power backup when the grid power suffers an outage.

If you have decided to store solar energy, the next question is what type of solar energy battery is right for you. There are different types of solar batteries and we will take you through each one of them.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity over the last few decades. These batteries use a series of chemical reactions to store energy. Some of the reasons for their popularity is the fact that they have longer life cycles than other types of batteries. They also need little to no maintenance.  The downside to lithium-ion batteries is that they are the most expensive of all three types of battery technology. When installing lithium-ion batteries, it is important to work with an experienced professional. This is because lithium-ion batteries can fail easily if not installed correctly.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries have been around for a long time and thus are a proven technology. They are popular due to their low cost, being the cheapest of all the various battery types. Homeowners must be aware that these batteries require regular maintenance. Lead-acid batteries also can be hard to install, especially if the homeowner opts for the flooded lead-acid batteries.   Finally, due to their low depth of discharge, they typically tend to have a very short lifespan.

Nickel Cadmium Batteries

These are not as widely used as the other types that we have covered. They are very durable and require no maintenance. Their durability is one of the main reasons why they are used in large-scale power applications.  They can also withstand relatively high temperatures, making them even more suitable for large-scale applications. The downside to these batteries is that they are hard to dispose of when replacing them. This is because the cadmium in the batteries is very toxic.  In fact, these types of batteries are banned in some countries.

Which One To Go For

The type of battery that you go for will be determined by a variety of factors. The first of these is your budget. This is because the different types of batteries have varying costs. Remember that when it comes to Cadmium batteries, the initial low purchase cost may be canceled out by the high disposal cost at the end of the battery’s life. Another factor to consider is your ability to do proper maintenance of the batteries. If you feel that this is not possible, you may have to opt for other types of batteries other than lead-acid batteries.

Before deciding on which battery type to go for, it is best to consult a solar battery expert. This is because there are other factors that will influence your decision. These include a battery’s power rating, depth of discharge, and so on.