What is a Solar Battery Storage System?

Imagine having the power of the sun at your fingertips, even when it’s not shining. That’s the magic of a solar battery. But what exactly is a solar battery and how does it work? Let’s dive in.

We all know that Solar Panels are a great source of green and renewable energy that harnesses sunlight to provide our homes with electricity. However, it’s essential to understand that the solar panel’s power sometimes exceeds your demands, resulting in wasted surplus energy.

In such cases, if you have net metering, the remaining energy will go towards the grid, and you will get credit in return. Net metering is a billing arrangement allowing you to sell excess solar power back to the grid, spinning your meter backwards and reducing your electricity bill.

But how can you store the remaining energy to use it when you need it the most? The answer is simple: you will require a solar battery. In this article, I will discuss the practical aspects of a solar battery, its workings, cost, and more!

What is a Solar Battery, and How Does it Store Energy?

Solar batteries in solar photovoltaic systems serve as a reservoir for excess electricity generated by your solar panels. Here’s how it works: The panels, powered by sunlight, capture photons and convert them into DC (Direct current). This DC electricity then flows into the inverter, where it’s transformed into AC (Alternate current) that powers your home. Any surplus energy is stored in the solar battery for later use.

Let’s say the energy generated from solar panels is more than your needs, as it creates energy in the daytime when usage is usually not that much; the remaining access energy is then stored in the solar battery, ensuring you have a reliable backup during a power outage, overcast conditions, or nighttime.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Battery?

Above, I have discussed what Solar Battery is and how it stores energy; now we will move on to its advantages and disadvantages, empowering you to make a responsible and proactive decision about your energy needs.

Advantages

• Using solar batteries, you can store energy to minimise dependence on power generated from fossil fuels. This will contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment while minimising your carbon footprint.

• Solar batteries can help you significantly reduce your energy bills. By storing energy during the day and using it during peak electricity usage hours at night, you can take control of your energy costs and potentially save a substantial amount on your monthly bills.

• A solar battery storage system can help you achieve energy independence. By storing and using electricity through a solar battery, you can reduce your reliance on the national grid network. This independence can prove invaluable during power outages, providing you with a secure and reliable power source.

• Lastly, one of the most significant advantages of Solar Batteries is their longer lifespan, which ranges between 5 and 15 years. Not only that but the payback period (break-even point) is reached within 10-12 years. Also, many models in the market offer more than ten years of warranty periods. This way, you can get peace of mind against frequent battery replacements.

Disadvantages

• One of the most significant disadvantages of solar battery systems is their high initial cost, which varies depending on the size of your solar photovoltaic and the installation. At first, you might be burdened with the hefty installation cost, so remember the high initial cost you must pay.

• Standard solar batteries have a limited energy storage capacity, which people may find a downside as their consumption might be higher. However, this issue can be solved by investing in larger batteries. However, larger solar battery sizes will still be more expensive, which might only be feasible for some people.

• Solar batteries offer great benefits but add a maintenance burden to your solar system. Unlike solar panels, which are relatively maintenance-free, batteries require regular checkups to monitor charge levels, inspect for damage, and ensure secure connections. This ongoing maintenance adds another task to your plate, a potential drawback to consider when deciding if solar batteries suit you. The maintenance of a solar battery includes regular checks for corrosion, ensuring proper ventilation, and monitoring the charge and discharge cycles to maintain optimal performance. It’s also important to keep the battery clean, free from debris, and not expose it to extreme temperatures or other adverse conditions.

• If Solar batteries are not installed properly, they can pose a safety hazard, as they can catch fire, which could threaten the safety and health of your family.

Related Article: Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Panels

What are the Types of Solar Batteries?

Now you know about what a solar battery is and how it generates electricity, it’s advantages and disadvantages, let’s move on to the types of solar batteries, which are the following:

1- Lithium-Ion Batteries

In solar energy systems, a lithium-ion battery, or LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate), is a specific type of battery designed to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels. These batteries work with solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into usable direct current (DC) electricity. The Lithium-ion batteries then store this excess DC power for later use, allowing you to harness the sun’s energy even when your panels aren’t actively generating electricity.

Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries commonly used in solar systems. They boast a significantly longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements over time. Furthermore, LiFePO4 batteries excel at fast charging and discharging, making them ideal for solar applications where energy production fluctuates throughout the day. They can also be discharged to a greater depth, allowing you to utilise more stored solar energy before recharging.

While the upfront cost of lithium-ion batteries is typically higher than that of lead-acid options, their extended lifespan and improved performance can make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

2- Lead Acid Batteries

Solar panel lead-acid batteries, or deep cycle lead-acid batteries, have been the traditional solar energy storage solution. They connect to your solar panels, storing excess electricity generated during the day for later use at night or during peak grid pricing times. While these batteries offer a significant advantage upfront due to their lower cost than newer lithium-ion options, they have some drawbacks.

Lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent replacements. Additionally, they charge and discharge slower, potentially limiting their ability to capture all solar energy. They also have a reduced usable capacity, meaning you can’t utilise the battery’s full storage potential. Finally, lead-acid batteries require periodic maintenance, such as checking and topping off electrolyte levels.

While lead-acid batteries provide a budget-friendly entry point for solar energy storage, their limitations in lifespan, performance, and maintenance needs have led many to explore newer lithium-ion technologies for a more efficient and long-lasting solution.

3- Nickel Based Batteries

While nickel-based batteries like Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) were once used in some solar panel systems, advancements in lithium-ion technology have relegated them to niche applications. Lithium-ion batteries now dominate solar storage due to their superior performance and lifespan.

However, NiCd batteries do offer some advantages. They are known for their durability and tolerance for harsh conditions, making them a potential choice for off-grid solar systems in remote locations.

Additionally, they can deliver high bursts of power quickly. However, these benefits come with drawbacks. Nickel and cadmium are considered hazardous materials, raising environmental concerns. NiMH batteries can also develop a memory effect, reducing their capacity if not correctly maintain. Finally, NiCd and NiMH batteries generally have a shorter lifespan and require longer charging than lithium-ion options.

For these reasons, while nickel-based batteries may have some niche applications, lithium-ion technology has become the preferred choice for solar energy storage due to its efficiency, longevity, and environmental friendliness.

4- Flow Batteries

Flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery used in solar panel systems to store energy. They feature liquid electrolytes contained in external tanks rather than electrode materials. These batteries flow electrolytes through a cell stack, where electrochemical reactions produce or store electricity.

The volume of the electrolyte determines the energy storage capacity of flow batteries. In contrast, power capacity depends on the cell stack size, making them highly scalable for large-scale energy storage. Known for their longevity and durability, flow batteries can last decades with minimal degradation and offer high efficiency, typically around 70-80%. They are safer than traditional batteries due to non-flammable electrolytes and low operating temperatures.

Additionally, the materials used in flow batteries are often more environmentally friendly and more accessible to recycle. Ideal for large-scale solar energy projects, flow batteries ensure a stable and reliable energy supply by storing excess solar power generated during sunny periods for use at night or during cloudy days, enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of solar power systems.

How Much Does It Cost for Solar Battery Storage in the UK?

The cost of a solar panel battery varies in the UK depending on your area’s size and installation cost. To give you an estimate, expect the solar battery to cost somewhere between £3500 and £10,000. However, for your convenience, I will break down the cost in terms of solar panel size, required battery size, battery cost, and total cost.

Note: The costs mentioned above are estimates, and the original price may vary depending on your location.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Panel

After reading thus far, I hope you know what solar battery storage systems are, how they work, their types, and their costs. So, what’s next? Should you buy one or not? Before you decide, consider a few factors mentioned below.

• Your energy needs: How much energy does your household typically consume? This information, found on your electricity bill, will determine the size and capacity of the battery system you’ll need.

• Battery capacity and power rating determine how much energy the battery can store and how quickly it can deliver that power. You’ll need a battery with enough capacity to meet your needs during outages or peak usage.

• Battery lifespan and warranty: Solar batteries degrade over time, so consider the warranty length and cycle life (number of charge/discharge cycles) before buying. Lithium batteries generally have the most extended lifespans.

• Cost and financial incentives: Solar batteries can be expensive upfront, but government incentives or rebates may be available to offset the cost, which also factor in the long-term savings on your electricity bill.

• Integration with your existing solar system: Ensure your chosen battery system is compatible with your existing solar panels and inverter.

• Other factors: Consider depth of discharge (DoD), round-trip efficiency (energy lost during charging/discharging), brand reputation, innovative features (remote monitoring), and ambient temperature tolerance.

Are Solar Battery Storages Worth It?

Solar batteries offer benefits like backup power during outages and increased savings by using stored solar energy at night. They might be ideal if you experience frequent power cuts or have time-based electricity rates.

However, the upfront cost is high, and the payback period is longer than just solar panels. With limited government incentives currently available, carefully consider your budget and priorities. Batteries could be a good fit if you prioritise backup power or maximising solar use. Solar panels alone might be a better option for the quickest financial return.

24|7 Stay Warm: Your Partner in Sustainable Energy

At 24|7 Stay Warm, we understand the desire to transition towards a greener future. Solar panels are a fantastic way to generate clean, renewable and green energy for your home, and a solar battery storage system can significantly enhance your solar setup.

While the decision is yours, solar batteries offer a compelling solution for homeowners who want to maximise their solar energy use, reduce their reliance on the grid, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you design a solar panel system with battery storage that meets your energy needs and budget.