Beginner's Guide to Solar Batteries & Home Energy Storage
Beginner's Guide to Solar Batteries : Energy Storage and Battery Systems - Solar Batteries & Home Battery Energy Storage.
Whether you own your own solar system or are new to the world of renewable energy, chances are you’ll have heard of solar batteries. Found in devices from calculators to large battery banks, the batteries store energy received from the sun through photovoltaic cells. One thing all Solar Batteries have in common is their ability to be discharged and recharged multiple times and some types, such as the (AGM) Absorbed Glass Mat Deep Cycle Battery, can even offer three times more energy than conventional lead acid batteries.
While the option to buy home energy storage has been possible for many years, prices of deep cycle batteries and other solar components have been high, the equipment cumbersome and you needed a degree of knowledge to operate and maintain. This has meant residential energy storage has mostly been confined to off-grid applications and storage enthusiast. The rapid drop in prices and evolution of lithium-ion batteries and associated technology is changing Off Grid Solar and Battery Storage and this new generation of solar energy storage is cheaper to buy, more cost-effective, streamlined and better looking.
How Do Solar Batteries Work?
Whether part of a solar panel or smaller device, solar batteries are linked to photovoltaic cells. These cells collect sunlight, causing electrons to move along semi-conductors and into the battery to be stored or used immediately. Solar batteries also emit no gas, meaning they can be used in spaces with limited ventilation such as caravans and require little maintenance.
As they do not require charge from external power sources, solar panels are ideal for use in portable power systems. Deep cycle batteries are also relatively lightweight, meaning they can be taken on the road and linked up to portable solar panels when camping or caravanning. See our range of Solar Batteries for 12V Power and Off Grid Solar Storage Applications
Using Your Solar Battery
While traditional lead acid batteries can be used in standalone and off grid solar systems, the best battery for this function is often an AGM 12 volt deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries can withstand being regularly charged and discharged and store a large amount of energy. Remember, whichever solar battery you choose for your solar system, the battery’s voltage must match the solar system’s requirements.
When being used as part of a stand alone solar system, solar batteries are first linked to a regulator. Solar panels can produce between 12 and 21 volts, an amount that would overcharge and damage the battery if transferred directly. Using a regulator ensures that this voltage stays at a safe level when batteries are being charged.
Solar Battery Charger
It is also possible to charge your solar batteries using a battery charger. Smart chargers send a pulse into the solar battery in order to determine its internal resistance and find the correct voltage at which to charge the battery. Some chargers are also equipped with a ‘float’ charge to stop the battery from becoming overcharged if left connected to the charger. When using an older battery charger, you’ll need to make sure it is compatible with solar batteries and at roughly 10% of the battery’s AH capacity.
Aussie Batteries & Solar specialise in solar batteries and accessories. Give one of our experts a call on 1800 853 315 to find out more. If you are looking for the best solutions for Off Grid Solar System or Solar Batteries advice with no-obligation email or freecall our friendly team on 1800 853 315 we have a dedicated Solar Battery and Solar team just waiting to help. Shop Online with Australia Wide Delivery by browsing our range of Solar Batteries with AUSTRALIA WIDE Delivery Service.
August 13, 2021 | By Aussie Batteries | Comments