Solar Batteries: All You Need To Know
Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the world’s most abundant energy sources. To make use of it, however, homeowners need to understand how solar batteries work so they can decide if this investment is right for them. This article explains the types and capacities of solar batteries, how many batteries are needed to run a house on solar, cost analysis for solar batteries and proper maintenance considerations.
Understanding Solar Batteries
Solar batteries, also referred to as photovoltaic (PV) batteries, are rechargeable storage units used to store the electricity collected from PV systems for later use. They come in a variety of sizes, types, and capacities.
Types of Solar Batteries
The most popular types of solar batteries are lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries are the oldest technology and less expensive, making them popular with budget-conscious consumers. They require maintenance and must be placed in a safety box due to the corrosive acid they are filled with. Lithium-ion batteries are safer, more efficient, and take up less space. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
Capacity of Solar Batteries
Solar batteries are measured by the amount of energy they store, expressed in amp-hours (Ah). The Amp-hour capacity measures the current level of the batteries, how long it will last, and how quickly it will charge. A battery with a larger amp-hour capacity will last longer and charge more quickly than a battery with a smaller amp-hour capacity.
How Many Batteries Are Needed To Run A House On Solar?
The number of solar batteries needed to power a home varies depending on whether a homeowner wants to keep the power on when the grid is down or go off-grid completely.
Keeping The Power On When The Grid Is Down
If you are looking to keep the power on when the grid is down, you’ll usually just need one solar battery. Most solar batteries are rated at 350-400 Ah, so one battery will provide a decent amount of energy for a home for several hours, depending on the average power consumption of the home.
Going Off-Grid Completely
If you would like to go off-grid completely, you’ll need far more storage capacity than one solar battery can provide. Most households need around 8-12 batteries to power their home off-grid, though this may vary depending on the individual home’s electricity needs. The batteries are usually connected in series to increase the overall capacity and lifespan of the solar batteries.
Cost Analysis for Solar Batteries
The cost of solar batteries can vary depending on the type and capacity of the battery. Lead-acid batteries generally range in price from $300-600 and lithium-ion batteries range from $1000-3000, depending on the size of the battery and its capacity.
Proper Maintenance
Solar batteries need to be taken care of to ensure a long lifespan. Proper maintenance includes preventing overcharging and deep discharging, keeping the batteries clean, and checking for any signs of damage or wear. It’s also important to check the flammability ratings of the battery as some are combustible.
Conclusion
Solar batteries are an integral part of solar energy systems, enabling homeowners to store the energy collected from their PV systems for later use. Solar batteries come in a variety of types and capacities to accommodate homes of varying sizes. Depending on the individual home’s needs, one or several batteries may be needed to power the home. The cost of solar batteries can vary, with lead-acid batteries costing less than lithium-ion batteries. Finally, proper maintenance is key to keeping solar batteries functioning properly.
References
Lee, S. (2020, October 7). Solar batteries: All you need to know. EnergySage. https://news.energysage.com/solar-batteries-everything-need-know/
Tucker, J. (2020, December 9). Best solar batteries for home. Saving Sea Turtles. https://savingseaturtles.org/energy/best-solar-batteries-home/
U.S. Department of Energy. (2020, August 3). All about batteries for your solar system. U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/all-about-batteries-your-solar-system
How many batteries do you need to run a house on solar?
The number of batteries needed to run a house on solar depends on whether you want to keep the power on when the grid is down or go off-grid completely. If you want to keep the power on when the grid is down, you’ll usually just need one solar battery. If you want to go off-grid completely, you’ll need far more storage capacity, more along the lines of 8-12 batteries.
