For many years, people have depended on non-renewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels to run residential and industrial operations. Over time, the sources of non-renewable sources have been exhausted at an alarming rate. As a result, people are now ditching fossils fuels and hooking up with clean, renewable solar energy the sun releases each day.
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The popularity of solar energy has grown exponentially in recent years, thus, becoming an affordable option for most people. But as a consumer, you may want to continue utilizing solar energy even when the sun goes down. Home solar batteries are the simplest way to store excess solar energy, utilizing it when you need it most, especially in the evening or selling to your local supplier. With so many suppliers, you should be extra cautious to avoid getting duped by dishonest manufacturers out there. You can consider suppliers such as RedEarth to cater to your energy needs. Conduct enough background checks to gauge whether the supplier will deliver quality products.
The following article discusses what you need to know about home solar batteries. You’ll learn about its working mechanism, benefits, and much more. Read on.
How Do Solar Batteries work?
A solar battery refers to an add-on device to your solar panel system to store excess energy generated by the system.
The battery is charged up during the day by solar panels. There are several ways to connect your solar panels to the solar battery system. The options include direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) coupling systems. The major difference between the two is the path taken by the energy produced by the solar panel system.
The storage process starts when the solar panels produce energy when the sun shines on them. The solar panels convert solar energy to DC electricity in a DC coupling system. The electricity enters the solar battery system and is stored as DC electricity. If you want to utilize the stored electricity, the inverter will convert it to AC electricity your home can use.
In an AC coupling system, the solar energy is converted to DC electricity by the solar panels. The electricity enters an inverter to be converted to AC electricity, which your home appliances can use. Then it flows to another inverter to be converted back into DC electricity and stored for later use.
Are There Types Of Solar Batteries?
You can choose several types of solar batteries for your energy storage. They include:
- Lead Acid Batteries
This type of battery has been in use for many years. It utilizes the lead compound to store electricity for later use. It’s one of the cheapest energy storage solutions, making it affordable for most people. It’s available in two different options: sealed and flooded lead-acid battery.
One major disadvantage of a lead-acid battery is that it may have a shorter lifespan and be affected by weather conditions such as high temperatures.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
This is a new energy storage solution. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles mainly influenced its development. This type may have a higher battery energy density and longer cycle than lead-acid batteries. Thus, it might be an efficient option to store your solar energy for later use.
On the flip side, a lithium-ion battery may be costly, thus leaving a huge dent in your hard-earned bucks. When purchasing your lithium-ion batteries, ensure you conduct extensive research to purchase them from a licensed manufacturer.
Why Include A Solar Battery?
Implementing a solar storage solution to your solar panel system may have benefits, including:
- Utilize The Most Out Of Your Energy
You may spend most time of your day outside your house. The energy produced by your system will be wasted if you don’t have a storage solution. Thus, an installed battery will store excess energy for later use. As a result, you’ll reduce your dependence on-grid system, decreasing your monthly energy bills. Also, you can utilize the stored energy to run your home operations if your panel, for whatever reason, doesn’t generate ample energy.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint
Most electricity on the grid system is generated through fossil fuels plants. Some of these fossil fuels may negatively impact the environment. Thus, storing this clean and reliable energy will ensure you conserve the environment. Thanks to technological advancement, components used in a solar battery system will produce little or no pollutants compared to fossil fuels.
- Great For Emergencies
Some natural occurrences such as earthquakes may cause a blackout even for weeks. With a solar battery system, you can power your home operations for days. This will improve your energy security and daily productivity.
How To Choose The Ideal Solar Battery For Your Home?
Choosing the right battery will play a huge role in improving the efficiency of the entire investment. Some of the factors to should consider may include:
- Power Rating
It refers to the kilowatts(kW) of power a battery can release at once. It can either be a continuous or instantaneous power rating. Batteries will have a different rating. Before choosing any battery, ensure you understand the amount of power your appliance consumes. If you’re unsure, you can invite an expert who will advise on the best battery for your household.
- Usable Storage Capacity
It refers to the amount of energy a battery can store. If you have high energy needs, you should go for a large-sized battery. This will save you from running out of stored electricity, ensuring a normal flow of home operations.
- Safety
When choosing a solar battery, your safety should be a priority. Before purchasing and installing a solar battery, ensure it meets the safety requirements. This will save you and your loved ones from accidents that result from faulty solar batteries. If a manufacturer is reluctant to present a safety certification, that should be your cue to move to the next supplier.
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
The cost of solar batteries will vary depending on the storage capacity and power rating. A battery with a higher storage capacity and power rating may cost more than a small-sized battery.
Thus, it’s advisable to visit more than one supplier to understand the average price in your locality. Although it might be costly to install a solar battery system, it’s a worthy investment in the long run.
Take Away
As discussed above, solar batteries will play a huge role in improving the efficiency of your solar panel system. Depending on your budget and energy needs, there are several types of home batteries you can choose from to offer energy storage solutions.
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