Switching to solar energy is the smart move towards your energy independence and our planet’s sustainability. Once you transition, to make the most of the sun’s abundant energy supply, you’ll need a reliable energy storage system. With so many solar battery options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down and help you make a smart choice.
Common solar battery terms
First, when choosing a solar battery, you might come across some terms that can be intimidating and confusing. Here’s what they simply mean: Deep cycle means that the battery can be charged and discharged thousands of times while depth of discharge (DoD) is the extent to which the battery can be discharged before it is recharged.
The number of cycles varies, depending on your usage. On average, customers charge and discharge their batteries 2,500 times over a 4-to-5-year period. To put this in context, the typical lead acid batteries in your car are usually rated for 500 cycles, before the performance drops and it needs to be replaced.A charge controller and inverter are devices used to safely charge batteries and convert the battery energy (DC) to a more useable form for your home or business (AC). Self-discharge is the normal loss in energy capacity in batteries overtime. Battery life is the estimated lifespan of the battery while capacity is the amount of energy your battery can store.
Refurbishment is becoming a more common term. In Kenya there are specialist companies that will take batteries at the end of their lifespan and fix the degraded cells to enable further usage.
This said, let’s discuss your battery options.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Ideal Option
Lithium-ion batteries (LiFe) are the go-to choice for many. They’re popular for good reasons: they charge quickly, are long-lasting/deep cycle batteries (Up to 5,000 charge cycles), and are compact and lightweight. Plus, they pack a punch with high energy capacity and low self-discharge. They are the leading technology for large-scale energy storage making them great for light home use and large commercial use applications.
Lithium solar batteries offer more than just practical benefits. They provide peace of mind with a reliable and stable power supply, requiring no maintenance. For eco-conscious consumers, they are a great choice, free from harmful materials like lead, nickel, and cobalt. Additionally, lithium batteries offer long-term cost savings and a future-proof design, making them the most convenient and versatile battery option.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: The Trusted Standard
Lead-acid batteries have been around the longest making them a tried-and-true option. They’re cost-effective and widely available, making them a practical choice for those on a budget. They may not boast the high-tech features and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries which last up to 4 times longer, but they deliver dependable power where it’s needed with a slightly higher level of maintenance. They are ideal for deep discharge applications e.g. cars, trucks, and marine vehicles. They are the most affordable battery option and are the most common in the market.
If unable to afford a Lithium-Ion battery system, Lead acid batteries can still meet your energy supply needs reliably.
- Nickel-Cadmium Batteries: The Balanced Alternative
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are one of the less common battery options. They perform better than lead acid batteries in terms of cycle life, self-discharge and charge speed. Like lithium-ion batteries, they can withstand deep discharges without significant battery capacity loss, however, they generally have a lower battery capacity and therefore cost less. They are well-suited for applications requiring frequent charging and discharging and ensure reliable power delivery over extended periods.
It is important to note like lead acid batteries, Nickel-cadmium batteries contain environmentally harmful heavy metals such as nickel and cadmium which make them a less popular choice.
- Flow Batteries: The Lifetime Battery
The least common battery option is flow batteries. Their large modular design allows for scalable energy storage, making them suitable for large residential and commercial applications. They boast the longest cycle life – up to 20,000 charge and discharge cycles – with minimal performance degradation. This translates to a lifespan of 15 to 25 years or more and 100% depth of discharge. However, these stellar capabilities come at a cost as they are relatively more expensive upfront and require a robust maintenance system.
When used on a scale, for example in micro-grids, their reliable energy supply and automated maintenance system give Lithium-Ion batteries a run for their money.
Finding Your Perfect Battery
Choosing the right battery involves assessing your budget, energy needs, space, and personal preferences. If you’re seeking energy independence – convenient, eco-friendly and cost-effective energy supply, a Lithium-Ion battery is just what you need.
At Solarglow, Lithium-Ion batteries are our specialty. We’ve partnered with leading global manufacturers to offer a range of batteries at different price points. If you’re in the market for a solar battery system, transitioning to solar energy with Solarglow will earn you a free solar energy and battery system design, expert installation and 24/7 after-market support.
Call us today on +254 784 171100 and get energy independent today.
