Choosing the right battery is essential in setting up a solar power system. The battery is used for storage of solar energy and discharge of the power when needed.
The batteries store the excess electricity and discharges it when no sunlight is available. The main types of solar batteries used in residential systems are lead acid, lithium-ion, nickel cadmium, and flow batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries
The lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity. Their popularity can be greatly attributed to the development of electric cars whilst they are also used in the aviation industry in start power units. The pros of the battery are that they do not require regular maintenance, have a high energy density, and a longer life cycle.
The main con of the battery is its price. The lithium-ion solar battery prices in Kenya are not pocket-friendly. The battery is best for solar installations in solar setups as they are able to hold more power.
Lead acid batteries
The lead acid batteries have been around for a very long time due to their reliability. Sealed and flooded batteries are the primary types of these batteries. The pros of these type of solar battery are that they are cheap as compared to the rest, reliable, and can easily be disposed and recycled.
The cons are that they require regular maintenance and ventilation. This leads to increase in chances of battery leaks.
The devices also have depth of discharge that is low, thus need to charge often. The devices are best for backup storage and solar systems that are off the grid.
Flow batteries
Flow batteries store charge as a result of chemical interactions. The batteries are still an emerging technology but are picking up in popularity. The pros of the flow batteries are that they have a hundred percent depth of discharge and have a fire-retardant liquid. The high depth of discharge increases the batteries lifespan, while the liquid removes thermal runaway risks.
Flow solar batteries are very high due to their large size. Their large size also reduces their popularity in residential homes. The batteries are most suited for installation in a large-scale setup.
Nickel cadmium battery
The nickel cadmium battery is not as popular as lithium-ion or lead acid battery. This type of battery is common in the aircraft industry. The advantages of these devices are their durability and capability to work in extreme temperatures. Moreover, they need little maintenance.
The greatest disadvantage of the battery is that it is toxic. Their toxicity leads to them being very difficult to dispose. The devices have a memory effect that limit their charge holding ability.Large scale operations are best for the nickel cadmium batteries due to their durability.
Conclusion
The most recommend battery for home solar systems is the lithium-ion battery. However, if you do not have enough money, lead acid batteries are also a good option. There are cheaper and have been in use for decades. Before choosing a battery, ensure you know the right battery for the intended setup.
For more information, visit solarbatteries.co.ke
