Everything you need to know about solar batteries - Part II.

Contents

1. Main characteristics of solar batteries

2. What types of batteries are on the market?

2.1 Liquid lead-acid batteries

2.2 Solární baterie OPZV

2.3 Lithium batteries (also called Li-Ion batteries)

1. Main characteristics of solar batteries

Depending on the type of solar panel installation you need, it will be advisable to purchase a certain type of solar battery. To choose between the different types that exist, you can pay attention to four important aspects:

Capacity: measured in Wh or Ah. The capacity of a solar battery is the amount of current in amperes that can be obtained by fully discharging an electric battery when it is fully charged.

Power: is the capacity of the battery to provide energy at a particular point in time. For lead-acid batteries, we have a standard value of 0.2C so that the battery does not suffer, and for lithium LFPs we can have up to 3C for batteries with good capacity.

Účinnost nabíjení: označuje poměr mezi energií spotřebovanou k naplnění baterie a skutečně uloženou energií. To znamená, že čím více se blíží 100 %, tím lépe.

Self-discharge: the process by which an electric battery tends to discharge when not in use.

Depth of discharge: the amount of energy gained during discharge at full charge.

As you can see, using batteries for solar panels significantly reduces our energy dependence. This means that we gain a number of economic and environmental benefits by using the energy produced on our roof. In this way, we will reduce our ecological footprint and our energy costs.

2. What types of batteries are on the market?

The truth is that solar battery technology has not evolved much in recent decades. With a few exceptions, what worked a few years ago still works today. Here's an overview of what you'll find on the market today:

2.1 Liquid lead-acid batteries

They are the oldest on the market, but also one of the most durable. Although their life and depth of discharge is generally shorter than other battery types, they win the price battle, which is important if your installation is not too ambitious. That's why this type of battery has become so popular in recent years.

All lead-acid solar batteries operate on a water-based electrolyte, which means they require some regular maintenance. This is important for the location of our installation and because it can be difficult for some self-consumers.

There are two types of lead-acid batteries: monoblock and stationary or 2V cup batteries. The latter, like the monoblocks, are also lead-acid batteries, although their construction is tubular and they are designed for devices with constant power input and power consumption, i.e. for everyday devices such as common households, industry, farms, etc.

Stationary batteries, or stationary accumulators, are a type of battery characterized by being divided into several independent containers. They offer the best quality and durability of any lead-acid battery technology. In facilities that are used regularly, we will have a ready energy bank for solar power. Remember that several units are needed to create a complete system.

2.2. Solar batteries OPZV

OPZV gel electrolyte batteries are much better than monoblock models. Like lead acid OPZS, they are particularly suitable for large installations in inaccessible locations (e.g. telephone repeaters). They are also effective as UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) in industrial installations.

2.3 Lithium batteries (also called Li-Ion batteries)

Lithium batteries are very popular in many industries and both low current lithium batteries and lithium batteries with the most demanding technical characteristics are available on the market. With the integration of lithium batteries in the field of photovoltaics, both in industry and in homes, we can expect to see a before and after in the understanding of energy use in our homes.

Batteries for lithium solar panels are an excellent choice for photovoltaic systems with high energy requirements, which require a high level of energy autonomy even at night and on days with less sunlight.

As well as offering excellent performance in high energy demanding solar applications, they are also an attractive option where regular maintenance of the battery bank is not desired, where deep battery discharge is expected and for those cases where heavy regular use will take place.

At AKUBAT we offer you the best lithium batteries based on lithium-ion-ferrophosphate chemistry - which have the best thermal properties for greater safety - for photovoltaic systems and are the most advanced on the market. They are ready for the most demanding solar panel installations and for industries that want a powerful, fast and efficient battery with a long lifetime and a long warranty that covers its proper operation. These types of batteries can be modular and this concept is increasingly coming to the fore. This means that they can be combined together according to the needs and changing consumption patterns of the household. Thus, a modular battery can be purchased and then connected to another compatible battery from the same manufacturer to achieve greater energy autonomy.