Energy storage is the next big wave in the renewable energy revolution, and solar batteries are an excellent supplementation to your solar panel system. They store your system’s extra energy for convenient use at times when your solar panels are generating less electricity, or credit the excess power to a centralized grid. The most common type of solar battery for home solar systems is a lithium-ion battery.
A lithium-ion solar battery consists of a lithium base, two electrodes, and titanium mesh. There are two phases of operation in a lithium-ion battery. As the battery charges, lithium ions stored in the positively charged electrode move to the negatively charged electrode, which contains carbon. When energy is being discharged, the reverse process occurs.
The life expectancy of a solar battery is between 5 and 15 years, so you will likely have to replace your battery at some point during the 20 to 30 year lifespan of your solar panel system. Let’s take a look at some determining factors of solar battery longevity:
Again, we will focus on lithium-ion batteries, as they are the current trend in residential solar systems with high demand driving down prices. They have a high depth of discharge (DoD) and tend to last longer than lead-acid batteries, which are more common on systems that have no ties to a power grid.
Variables like climate and lifestyle affect how much stored energy individuals may use, which is why there is such a disparity in the average lifespan of solar batteries. The frequency of charging and discharging is the greatest determiner of a battery’s life expectancy, so it’s important to consider DoD. With an 80 percent DoD rate, it is easy to understand why lithium-ion solar batteries are preferable.
Where you keep your solar battery is another key factor. Extreme temperatures are not ideal for the longevity of a battery. To ensure you get the most out of your battery and system, you will want to keep your equipment in a temperature-controlled environment.
Costs can vary depending on the battery manufacturer and the amount of labor involved in installing your battery bank system, so make sure you shop around for competitive pricing and special offers. The installation of lithium-ion batteries paired with panels that connect to a grid can run you between $7,000 and $14,000 but — before the cost causes a cash-induced conniption, keep in mind savings over time, federal subsidies, and net metering options.
Well, yes! Solar batteries are absolutely worth it. Battery storage technology is exponentially increasing as solar battery prices are steadily decreasing, making solar batteries an excellent backup energy option. Gurr Brothers Energy beats any price around and offers expert installation of battery bank systems that will ensure you never have to experience the inconvenience of a power outage again. Contact them today for a free consultation and get started on your path toward energy independence.
Author: Hunter S.
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