Choosing batteries for the solar energy system of your home isn’t something you do without consideration. Although many factors are worth considering, two factors stand out. The first is the battery type that your solar system needs, and the second factor is the expectation you want from the battery.
Since the battery type to be used is important, we will discuss in detail the different solar battery types that can be used for different types of solar energy systems. Visit to learn how to set up your home solar power.
Types
The following are the main solar batteries that are used for residential solar power systems:
1. Lead Acid Battery
This power unit is tried and tested over the years since as far back as the 1800s. The main reason for their longevity to date is their durability.
Lead-acid batteries are of two types which are sealed lead acid and flooded lead-acid.
Pros
- Cheapest Storage Option
Money is a factor when many folks consider switching to solar power. Hence, many are looking for cheaper options that will still enable them to enjoy the benefits of this form of renewable energy. Thankfully, when compared to other options, this accumulator is the cheapest.
- Reliable
As we said already, this technology has existed and been in use for a while now. As a result, it has proven its reliability over the years and many have come to trust it for this reason. Therefore, if you choose this option, then you will enjoy the reliability that has been proven over the years.
- Easy to Dispose and Recycle
Another advantage that is an offshoot of how long this technology has existed is that the item can be disposed of as well as recycled without difficulty.
Cons
- Increased Chances of Leaking
The flooded lead-acid accumulator has to be ventilated and maintained regularly for it to function optimally. As a result of this, the possibility of leaking is increased.
- Installation Limitation
Since it has an increased leak probability, this leads to installation limitations. Hence, it cannot be installed on its other side.
- Low DoD (Depth of Discharge)
This problem means that you will have to charge the unit more frequently. Also, the low DoD makes the lifespan of this power unit to be shorter: A lifespan range of 5 to 10 years.
What it is Most Suitable For
Thanks to its reliability, it works best when used in off-grid systems. It is also perfect as an emergency power backup during an outage.
2. Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion energy banks are the newest on the scene. The popularity rise of electric cars made EV manufacturers discover the potential of lithium-ion as the next best energy storage option. After a short while, it usage became widespread.
Pros
- Doesn’t Need Regular Maintenance
The first advantage of this accumulator type is that you don’t have to maintain it regularly. Hence, you don’t need to spend money to ask technicians to come over and look at the unit.
- High Energy Density
Lithium-ion accumulators have a high energy density; hence, they contain more energy within a smaller area compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Long Lifespan
The lifespan of this battery type is longer than its lead-acid counterpart. Many of them have a guarantee of lasting for about 10 years at the very least.
- High DoD (Depth of Discharge)
As a result of the long lifespan of these batteries, their depth of discharge is higher. Hence, they can be used for longer periods before recharging is required. Click here to learn more about depth of discharge
Cons
- Expensive
Compared to the first energy bank option we discussed, these units are more costly.
- Combustible
The chemistry of these storage systems makes them more likely to catch fire. This is due to what is known as thermal runaway. Despite this possibility, when the battery is properly installed, the combustion probability of the accumulator is almost zero.
What it is Most Suitable For
If you want to install residential solar, then you can opt for this type of battery. The main reason they are perfect for this is that they contain more energy within a restricted space while still providing enough energy.
3. Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
The popularity and widespread use of this battery is less than that of the other accumulators we have looked at already.
Ni-Cd energy banks were first seen towards the end of the 1800s. However, they were upgraded in the 1980s to increase to store more energy. While they are not popular in mainstream use, they are considered favorites within aircraft circles.
Pros
- Durability
The durability of nickel cadmium batteries allows them to last for long.
- Resistant to Harsh Temperatures
The temperature that lithium-ion batteries won’t survive and probably blow up in is perfectly okay for Ni-Cd power units.
- Maintenance Free
This means you don’t have to spend money on maintenance and the lot.
Cons
- Very Toxic
This is a major reason it is not widely used especially in homes.
- Difficult to Dispose
Since some countries have banned cadmium usage, hence, these batteries are difficult to get rid of.
- Memory Effect Issues
Memory effect issues reduce its capacity to retain a charge.
What it is Most Suitable For
Nickel-cadmium accelerators are best for applications that are run on a large scale as a result of their resilience.
4. Flow
This type of solar battery is still a developing technology. They are quite large which is why they are the most expensive solar battery type. The combination of their large size and price makes them impractical to use in residential buildings.
Pros
- 100 Percent DoD (Depth of Discharge)
What this means is that all the stored energy can be used up without causing damage to the health of the battery.
- Fire Retardant Liquid
These batteries are called flow batteries because they contain a flowing electrolyte liquid within their chambers. This water-based electrolyte is fire retardant which means you won’t be dealing with any fire as far as this battery is concerned.
- Very Long Lifespan
Flow energy units can last up to 30 years.
- Low Maintenance
Their very nature and design necessitate maintenance, but the frequency of this maintenance is very low.
Cons
- Very Expensive
You have to pay a lot to get this power unit.
- Low Storage Ability
As a result of this issue, they have to be very large to store enough energy.
What it is Most Suitable For
This battery is most suitable for installations on large scale.
Conclusion
Knowing the various types of solar batteries will enable you to pick the one that is suitable for the setup you have in mind. Therefore, in the article above, we have discussed in detail the four main solar battery types.
