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Solar power is a leading source of renewable energy for homes and businesses across the UK, providing clean electricity directly from the sun. However, with the sun only providing maximum light for a few hours a day, solar batteries are an essential component of solar power systems. Solar batteries store excess energy for later use, allowing you to make use of your panels even when the sun isn't shining.
With so many options on the market, its difficult to decide which solar battery is right for you and your system. In this article, we'll walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Solar Batteries
There are multiple different types of solar batteries, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Lead-acid batteries: A longstanding fixture in battery selections, lead-acid batteries are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, they have a shorter lifespan and lower depth of discharge than other battery types.
Lithium-ion batteries: These are the most popular solar battery choice because of their long lifespan, high efficiency, and greater depth of discharge. They may be more expensive in the short term, but offer greater value over time.
Saltwater batteries: Saltwater batteries are a newer technology, offering an environmental solution by not using heavy metals. They aren't yet proven over a long time frame, and are more expensive up front.
Flow batteries: These are known for their long lifespan and ability to discharge 100% of their stored energy. They tend to be used in larger, commercial applications because of their size and cost.
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Things to Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery
Capacity and Power
A battery's capacity refers to the total amount of electricity that it can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Power is the amount of electricity a battery can deliver at once, measured in kilowatts (kW). Running multiple appliances simultaneously requires a battery with both high capacity and high power.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The depth of discharge refers to how much of a battery's capacity can be used before it needs recharging. Most manufacturers recommend not to use 100% of a battery's capacity in order to extend its lifespan. For example, a battery with an 85% DoD can use up to 85% of its stored electricity before it needs to be recharged.
Most lithium-ion batteries have a DoD of 80%, which is deemed a good level.
Round-Trip Efficiency
Round-trip efficiency is a measure of how much energy you can use from a battery compared to the amount of energy it took to store. A high round-trip efficiency means that more energy is available for use. For example, if a battery has a 90% round-trip efficiency, it means that 90% of the energy used to charge it can be utilised.
Lifespan and Warranty
Most solar batteries will perform well until they are around 15 years of age. The lifespan of a solar battery is typically measured in cycles, with each cycle representing one full charge and discharge. When browsing the battery's warranty terms, you'll want to look for something that will cover a significant number of cycles or upwards of 10 years.
Cost and Value
Upfront cost will be an important consideration, as you'll have to keep yourself within budget. However, you shouldn't opt for a battery purely because it's the cheapest option. Consider the long-term value of a battery in terms of its efficiency, lifespan, and maintenance costs. A more expensive option will usually perform better when it comes to these factors. This will subsequently lead the battery to offer better value over its lifespan.
Installation and Compatibility
Ensure that the solar battery you choose is compatible with your existing solar panel system and your installer is familiar with the model. Some batteries require specific inverters or additional equipment, which will add to the installation cost.