
What is the Best Long-Term Battery for Solar?
, 6 min reading time
, 6 min reading time
An off-grid solar system depends on several factors, including solar panels, the amount of sunlight on any given day, and energy storage devices. During low-light days or even during the night, a solar system will need to rely on the energy produced during the day, which is where a battery or battery bank comes in.
For off-grid systems, a battery or battery bank stores the solar energy your solar system produces during low-light periods. This is also the case for any on-grid systems as well, as a battery bank can keep homes, cabins, and other residences running during blackouts or when generators are low on fuel.
For this reason, having a quality, long-lasting battery is essential for a successful solar system. However, finding out which battery is best for your system is easier said than done. Luckily, Sunrich Energy has you covered.
When discussing which battery is best, what many are referring to is the battery lifespan and the trust that it will provide power when it’s needed. The lifespan of the battery refers to how long a battery will last before it needs to be replaced by another.
There’s a lot that affects the lifespan of any battery, including:
● Charge: the moving of electrons into a battery that increases the energy
● Discharge: releasing the energy stored in the battery to create electricity
● Depth of discharge (DoD): the amount of energy used by a battery between charges
● Charge/discharge rates: how quickly a battery can charge and discharge
● Cycle-life: the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged
For solar kits, the lifespan of a battery will impact the long-term reliability and effectiveness of your battery.
The other part of the battery cycle is understanding the different types of batteries that are available. There are pros and cons to each battery type that must be taken into consideration. No two places are the same, so knowing which battery is best for your situation is essential.
Lead-acid batteries are the oldest, rechargeable batteries on the market. They use lead and sulphuric acid to generate electricity. These batteries require regular maintenance and careful charging to avoid overcharge and other damages. Lead-acid batteries are susceptible to spills and corrosion if the spills aren’t cleaned properly.
Lithium batteries are relatively new to the battery market. Their build makes them more efficient and longer-lasting, requiring less maintenance than the other batteries. They’re commonly built with a specialized BMS to prevent overcharging. Although initially pricier, their longevity, safety, and quick-charge effectiveness make lithium batteries a worthwhile investment for solar systems.
Shop Sunrich Energy Lithium Batteries
Saltwater batteries use saltwater as a form of energy storage to charge and discharge electricity. It’s use of saltwater and other renewable sources make it a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to other popular energy storage technologies.
Flow batteries are a new type of recharge battery that uses electrochemical cells from tanks to generate electricity. Simply put, if you want more energy storage space, you just need to increase the tanks. These batteries have large lifepsans and are great for relatively large capacities but are unfeasable for smaller systems.
As explained previously, there are many factors that affect the longevity of a battery. These factors include:
High temperatures can damage the chemical compositions of the battery. Low temperatures may slow the battery down, reducing charge and discharge rate. Try to avoid placing batteries in extreme weather conditions, and store them in cool, dry areas.
No matter what battery you have, neglecting routine maintenance can negatively impact your battery. Even maintenance-free batteries require inspections to ensure they’re running properly. Each battery type has its own unique requirements; when in doubt, refer to the user manual.
DoD can negatively impact your battery through routine deep discharges. The more energy you use in shorter sequences, the less life your battery will have. In essence: Higher DoD = Shorter Life. Review your user manul to see the recommended DoD;. There will be times where a deep discharge is inevitable, but as long as you maintain the battery and properly charge the battery, its lifespan will be nurtured.
A full battery cycle refers to the time the battery becomes fully charged and then fully discharged. The more you do this, especially deep discharges that wipe out the energy stored within, the worse the life of your battery will be. When possible, use a slower charge and discharge rate so you aren’t stressing the internal mechanisms of the battery, which will ensure your battery’s longevity.
Only you can decide what your best option for long-term solar energy storage is, however. For those who are more budget conscious, a lead-acid battery may seem more attractive in the beginning, but you will have to replace them sooner. Instead, investing in a lithium battery may help you in the long run, but it requires a higher initial pay up front. Nevertheless, newer technologies are being introduced that can shake up the entire energy storage market, and you may be able to hold out for them.
Other factors to consider is where your located, the climate, and how much you need to store. Sunrich Energy offers high capacity lithium batteries that can handle extreme temperatures. Learn more to understand which battery to invest into for better long-term results.