Four Things You Should Know When Shopping for a Solar Battery

A solar battery is a device that stores electricity so you can use it later and is popular in domestic settings. If your solar panels fail to generate enough electricity because of bad weather conditions, you can boost power by using solar batteries as a backup. If you’re shopping for options, here are four things you need to know before you pick a solar battery. 

Capacity and Power 

Not all solar batteries are equal. They have different capacities, referring to the total amount of energy they can store. Capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while power or the electricity generated by the battery is measured in kilowatts (kW) or Amperes (Amps). The power and capacity of the battery determine how long it will run. And the amount of energy you need is influenced by the electrical or power required to run your household—which includes your gadgets and appliances. Of course, another way to ensure that you never run out of batteries is to have enough solar panels installed. If that’s not the case, start looking for solar companies in Peoria that can offer the solar panels you need. 

Battery Type or Chemistry 

Learn more about the elements in the battery. They determine the amount of energy storage possible. The different types of batteries you will encounter include flow batteries, lead-acid batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. As technology advances, you can expect more types of solar batteries to come out in the market. Are you wondering which type of battery suits your system? 

• Lithium-ion batteries are the most common option. The core component of these batteries is lithium, and they are often used for most electrical gadgets, from smartphones to electric cars. One downside of the batteries is that they are prone to overheating, so you can use them for only a short time. You can manage that by using coolers to cut down on the heat and wear of the batteries. The coolers will cost you extra, though. 
• Flow batteries, also known as redox flow batteries, use electrolytes and require no metal compounds since they use liquids to transfer the electrolytes. They have excellent holding power and a long lifespan. 
• Lead acid batteries are ideal for off-grid environments and usage. But these batteries take a long time to charge, so you’ll need to factor that into your calculations. For longer-lasting versions of lead-acid batteries, choose Tubular batteries. They usually last 3 or 4 years longer than lead-acid plate batteries and have higher discharging and charging power. You can flood or seal up these batteries. 

Round-Trip Efficiency

Find a solar battery with a high round-trip efficiency. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing extra energy that could have been put to better use by powering up your appliances. 

Compatibility 

Are the batteries AC-coupled or DC-coupled? Most solar power systems are AC-coupled, so you’ll want to choose AC-coupled. They are likely to be more compatible with your system. DC-coupled batteries store energy directly from solar panels, though, so if you’re buying solar panels for the first time, they may recommend that you get DC-coupled batteries.