During the last two years, the number of solar home installations in the US has grown at an unprecedented rate. Throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2021, based on data from different sources in the industry, the number of solar installations in residential buildings increased by 17% over the previous year. According to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, home owners are expected to pair solar power systems with battery storage by 2028, with more than 30% of homeowners planning on pairing their PV systems behind the meter with a battery storage system by 2028.
The benefits of battery storage for homeowners
There were a lot of devices in 2012 that used lithium ion batteries as a power source, but laptops and mobile phones were two of the most popular examples. As early as the end of the decade, houses and cars would soon be powered by lithium ion batteries as well. There are several factors that can contribute to the growth of the use of batteries for solar power storage, including:
- Energy can be stored and used when it is convenient for the user.
- As a result, homeowners will be able to become less reliant on the grid as a result of this technology.
- Utilities sometimes buy back excess energy generated by users over what they consume, which results in lower bills.
- The surge in lithium ion battery production has made lithium ion batteries accessible to regular consumers.
- With the use of a PV system and battery storage system, users can have a renewable energy source that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
- Battery technology has continued to advance throughout the years, leading to increased performance, efficiency, and longevity, making them easier and more affordable for both large and small applications to use.
How to pick a solar battery that is right for you
In recent years, solar batteries have played an increasingly important role in the growth of solar energy as the popularity of solar power has grown. It is possible to store excess power generated by a solar energy system during the day so that you can use it at night, or when the sun is hidden behind clouds during the day, when you need to generate more power. By reducing your reliance on grid electricity, you can also save money by using batteries to power your device.
It is possible to realize the benefits of energy storage without the need for a large battery. By even a small battery, you can make a significant difference in the amount of electricity you use throughout the day, which is measured by your time of use rate (TOU).
It is important to note that some types of solar batteries are not suitable for the task at hand. When it comes to making your solar installation more efficient, one of the most important things you need to know before you speak to your solar installer is the type of solar battery that is the most efficient. It is important that you consider the following factors when choosing a solar battery for your solar energy needs:
Capacity of the battery
There are different types of batteries that can store different amounts of energy. The capacity of a battery can be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy. Therefore, the capacity of a battery determines how much power it can store, and for how long it can be charged, and the amount of time it can store that charge. Depending on how much power you use on a daily basis, you can determine the size of the PV system you need before selecting the solar battery you will use.
Calculate the amount of energy you will need on a daily basis. Here are some things to consider:
- The appliances you use in your home on a regular basis
- The number of hours each day that electricity is actively used
- You can find these readings on your average utility bill
Power
Consider your preferred solar battery's peak and continuous delivery power before you make your decision so that you can make the best decision for you. It is important for you to consider the power of your home when choosing the right solar battery for your home since battery capacity may not be sufficient. There may be a lot of confusion when shopping for batteries because there are both high capacity batteries and low capacity batteries to choose from.
There are a few essential appliances, such as the fridge, or the washing machine, that can be powered by a high-capacity low-power battery for a long time, such as a few essential appliances, such as the fridge. You may be able to power your entire home with a battery that has a small capacity, but one that is high-powered, but for a limited period of time. Your solar installer should be able to help you decide on which solar battery would be right for your needs based on their understanding of how capacity and rating relate to one another.
Discharge depth (DoD)
There is a significant amount of charge that is required to maintain solar batteries, as they are chemical devices and need to be charged to run efficiently and for a longer period of time. There is an important difference between a battery's depth of discharge (DoD) and its capacity to hold power before the battery's performance becomes compromised. A solar battery can be used to have a larger capacity so that you can use more of it before it needs to be recharged before the battery has to be charged again by the DoD.
In order to avoid overstressing a solar battery, it is recommended not to use more than eight kWh from it when a solar battery stores 10 kWh with 80% DOD. In the event that this limit is exceeded, the lifespan of the product may be significantly reduced.
The efficiency of round-trip travel
Round-trip efficiency represents the amount of energy put in the battery that can be retrieved for practical use. The higher the round-trip efficiency, the more efficient and economical the battery is.
To better understand the concept of the round-trip efficiency, consider this example: if your battery can hold up to 10kWh of power, but you can only use 8kWh of it, your battery has a round-trip efficiency of 80%. If you are shopping for the best solar battery, get one with the highest round-trip efficiency.
Warranty
Battery manufacturers offer a variety of warranties depending on the brand and type of battery that is purchased. The warranty period for lithium-ion batteries can last up to 10 years, which is typically less than that of lead-acid batteries, because they generally last 10 years or more.
Duration of life
It is inevitable at some point that the battery is no longer able to hold as much power as it did when it was new because the capacity of the battery to store charge is gradually degraded as it ages. An old or less reliable battery may not maintain a charge for as long as it can as it ages, depending on the quality of that battery. The longer the break-in period, the longer life expectancy is for batteries with a longer break-in period since they are slower to transition from their initial capacity to their peak performance.
Cost
It is perhaps most important to consider the price when buying a solar battery. Solar batteries must balance quality and affordability if you want to buy them. A battery for a solar system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to more than $25,000.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that having a solar battery for storing power is crucial, since the sun does not always shine during the day. As you can see, there are many different kinds of a laptop you can choose from, so we hope you now have a better understanding of what you are looking for. You can provide your home with clean, renewable energy by using solar batteries, which would not otherwise be able to be obtained from outside, by using batteries instead of solar panels. Based on your own unique situation, you will be able to determine the benefits of a solar battery as well as the cost of it.
