I was ecstatic when I installed solar panels on my home. I was sure my environmental footprint would be lowered, as well as my monthly bills.
So, when my solar panels stopped working only a few weeks after I got them, I was not happy, to put it mildly.
Soon, I found out it was because of the faulty batteries. When getting the solar panels, I admit I didn’t give much thought to solar batteries that’ll store the energy they generate.
This proved to be a monumental mistake, which I set out to rectify. I talked with different sellers and spent hours scouring the available solar batteries.
Here’s what you need to know to best your hands on the best solar batteries.
What Are Solar Batteries?
A solar battery is a device that stores energy from a solar system for later use. The panels absorb the sun's energy. This energy is converted to electricity, which goes through an inverter, so your home can use it.
This energy can be used later on, for example, in the evenings when the panels aren’t producing energy anymore. It can also be used at times when the electricity tariff is high to save on the bill.
A solar battery can be used on the grid or as an off-grid system. The solar PV system is usually connected to the grid. In this way, your home can receive electric energy. This is useful if, for some reason, your panels and battery aren’t producing enough energy to meet your demands.
But, if your system produces more energy than you need, this is sent back to the grid, and you get a credit on your electricity bill, which lowers it.
If you want to be off-grid, solar batteries are extremely valuable. Then, you can store the excess energy in the batteries instead of sending them back to the grid. This is a great way to ensure you’re never out of energy.
Common Types of Solar Batteries
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion is the most common type of battery for solar energy storage. These solar batteries have a longer lifespan and depth of discharge compared to other kinds of batteries.
A lithium-ion battery uses lithium manganese oxide or lithium cobalt dioxide as the cathode and graphite (carbon) for the anode.
Lithium-ion batteries are also more compact compared to other battery types. They are usually the size of a washing machine or a small fridge.
The charging time of Li-ion batteries varies, but it’s usually three hours or more to full charge.
They are maintenance-free, and there’s no refilling required.
Many li-ion batteries are green (NOT all of them), as many of them are recyclable and have a long life cycle.
Their main shortfall is that they are the most expensive.
A common Li-ion battery is LiFePO4, also known as LFP sometimes. It has even better discharge efficiency and a longer life span.
You should note that some refer to LiFePO4 as a different battery type when comparing to li-ion batteries.
Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries are some of the cheapest solar batteries found nowadays. However, they are becoming outdated, as they have a shorter lifespan and capacity compared to Li-ion.
They will also cost more in the long run because you’ll have to replace them more frequently.
Charging time depends on several factors, but it can take up to a day or even longer to reach full charge.
Lead-acid batteries need more maintenance compared to Li-ion, such as adding water and venting.
They are not very green, as they are toxic, and they can leak.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are a new kind of deep cycle battery in the energy storage sector. They are called flow because they have water-based electrolyte liquid that flows between two changers in the battery.
When these batteries are charged, chemical reactions happen. Due to this, the energy can be stored and then discharged.
These batteries are becoming more and more popular. However, the high cost and large size make them not approachable for residential use.
They have 100% discharge depth and fire retardant liquid inside, which makes them safe to use.
Their lifespan is also very long — up to 30 years, and they’re low maintenance.
They are also a good green option, as they have recyclable components.
Gel Solar Battery
Gel batteries are a kind of lead-acid battery. Their main feature is the usage of gel electrolytes instead of liquid acid, which makes them extremely safe.
There’s no risk of gas leakage.
The gel battery has no liquid inside, as the electrolytes are in gel form. The movement of ions creates electricity outside of the battery to power a load. If the gel battery is charged with solar energy, the opposite reaction happens.
It’s maintenance-free — there’s no need to add water. It has a long cycle and shelf life.
AGM Solar Battery
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat and it’s another kind of solar battery.
The acid electrolyte is absorbed on a glass mat, which makes this battery leakproof.
It has the same components as the gel battery, and the same working principle — the flow of H+ ions between electrodes produces energy current.
Their main disadvantage is a shorter life cycle, and they can have a higher cost per kWh.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
The final type of solar battery is nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd). Compared to lead-acid and Li-ion, these aren’t as widely used.
Their main benefit is that they are extremely durable, and they can work under extreme temperatures.
They’re also maintenance-free, and there’s no complicated management system.
However, they are extremely toxic due to cadmium. Cadmium is even banned in some countries, so they’re hard to get rid of.
Things to Consider While Buying the Best Solar Batteries
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is how much energy a battery can store and supply to your home. It’s measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Good solar batteries usually have a capacity of about 5 kWh or more.
However, most batteries nowadays are stackable, which means you can combine their storage capacity and get a higher amount of energy.
Battery capacity tells you how long it can power your home or parts of it.
It’s important to know how power and capacity relate. If you get a battery with a high capacity and low power rating, it’ll provide power for a couple of small appliances. But, if you get a solar battery with low capacity and high power, it could provide enough power for bigger appliances for a short time.
Power Rating
Battery power rating tells you how much electricity it can provide. This is usually shown in kilowatts (kW).
The power rating essentially tells you how many appliances the battery can power at once, as well as what those appliances are.
Different appliances will need different power amounts.
For example, a fluorescent light bulb uses 0.012 kW, while a 3-ton AC will need 4.8 kW.
The majority of available batteries nowadays have a continuous power output of about 5 kW.
Roundtrip Efficiency
Roundtrip efficiency is a metric that measures the battery’s efficiency during one cycle. It checks how well the storage system, which is made up of a battery and an inverter, converts and stores energy.
Because batteries also need the power to run, they will spend some of the energy they store. Also, some kWh are always lost when direct current is converted to alternating current.
Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of energy you can get back from the battery once it spends the energy it needs.
For example, if a 10 kWh battery lets you draw 8 kWh, it has 80% efficiency.
Battery Lifetime: Throughput and Cycles
The battery’s lifetime is measured in three metrics:
- Life Cycle — How many times you can completely charge and discharge the battery.
- Expected Throughput — How much electricity you’ll get with your solar battery in its lifetime.
- Expected Working Years — This is just an estimation of the lifetime of the battery in years.
If you want to convert the throughput into the lifespan, divide the throughput by the battery’s usable capacity. You’ll get the battery’s life cycles. Then divide the number of life cycles by 352 (number of days in a year).
If you want to convert the number of lifecycles into the lifespan, divide the number of cycles by the number of days in a year.
For example, a battery with 6,000 life cycles has 17 years of the expected lifespan.
Solar Battery Safety
The manufacturers of solar batteries have to meet safety requirements for the battery to be certified and approved for installation.
However, there are nuances.
Some batteries are safer than others.
For example, nickel-cadmium is considered unsafe because it’s toxic.
On the other hand, gel and AGM solar batteries are safe because there’s no, or minimal, risk of leakage.
Consider the Battery Chemistry
Chemistry refers to the compound that stores the electricity inside the battery.
It’s important because chemistry determines battery safety, life cycle, efficiency, and more.
For example, Li-ion batteries have different chemistries. Many Li-ion batteries use cobalt for electrical conductivity, which is toxic to humans and animals.
On the other hand, Li iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries don’t use cobalt but phosphate, which is much safer. There aren’t many risks for people or the environment, and it’s also much easier to mine.
These are only the differences between Li-ion batteries.
There are even bigger chemistry differences between Li-ion and lead-acid, and so on. Most of these differences boil down to safety (and have different price points), so it’s a good idea to consider the chemistry before you make a purchase.
Depth of Discharge
Depth of discharge (DoD) is the amount of energy you can get from a battery before it has to be charged again.
DoD affects battery lifespan and efficiency, as this is the energy you can get from a battery before its lifespan is impacted.
The higher DoD the battery has, the more of its total capacity you’ll be able to use.
For example, if a battery has 100% DoD, you’ll be able to use full power storage. If the DoD is 90%, you’ll be able to use 5.4 kWh for 6 kWh capacity.
Be Careful With Price and Warranty
Solar batteries go from around $200 to thousands of dollars. As is the case with many other things, the higher the price, the better the quality.
Also, more affordable batteries are usually less powerful, and you’ll end up upgrading or replacing them, which in the end may even cost more than getting a more expensive battery upfront.
Warranty is related to price, and it guarantees either a number of cycles or the number of years batteries will last for.
Some batteries can have both or a combo.
For example, Sonnen batteries have a warranty of either 10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first.
Get Familiar With Battery Types
As I mentioned above, solar batteries come in several types. Depending on which battery you get will impact how efficient your solar panels are.
Also, different batteries have different safety levels, different kWh, DoD, and more.
You should think about your needs.
For example, is the battery's capacity or safety your primary concern, and go from there.
FAQ: Answering Your Questions on Solar Batteries
How Long Do Most Solar Batteries Last?
Solar batteries last between 5 and 15 years. In general, they will last for a shorter time than the solar power system, so you’ll have to replace them at some point in the future.
How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Battery?
You can extend the lifespan of a deep cycle battery by:
- Lower the number of batteries in the bank, as too many batteries can increase resistance and unequal charging.
- Charge the batteries regularly
- Use distilled water
- Rotate the batteries, like those in the middle and the end, may not get an equal charge
- Increase battery equalization so all battery cells can get an equal charge
How Many Solar Batteries Do I Need?
How many solar batteries you need depends on your daily power usage. To determine the capacity or number of solar batteries, check how many days your solar system will be without sun and the lowest temperature the battery bank will experience. The higher the power and number of sunless days, and the lower the temperature, the more solar batteries you’ll need.
How Do I Install A Solar Battery?
To install a solar battery to an existing solar system, you should have an inverter ready for installation. If the inverter doesn’t work with your solar battery, you’ll have to get one that does. Usually, a solar or battery storage system supplier will arrange the connection to the network for you and prepare all documentation.
How Many Solar Batteries Do I Need For My Home?
An average American household needs a three-day battery bank to provide 90 kWh.
Are Solar Batteries Worth It?
Yes, solar batteries are worth it. They are especially worth it for homeowners who experience frequent power outages or have access to energy storage incentives. They also lower the carbon footprint.
Should You Get a Solar Battery?
My firm vote is yes.
Even better, get solar panels and stop being dependent on the electric grid.
However, make sure to through research about the specifications of the batteries. Sadly, a huge portion of the manufacturers don't share the complete spec list and you end up getting subpar batteries for you "solar lifestyle!"
Also, you should go with a manufacturer with good brand value as unreliable power source might damage your electronic equipment.
Best of luck and if you have any question regarding the solar batteries, let me know in the comments.
Green Blog
Solar Batteries Buyers’ Guide: What To Look For?
Written by : Marina Maletic | Last Updated: March 31, 2023
Contents
Are you looking for a reliable solar battery for your home? GreenCitizen team digs deep into the issue and presents you the solar batteries buyers’ guide.
I was ecstatic when I installed solar panels on my home. I was sure my environmental footprint would be lowered, as well as my monthly bills.
So, when my solar panels stopped working only a few weeks after I got them, I was not happy, to put it mildly.
Soon, I found out it was because of the faulty batteries. When getting the solar panels, I admit I didn’t give much thought to solar batteries that’ll store the energy they generate.
This proved to be a monumental mistake, which I set out to rectify. I talked with different sellers and spent hours scouring the available solar batteries.
Here’s what you need to know to best your hands on the best solar batteries.
What Are Solar Batteries?
This energy can be used later on, for example, in the evenings when the panels aren’t producing energy anymore. It can also be used at times when the electricity tariff is high to save on the bill.
A solar battery can be used on the grid or as an off-grid system. The solar PV system is usually connected to the grid. In this way, your home can receive electric energy. This is useful if, for some reason, your panels and battery aren’t producing enough energy to meet your demands.
But, if your system produces more energy than you need, this is sent back to the grid, and you get a credit on your electricity bill, which lowers it.
If you want to be off-grid, solar batteries are extremely valuable. Then, you can store the excess energy in the batteries instead of sending them back to the grid. This is a great way to ensure you’re never out of energy.
Common Types of Solar Batteries
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion is the most common type of battery for solar energy storage. These solar batteries have a longer lifespan and depth of discharge compared to other kinds of batteries.
A lithium-ion battery uses lithium manganese oxide or lithium cobalt dioxide as the cathode and graphite (carbon) for the anode.
Lithium-ion batteries are also more compact compared to other battery types. They are usually the size of a washing machine or a small fridge.
The charging time of Li-ion batteries varies, but it’s usually three hours or more to full charge.
They are maintenance-free, and there’s no refilling required.
Many li-ion batteries are green (NOT all of them), as many of them are recyclable and have a long life cycle.
Their main shortfall is that they are the most expensive.
A common Li-ion battery is LiFePO4, also known as LFP sometimes. It has even better discharge efficiency and a longer life span.
You should note that some refer to LiFePO4 as a different battery type when comparing to li-ion batteries.
Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries are some of the cheapest solar batteries found nowadays. However, they are becoming outdated, as they have a shorter lifespan and capacity compared to Li-ion.
They will also cost more in the long run because you’ll have to replace them more frequently.
Charging time depends on several factors, but it can take up to a day or even longer to reach full charge.
Lead-acid batteries need more maintenance compared to Li-ion, such as adding water and venting.
They are not very green, as they are toxic, and they can leak.
Read More:
13 Best Flexible Solar Panels: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide (2021)
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are a new kind of deep cycle battery in the energy storage sector. They are called flow because they have water-based electrolyte liquid that flows between two changers in the battery.
When these batteries are charged, chemical reactions happen. Due to this, the energy can be stored and then discharged.
These batteries are becoming more and more popular. However, the high cost and large size make them not approachable for residential use.
They have 100% discharge depth and fire retardant liquid inside, which makes them safe to use.
Their lifespan is also very long — up to 30 years, and they’re low maintenance.
They are also a good green option, as they have recyclable components.
Gel Solar Battery
Gel batteries are a kind of lead-acid battery. Their main feature is the usage of gel electrolytes instead of liquid acid, which makes them extremely safe.
There’s no risk of gas leakage.
The gel battery has no liquid inside, as the electrolytes are in gel form. The movement of ions creates electricity outside of the battery to power a load. If the gel battery is charged with solar energy, the opposite reaction happens.
It’s maintenance-free — there’s no need to add water. It has a long cycle and shelf life.
AGM Solar Battery
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat and it’s another kind of solar battery.
The acid electrolyte is absorbed on a glass mat, which makes this battery leakproof.
It has the same components as the gel battery, and the same working principle — the flow of H+ ions between electrodes produces energy current.
Their main disadvantage is a shorter life cycle, and they can have a higher cost per kWh.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
The final type of solar battery is nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd). Compared to lead-acid and Li-ion, these aren’t as widely used.
Their main benefit is that they are extremely durable, and they can work under extreme temperatures.
They’re also maintenance-free, and there’s no complicated management system.
However, they are extremely toxic due to cadmium. Cadmium is even banned in some countries, so they’re hard to get rid of.
Read More:
Buying vs. Leasing Solar Panels: Which Path Should You Take?
Things to Consider While Buying the Best Solar Batteries
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is how much energy a battery can store and supply to your home. It’s measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Good solar batteries usually have a capacity of about 5 kWh or more.
However, most batteries nowadays are stackable, which means you can combine their storage capacity and get a higher amount of energy.
Battery capacity tells you how long it can power your home or parts of it.
It’s important to know how power and capacity relate. If you get a battery with a high capacity and low power rating, it’ll provide power for a couple of small appliances. But, if you get a solar battery with low capacity and high power, it could provide enough power for bigger appliances for a short time.
Power Rating
Battery power rating tells you how much electricity it can provide. This is usually shown in kilowatts (kW).
The power rating essentially tells you how many appliances the battery can power at once, as well as what those appliances are.
Different appliances will need different power amounts.
For example, a fluorescent light bulb uses 0.012 kW, while a 3-ton AC will need 4.8 kW.
The majority of available batteries nowadays have a continuous power output of about 5 kW.
Roundtrip Efficiency
Roundtrip efficiency is a metric that measures the battery’s efficiency during one cycle. It checks how well the storage system, which is made up of a battery and an inverter, converts and stores energy.
Because batteries also need the power to run, they will spend some of the energy they store. Also, some kWh are always lost when direct current is converted to alternating current.
Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of energy you can get back from the battery once it spends the energy it needs.
For example, if a 10 kWh battery lets you draw 8 kWh, it has 80% efficiency.
Read More:
10 Best Portable Solar Panels (2021): Reviews & Buying Guide
Battery Lifetime: Throughput and Cycles
The battery’s lifetime is measured in three metrics:
If you want to convert the throughput into the lifespan, divide the throughput by the battery’s usable capacity. You’ll get the battery’s life cycles. Then divide the number of life cycles by 352 (number of days in a year).
If you want to convert the number of lifecycles into the lifespan, divide the number of cycles by the number of days in a year.
For example, a battery with 6,000 life cycles has 17 years of the expected lifespan.
Solar Battery Safety
The manufacturers of solar batteries have to meet safety requirements for the battery to be certified and approved for installation.
However, there are nuances.
Some batteries are safer than others.
For example, nickel-cadmium is considered unsafe because it’s toxic.
On the other hand, gel and AGM solar batteries are safe because there’s no, or minimal, risk of leakage.
Consider the Battery Chemistry
Chemistry refers to the compound that stores the electricity inside the battery.
It’s important because chemistry determines battery safety, life cycle, efficiency, and more.
For example, Li-ion batteries have different chemistries. Many Li-ion batteries use cobalt for electrical conductivity, which is toxic to humans and animals.
On the other hand, Li iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries don’t use cobalt but phosphate, which is much safer. There aren’t many risks for people or the environment, and it’s also much easier to mine.
These are only the differences between Li-ion batteries.
There are even bigger chemistry differences between Li-ion and lead-acid, and so on. Most of these differences boil down to safety (and have different price points), so it’s a good idea to consider the chemistry before you make a purchase.
Read More:
7 Best Solar Generators For RV: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Depth of Discharge
Depth of discharge (DoD) is the amount of energy you can get from a battery before it has to be charged again.
DoD affects battery lifespan and efficiency, as this is the energy you can get from a battery before its lifespan is impacted.
The higher DoD the battery has, the more of its total capacity you’ll be able to use.
For example, if a battery has 100% DoD, you’ll be able to use full power storage. If the DoD is 90%, you’ll be able to use 5.4 kWh for 6 kWh capacity.
Be Careful With Price and Warranty
Solar batteries go from around $200 to thousands of dollars. As is the case with many other things, the higher the price, the better the quality.
Also, more affordable batteries are usually less powerful, and you’ll end up upgrading or replacing them, which in the end may even cost more than getting a more expensive battery upfront.
Warranty is related to price, and it guarantees either a number of cycles or the number of years batteries will last for.
Some batteries can have both or a combo.
For example, Sonnen batteries have a warranty of either 10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first.
Get Familiar With Battery Types
As I mentioned above, solar batteries come in several types. Depending on which battery you get will impact how efficient your solar panels are.
Also, different batteries have different safety levels, different kWh, DoD, and more.
You should think about your needs.
For example, is the battery's capacity or safety your primary concern, and go from there.
Read More:
11 Best Solar Generators of 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
FAQ: Answering Your Questions on Solar Batteries
How Long Do Most Solar Batteries Last?
Solar batteries last between 5 and 15 years. In general, they will last for a shorter time than the solar power system, so you’ll have to replace them at some point in the future.
How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Battery?
You can extend the lifespan of a deep cycle battery by:
How Many Solar Batteries Do I Need?
How many solar batteries you need depends on your daily power usage. To determine the capacity or number of solar batteries, check how many days your solar system will be without sun and the lowest temperature the battery bank will experience. The higher the power and number of sunless days, and the lower the temperature, the more solar batteries you’ll need.
How Do I Install A Solar Battery?
To install a solar battery to an existing solar system, you should have an inverter ready for installation. If the inverter doesn’t work with your solar battery, you’ll have to get one that does. Usually, a solar or battery storage system supplier will arrange the connection to the network for you and prepare all documentation.
How Many Solar Batteries Do I Need For My Home?
An average American household needs a three-day battery bank to provide 90 kWh.
Are Solar Batteries Worth It?
Yes, solar batteries are worth it. They are especially worth it for homeowners who experience frequent power outages or have access to energy storage incentives. They also lower the carbon footprint.
Read More:
Tesla Powerwall Review (2021): Should You Buy It?
Should You Get a Solar Battery?
My firm vote is yes.
Even better, get solar panels and stop being dependent on the electric grid.
However, make sure to through research about the specifications of the batteries. Sadly, a huge portion of the manufacturers don't share the complete spec list and you end up getting subpar batteries for you "solar lifestyle!"
Also, you should go with a manufacturer with good brand value as unreliable power source might damage your electronic equipment.
Best of luck and if you have any question regarding the solar batteries, let me know in the comments.
Marina Maletic
Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic.
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Category: Green Blog, Product Review, Renewable Energy, Solar Power