Solar is one of the fastest-growing energy markets in the world. The growing demand has led to rapid declines in solar panel prices over the past few decades. As a result, several supporting industries have grown with it. These include solar chargers, solar batteries, solar inverters and solar hot water systems.
The innovation of solar battery storage systems has impacted the widespread adoption of solar technology. Read on if you would like to know more about solar battery storage.
How Solar Energy Works
Solar panels consist of a collection of photocells made from semiconductor materials such as silicon. When exposed to the sun, these photocells absorb the light energy and release electrons.
A series of electric circuits connect the photocells in a solar panel. These circuits guide the electric currents to consumers such as your home, solar batteries or the electric grid.
Solar energystorage systems such as batteries enable people to use solar energy on cloudy days and at night.
Understanding Solar Batteries
Solar panels generate electricity that is ready for use. As such, many solar energy systems are connected to the power grid. The excess electricity your panels generate can be taken up by the grid. Providing your excess solar powerto the grid in Australia can earn you extra income.
With a solar battery storage system, the excess electricity your panels generate can charge your batteries. Your batteries convert the electric current goes into chemical energy. This energy remains dormant until you need it. At night, you can use the charged batteries to power your home.
Types of Solar Batteries
Solar batteries have increased the applicability of solar energy in several parts of the world. Solar batteries enable people living off the grid to access electricity both day and night. They also help people to use solar power during winter when the nights are longer than the days. You can divide solar batteries into four groups based on their purpose and design. These groups are
- Lead Acid Batteries
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Nickel Cadmium Batteries
- Flow Batteries
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead Acid batteries consist of water and sulfuric acid solutions. They are also called wet batteries. These are the cheapest and most common solar batteries available. Lead Acid batteries need ventilation and regular maintenance for reliability. The typical lifespan of lead-acid batteries is 5 to 10 years.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-Ion solar batteries offer ease of maintenance, high depth of discharge and a long lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, yet, they store more usable power and have easier to operate. As such, it is quickly becoming the most popular type of solar battery in the market. The Tesla Powerwall is a good example of a Lithium-Ion battery.
Nickel Cadmium Batteries
Nickel Cadmium batteries are typically used in large scale solar projects. They are durable batteries that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Nickel-cadmium batteries need skilled operations and maintenance personnel. This makes them inappropriate for residential installations.
Flow Batteries
Flow Batteries are ideal for utility-scale solar projects. They are the largest type of solar battery storage in use today. Flow batteries also have the best depth of discharge and the longest lifespan of all battery types. Flow batteries last up to 30 years and can withstand a 100% depth of discharge without getting damaged.
The development s solar energy storage solutions can further improve the uptake of solar energy around the world. Understanding how the different types of batteries work are vital when designing your solar energy system. Using the appropriate battery design for your system can determine the success of your project.