A core part of the solar power revolution is its battery. After all, without the battery, how can users store energy from the sun and use it to power appliances, gadgets, etc. when needed?
Solar batteries have become more reliable and cheaper these days. And, there are different options to choose from in the market. They can vary in sizes and types which can be confusing to first-time buyers.
That is why in this post, we’ll guide you on how to look for the best batteries for solar power storage.
What kind of battery is best for a solar system?
This is one of the crucial questions to ask when in the market for a solar generator. What is the best solar battery for such a system?
The answer is —--- it depends.
The answer is never simple; it depends on your budget, location, the purpose of the battery, and what’s available in your area are just some of the things to consider.
To help you in this quest, there are three different ways to answer this question:
AC VS DC
Battery Technologies or Chemistry
- Lead acid batteries have been used since the 1800s because of their reliability and for being cheap. It is best used for off-grid solar systems or emergency purposes. It is also cheaper compared to lithium-ion batteries.
- Lithium ion batteries may be new compared to lead acid batteries but they can hold more power even within a limited space. It also has a longer lifespan and requires little maintenance when used.
- Nickel-cadmium batteries are a favorite in the aircraft industry and for large-scale applications. They were first used in the 1800s and have been known for their durability. Since its introduction, its storage capacity has increased. Unfortunately, cadmium is known to be extremely toxic.
- Flow batteries are an up-and-coming technology in the industry. They are known for being a minimal fire risk and have a thirty-year lifespan. These batteries have a water-based electrolyte liquid that moves between two chambers inside the battery. A chemical reaction occurs when charged, allowing for the energy to be stored and discharged.
What is their capability or purpose? Is it for backup or consumption?
Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage: A Guide
Now that we’re aware of the different kinds of solar batteries, let’s take a look at how to find the best batteries that fit you:
- Capacity - If you require more power then you’re going to need a battery with a higher power rating. To determine how much you’re going to need, check all the appliances or gadgets that you need to recharge or power and add the power they require.
- Power Rating - this refers to the maximum amount of power that can be delivered by the battery/generator at a given time. As a rule of thumb, if you’re going to need more power then be sure to have a higher power rating battery to have enough energy supply.
- Efficiency - how much power can the battery store from the solar panel before usage? If you have 100Wh energy in the battery but you can only use 60% of this then that’s poor battery efficiency.
- Battery Life - or how long will it last? This refers to the charge-discharge cycle of the battery before you require the battery to be replaced.
- Cost - if you’re on a tight budget then this is the first thing that would always come into mind. Remember the higher the power you require, the more expensive the battery/generator would be.
Which battery is most suitable for solar energy storage?
It depends.
If you want portability then lithium-ion batteries are a good option. They are also the go-to batteries of electric vehicle manufactures. This is because they have a longer life cycle which is between 4,000 to 6,000 cycles, and can last for at least five to fifteen years.
Mainstream solar generators have been using this battery technology to make solar energy accessible to the masses. An example of this is Nature’s Generator Lithium 1800 which has a 1440-watt-hour battery capacity and can power up an 800W full-size fridge for 32-48 hours.
Solar generators are also available with lead-acid battery configurations as they are reliable and can store more power. But it has a lower lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries. But, other factors can also contribute to the wear and tear of a generator such as its maintenance and usage.
Nature’s Generator Powerhouse can recharge a smartphone 400 times or power a 220-well pump (2HP) for more than three hours with its 4800Wh lead acid batteries and basic form. It can provide more power when combined with a Power Pod for a total of 9600Wh.
Last Words
The best batteries for solar power storage are lithium ion and lead acid batteries. Each has its pros and cons when in use. So it is best to do some due diligence before purchasing a solar generator.
If you need further help on this topic, you can reach us here.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Cris Ilao, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage(2024 Guide) Thank you, Cris, for your contributions!
