What is a Solar Water Heater? A Detailed Overview
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Solar batteries are an integral component of off-grid and hybrid PV systems. Solar batteries play a vital role in storing surplus charge to provide backup power.
Solar storage batteries are essential to off-grid and hybrid solar energy systems. PV panels absorb and generate electricity, whereas solar batteries store excessive power for later use. An off-grid solar system is a standalone power generation system that harnesses the sun’s energy during the daytime and keeps the surplus energy in batteries for usage when the sun is not shining. In contrast, the hybrid solar system is connected to the grid and can store extra power in batteries. In a hybrid solar power system, the energy generated by PV cells is either used by the building, stored by the batteries, or shared by net metering at once.
In simple words, solar batteries provide backup power to solar-equipped homes and buildings. The stored power can be used at night or during an electricity outage.
Following are the comprehensive details on solar battery systems that every solar energy consumer should know.
Solar panels convert 15-20% of the sun's energy to electricity. The generated solar power would only be valid if there is a system to save the surplus energy. Generally, a solar energy consumer has two options: to share the extra energy units with the power grid or to store the electricity to use later. Hence, solar batteries liberate consumers from grid connection while making their property immune to energy outages and power cuts.
Suppose 10 to 12 daily units generated by a PV system are not consumed; in that case, the power goes to waste if no storage unit is integrated with the system. In on-grid solar systems, due to the lack of a battery storage system, the energy that is not consumed is shared through net metering to give some benefit to the consumer. But, if net metering is unavailable for some reason, then an on-grid system would not be as beneficial as it should be.
Off-grid and hybrid solar power systems are integrated with batteries that capture and store surplus power as potential energy. When the power is supplied to the solar battery, a chemical reaction occurs to store the charge. And, in need of backup power, a reverse chemical reaction occurs in the battery to supply usable forms of electric current.
Solar batteries liberate consumers from conventional power grid dependence and ensure a reliable and continuous energy supply throughout the year.
Also Read: Demystifying Solar Panels: How They Work and Why They Matter
Batteries for solar systems are of four types: lead-acid, lithium ion, nickel cadmium, and flow batteries. Here are the details of each type.
Lead acid batteries are cost-effective and have been used for decades in the automobile industry. However, they have low energy density, meaning lead acid batteries can not store as much charge as their other counterparts. Technological advancements have made lead-acid batteries more effective for domestic solar power storage.
Lithium-ion batteries are comparatively more costly than lead-acid batteries. But, regarding efficiency, Li-ion batteries are the best option for solar energy storage. They have high energy density. However, the only drawback of Li-ion batteries is thermal runaway. If Li-ion batteries are misconnected, there is a big chance of batteries catching fire, which poses a significant risk to overall safety.
Nickel Cadmium batteries are primarily used in big projects such as industrial operations. They can work in extreme temperatures and are highly durable with low maintenance requirements. However, the Nickel Cadmium batteries are not appropriate for domestic setups. Moreover, cadmium is a highly toxic substance that can be dangerous to the environment if improperly disposed of.
Flow batteries are highly efficient, with a depth of discharge of 100%. These batteries are suitable for big projects and must be a better household-use option. Moreover, flow batteries are more expensive than others. However, they have low energy density.
Also Read: Three Main Types of Solar Inverters - Which One to Choose
Solar panels give you green energy. Although sunlight is only available for a limited time during the daytime, the solar-generated units would go to waste without an integrated power storage system. That’s why solar batteries are essential for off-grid and hybrid PV arrays. Here is a quick tip if you’re looking to install a solar panel system in your home or other property. Always look for certified professionals to avoid mishandling and follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a long lifespan of batteries.
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