How Solar Batteries Work and Why You Should Have Them

If you want to get the most out of your solar panel system, consider a backup battery. With a backup battery, you can take full advantage of Phoenix’s abundant year-round sunshine. While solar systems don’t need a battery, you would miss out on their benefits and conveniences. Read on to learn more about how solar panels and batteries work and the benefits of pairing the two together.

Ways Solar Batteries Work

Solar batteries collect and store unused solar energy from your solar panels. During the height of the day, your solar panels collect a great deal of energy. However, energy consumption is usually low at those times. Some people send this extra energy back into the grid in a process called net-metering.
Peak energy usage tends to happen after the sun goes down. These are times when most people use the electrical grid. When you have a solar battery, you can use it to offset your impact on the grid. Most solar battery systems are set up for both on-the-grid and off-the-grid use. You can use energy from either source if they are both available. If you use only the battery, then you won’t be charged for grid energy use.

Types of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries come in many different types, each with its own pros and cons. Here is more information about the top three batteries many consumers prefer.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-Ion solar batteries often contain the latest innovations. Many people prefer them because they are slim and small. Their size allows for easy placement in the home or business. Some lithium-ion batteries need very little maintenance and handle heat well.

Lead

Lead is the traditional battery used in various industries for decades. Lead solar batteries work similarly to car batteries. Many people find them bulky and unattractive. Another problem with lead batteries is they aren’t as durable as other batteries and may not have a long life without maintenance.

Flow

Flow batteries work by pumping a positive and negative electrolyte into separate storage areas separated by a membrane. In many ways, flow batteries act like fuel cells. Their advantage is they don’t need much maintenance and tend to last a long time. Their electrolyte levels are adjustable to create more power options. However, flow batteries can take up a lot of space.

Benefits of Solar Batteries

In addition to reduced electricity costs, solar batteries also provide another big benefit. If for any reason, the grid fails to provide you power, you will have backup power. Power outages have numerous causes, including extreme weather and fires.

Solar panels alone won’t provide you with power when an outage happens. If you don’t have a backup, your power may shut off even during sunny days. If you have a critical need for power, then a battery backup is an integral part of your system.

Considerations for Solar Battery Panel

One of the biggest considerations when choosing a solar battery system is the battery size. Aim to have enough storage for two to three days’ worth of off-grid power. Some batteries may provide only limited power during outages. Also, consider any potential maintenance and replacement issues. Certain battery types may require you to monitor water levels, for example. Other batteries may lose capacity over time.

Solar batteries provide benefits that benefit your solar panel system. Harmon Solar can help you set up a solar panel and battery system. Check out our battery and technology information to learn more about solar battery backup systems. Contact us if you need more information about solar for your home or commercial establishment. We are excited to work with you.