The electricity generated by a photovoltaic installation may be stored using special batteries installed on the system itself. This stored electricity can be used later whenever we need it. In this way, the Solar energy storage systems allow you to take advantage of all the energy from the sun and not waste any of it.
The electricity consumption needs of a home or business vary depending on various factors such as time of year, time of day, etc. For this reason it is very interesting they have systems that accumulate that electricity to be able to use it when needed. On the other hand, by using solar batteries it is obtained energy independence from the grid, which has increased its prices exponentially in the past year.
Let\’s see below what a photovoltaic battery consists of, as well as the different types that we can find on the market today.
Photovoltaic battery and operation
A The photovoltaic battery is a device that allows the storage of energy that is generated by the use of solar panels during the hours of sunshine.. This energy can be used later when power production is not possible (solar panels are not working), as happens, for example, on cloudy days or at night. In this way, thanks to the use of batteries we can have of electricity at any time.
A the solar battery is composed of one or more electrochemical cells through chemical energy is converted into electricity. Cells have a positive and a negative electrode, as well as electrolytes that allow ions to move between the two electrodes to facilitate the flow of current in the battery.
The ability to accumulate energy and generate electric current is determined by the following parameters:
- Upload/download speed. The speed at which the battery is charged and discharged. The higher the number of discharge cycles, the shorter the useful life of the battery.
- Load depth. The amount of electricity that can be put into the solar battery at each charge. The greater the depth, the shorter the useful life of the battery. It is not recommended to download them more than 50%. It should be noted that lithium batteries have a depth of discharge that can reach 100% without as strong an impact on battery life as with other technologies.
there is various types of batteries for solar panels that are classified according to the technology used in their manufacture, as well as according to the power or number of volts of the battery. Depending on the type of photovoltaic installation we have, it will be interesting to place one or another type of solar battery. Choosing a good battery is essential to make your solar installation more profitable and efficient.
Let us now take a closer look at various types of batteries for storing solar energy depending on their manufacturing technology.
Monobloc or monobloc batteries
These types of batteries are high performance and are often used in solar installations for self-consumption that do not require high power, where simple electrical appliances that do not use a motor are used.
Monobloc batteries are batteries composed of several 2V cells forming a single block with two connection terminals, one positive and one negative. Monobloc battery output voltages are typically 6v and 12v and capacities from a few amp hours up to around 800Ah.
Are the duration is more limited than other types of batteries (about 5 years), although they are the cheapest alternative on the market.
stationary batteries
Batteries commonly used in photovoltaic installations of medium and large consumption and which offers a greater Life cyclewhich can arrive up to 20 years. They need a charge controller to work properly because they must always be charged. They usually need maintenance.
These batteries are more expensive than the previous onesbut a lot more profitable in the long run.
Lost different types of stationary batteries which exist are:
- OPZS batteries. For large photovoltaic installations due to high storage capacity and durability. They require maintenance cycles of two years.
- OPZV batteries Similar to OPZS, but does not require maintenance every two years. They offer a shorter lifespan.
- TOPZS batteries. They are OPZS with a shorter life span, but with a much cheaper price.
lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are most used today since it provides a high durability and requires very little maintenance. They are alsoit is more profitable in the long run because of him greater loading and unloading depth.
They have one useful life of approximately 13 and 15 years, including a warranty that varies between 7 and 10 years. Besides, they are less heavy, they do not emit gases contaminants when sealed and can be completely downloaded without damage.
The only drawback they present is that they have a higher price.
Pick from his hand P.O.W the type of PV energy storage that best suits your needs and achieves maximum savings and maximum profitability of your solar installation, effective sizing systems depending on the characteristics of your home. In addition, there are various grants and subsidies which P.O.W can inform you, as is the case of state aid charged from next generation european funds. P.O.W It meets all the requirements for you to be able to get this help: a minimum 5-year warranty, no lead technology and that the installed capacity is a maximum of twice the installed peak power.
