Solar panel batteries are the enabling element store the energy generated by the solar panels during sunny hours. Thanks to them, you get energy independence from the grid because they allow us to use our energy even when it is not possible to produce it, such as on cloudy days or at night. It is the best way to make the most of solar energy captured.
Solar panel batteries offer various benefits, such as making the generated energy available when we need it (at night or on cloudy days), which they emit almost no pollution towards the environment and a long life spanwhich can exceed 15 years and where below 80% continue to operate and guarantee energy storage.
The decision to incorporate batteries in an installation will increase the price of it in a percentage that will be higher the bigger the project is, but will allow savings in the highest every day electricity billso the repayment terms are shortened.
discover performance, battery types and cost of them in the following lines.
How does a solar panel battery work?
Batteries make it possible to get the most out of a solar installation because they offer the possibility of it stores energy that is generated and not used right then, for later consumption. These are energy accumulators that provide a source of electricity for times when there is no light.
A solar cell is composed of one or more electrochemical cells through the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. These cells have a positive and negative electrode. Inside the battery electrolytes allow the movement of ions between the two electrodes to facilitate the output of energy from the battery. Some battery models require specific maintenance that is necessary to extend their useful life and proper operation.
The ability to store energy and generate electric current is determined by battery charge/discharge rate and battery depth of charge. The faster and deeper the battery is charged, the shorter the useful life of a battery will theoretically be. Manufacturers recommend that batteries not be discharged more than 50%.
Types of batteries for solar panels
Depending on the materials with which they were made, there are different types of batteries. for storing solar energy depending on its manufacturing technology.
Monobloc batteries
The most widespread, recommended and economical model for use in small and medium power solar installations is the open monobloc lead acid batteries. These batteries are indicated for the use of simple electrical devices without a motor (lights, microwave oven, TV…). It is about battery high performance for self-consumption solar installations. Widespread in caravans, \»camper\» vans and small houses or storage or tool sheds.
This type of batteries can have 3 or 6 internal cells of 2V each, connected together to form a single block of 6V, respectively 12V. The cells of these monobloc batteries are made of lead and electrolyte. Regarding the capacities of these batteries, it should be noted that there are all kinds of options: from <100Ah to 800Ah.
Other models of monobloc batteries are AGM batteries and gel batteries, in which the electrolyte is gelled, with which more performances are obtained, being able to be used in more complex situations or that require greater power. These batteries can be used in solar installations with motorized technological devices, such as washing machines or water jets. These monobloc batteries can withstand high starting spikes, which many common household appliances require.
Depending on the need, they could be used to power a small house without much electrical equipment. Its big advantage over open lead acid is that it lasts longer. Although the characteristics of these batteries are modified by the use made and the intensity of the discharge, the life cycles of monobloc batteries can be summarized as follows:
- Monobloc gel batteries > +1100 charging cycles
- Monobloc AGM batteries > +500 charging cycles
- Open monobloc lead acid batteries > +350 charge cycles
stationary batteries
Stationary batteries are very popular for photovoltaic installations of medium and large consumption, They offer a useful life of almost 20 years due to the fact that the lead plate inside them is tubular and has more lead than monoblock batteries, which have a flat plate. The main virtue of these batteries is that they offer high resistance for continuous charge-discharge cycles.
Like monobloc batteries exist different types of stationary batteries depending on storage capacity and durability, with acid lead and open gel being the most affordable. Stationary gel batteries are less maintenance than open lead acid and both are recommended for its use in homes, farms or daily use facilitieswhere the consumption that is made is previously known.
lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are the bet for the future and little by little their presence is more common in facilities as they offer a high durability and low maintenance. sonny most profitable in the long run because of him greater depth of loading and unloading (almost 90% of its capacity). Among the characteristics, its smaller dimensions are noteworthy. The disadvantage, in addition to the fact that they have a higher price, is that for a high starting point it is necessary to install several batteries because they do not support well the specific load of some devices.
Unlike conventional batteries, this type of battery offers a integrated intelligent management and last 6500 charging cycles.
Coward lithium batteries they can be classify according to their voltage. In this way, we differentiate between batteries of low voltage (LV) and of High voltage (HV).
High voltage (HV) batteries guarantee greater efficiency, although the choice of one type or another will depend mainly on the inverter equipment we choose. If it is a hybrid inverter with backup option, we will need a HV battery. For all other battery-compatible inverters, the best option is the LV lithium battery. HV batteries have a larger voltage range and a three-phase connection.
The price of batteries for solar panels
I\’ve already seen it the main differences between the different types of batteries, which shows the most varied characteristics and functionalities depending on what each installation needs. Other than materialTHE AUTHORIZED and lifetime there is a factor that is being referred to repayment time It must be taken into account when making calculations. a scenario of the exponential increase in the price of electricity can completely change the perception of the investment cost of an installation.
As a guide, we can say this monobloc batteries are the most economicalwhile lithium batteries they can cost twice as much in absolute terms. It is in an intermediate place stationary batteries. However there were various grants and subsidies for battery installation. To give State aid from Next Generation European funds es batteries must be lithium and which they offer a guarantee of at least 5 years, in the case of batteries offered P.O.W are the warranty is 10 years. To find out the savings and budget that best suits your needs, get in touch P.O.W.
P.O.W he will make you the ideal and personal advice your facility needs. The team of professionals from P.O.W He has the necessary experience to indicate the ideal systems according to the characteristics of your home.
