The solar battery is a critical component for homes that receive solar energy. They’re capable of storing power throughout the day and offering power at night. In 2022, approximately one battery per every seven solar systems was added to the network, but choosing one requires looking at the many options available.
Which main types of solar batteries should you know about? Do some offer you better benefits than others? Stick with this article as we dive straight into the key examples you need to make your choice.
What Key Types of Solar Battery Are Available?
In the world of solar batteries, you can select from a vast range as multiple types are available. Let’s explore each of the three main solar battery options you could use and consider their main advantages and disadvantages.
AC-coupled Battery
An AC solar battery option is the perfect choice for converting power from one state to another as it flows from the solar panel to the battery. Although your solar panel’s power is direct current, your home and its appliances need alternating current to function. The great thing about these batteries is that they are able to change the direct current power into alternating current and power your home’s appliances.
One of the key features that makes this conversion possible is the inverter, which is also responsible for converting the energy back into direct current if it remains unused. What this means for your energy system is that these batteries complete multiple energy conversion processes.
AC-coupled batteries are highly popular for commercial and residential use.
Advantages of AC-coupled batteries
There are a few advantages of using AC-coupled batteries. You can retrofit them and add them to an existing solar panel without much difficulty. As a result, it’s possible to increase the scope of your solar panel system easily with AC-coupled batteries.
With this type of battery, you can also charge them from the panel and your grid. So, even if your solar panel fails, you can still receive energy to power your home.
Disadvantages of AC-coupled batteries
Since AC-coupled batteries require a couple of inverters, you will notice that extra components are needed. Although tracking these components down can be challenging, we provide easy access to these and will supply them with your system.
The AC-coupled battery typically works at 90 to 95% efficiency because it inverts the stored power at least three times. For instance, your energy will shift from direct current to alternating current and then to direct current.
DC-coupled Battery
A DC-coupled battery is one of the optimum solutions to power your home with solar energy. It enables your solar panel’s direct current energy to flow into the battery, where you’ll be able to store it for later use.
These batteries will convert your energy just once into alternating current, the form of energy that your home appliances will require. They complete this conversion process using a solar charge controller.
Many DC-coupled batteries suit and support a modular system, meaning you can gradually expand your system, add extra solar panels or include more solar controllers if needed. There are also a few other advantages of DC-coupled batteries to consider.
Advantages of DC-coupled Batteries
Although these batteries need to convert energy into alternating current, they are an excellent solution that limits the number of conversions. As a result, this option offers greater efficiency than AC-coupled batteries, specifically, a 98% efficiency.
With fewer components than an AC-coupled battery, DC-coupled batteries can be the more budget-friendly option. Your solar panel system and battery will share the solar inverter, meaning you will not need to pay for two.
Disadvantages of DC-coupled Batteries
Installing large DC-coupled batteries can be more complex than other options. The main reason is the need for string fusing to protect against reverse currents in case of a fault. However, we offer professional installation services to facilitate this process and ensure your DC-coupled batteries function efficiently with your solar panel system.
A DC-coupled battery may also require several additional components for a solar panel system that provides more than 6kW of power. Some of these components include solar charge controllers that are high voltage. Despite this, we provide the components you require, so your solar panel system will always be equipped with the solar charge controller component it needs.
Lithium-ion Solar Battery
For a frequently used solar battery, you might choose a lithium-ion option. These batteries weigh very little, and if you select them, you won’t be required to complete extensive maintenance. With rapid charging and discharging capacities, their efficiency far surpasses alternative batteries.
Advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
What’s ideal about lithium-ion batteries, as mentioned, is that they don’t need a lot of maintenance. If you do need to check them, they are light and durable, giving you access to them more easily.
The other excellent feature of lithium-ion batteries is their high energy density. Your battery will store significant amounts of power despite being small. We recommend our Tesla Powerwall battery system, or our Chem RESU solar batteries if you’re looking for lithium-ion batteries. They offer simple installation and use world-class battery technology.
They last incredibly long, retain energy for longer periods, and have a greater depth of discharge. This latter feature means the percentage of battery usage in relation to its entire capacity is high.
Disadvantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
Unlike alternative solar battery options, these lithium-ion batteries might not work as well in high or low temperatures and could be affected by extreme weather, limiting their effectiveness. However, lithium-ion batteries often perform better than some alternatives, such as lead batteries, making them an excellent choice for your solar panel system.
When you search for lithium-ion batteries, you may also notice that they are less widely available than alternative options for solar panel systems. However, at Solar Path, our full selection and stock of lithium-ion batteries can meet your specific requirements, whether you need to install this battery for the first time or aim to replace one for your solar panel system.
Select SolarPath for Your Solar Panel System Battery Power
Your next goal is to select a battery for your solar panel system, and that’s where SolarPath can help. We will give you access to various options that perfectly align with your needs. Whether you need a solar battery for commercial solar panels or residential solar systems, we have what you need. Visit SolarPath, get enlightening information on our solar panels and batteries, and contact us for tailored information about solar battery options.
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