Every solar panel can be paired with a battery to store energy. This battery allows the electricity generated during the day to be stored and used at night. There are two main ways a battery storage system connects to a house: Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC).
In a DC-coupled system, the battery is integrated into the solar power system. These systems include an inverter, which converts Direct Current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) electricity. The DC electricity is produced by the solar panels and stored in the batteries, while the AC electricity is used by household appliances and fed into the grid.
By combining solar panels with battery storage, homeowners can maximize their energy use and efficiency, ensuring they have access to clean, renewable energy both day and night.
A battery storage system has numerous benefits when used with an existing or new solar panel.
- It minimizes reliance from the grid.
- Instead of the energy being sent to the grid, maximum energy is stored by solar panels, in the battery, for future use.
- Provides electricity during power outages.
- Saves money by using the stored energy during peak times, such as evening.
- Due to significant fall in the prices of batteries more and more Australians are able to opt in for batteries.
WHAT IS THE BATTERY CAPACITY?
The battery capacity is the amount of energy stored in the battery storage system. The battery capacity is also promoted on the basis of total capacity and depth of discharge (DOD). The depth of discharge (DOD) is the amount of energy that can be drawn from the total capacity of the battery. The DOD is expressed as a percentage of total capacity. No battery has 100% of DOD.
Lead-acid battery system typically has a DOD between 30% to 50%, however a lithium-ion battery systems have a DOD of 80% or above.
It is advisable to consider the useful amount of energy in a battery system when purchasing a battery. Ask your solar expert for more information.
HOW LONG DOES A BATTERY LAST?
Batteries often last longer than its warranty (usually 2-10 years), however steadily its capacity to store energy decreases with time. Warranties of the battery varies as every manufacturer has their own product warranties. However, your retailer will also provide warranties.
WHICH BATTERY TO PURCHASE IN 2024:
The three most common ways to purchase a battery storage system are:
- Fully-customised system: The installer makes the battery storage system from individual battery cells. It has customizable energy and power limits.
- Semi-customised system: Some components need to be collected to an off-the-shelf battery system to make a battery storage system.
- Off-the-shelf system: It is a typically all-in-one system which covers little customization.
TYPES OF BATTERIES:
Ultra Battery is a hybrid with a single common electrolyte. It is a long-life lead-acid energy storage device. Its stores energy from renewables for later use.
Lead-Acid batteries are based on the technology used in car batteries. These batteries are generally used in rural areas, where connections to the grid are expensive. These batteries are relatively economical, easy to acquire and readily recyclable. However, a limitation with lead-acid batteries is that they require regular checks and maintenance, have a little depth of discharge and require external venting.
Lithium-ion batteries are based on lithium-ion technology, which has been earlier used in devices such as mobile phones and laptops. It is becoming the most prominent choice with house hold solar panels and has the capability to become the main technology in future. It has higher capacity and storage, lighter weight and higher voltage. It occupies less space, has reduced maintenance due to inbuilt battery and has a longer cycle life with a greater depth of discharge. However, it is a little expensive, has limited recycling programs in Australia and is a lesser known technology.
Flow battery, which is a type of rechargeable battery. Though these batteries are instantly recharged by replacing electrolyte liquid still they have low energy and power density as compared to lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Saltwater batteries are the eco-friendly batteries, which have low maintenance, but they are a little more expensive than lead-acid batteries in terms of up-front cost.
SYSTEM MONITORING
It is important to keep an eye on how the battery storage system is operating. Different manufacturers adopt different ways of doing this: Some systems have a display on the battery along with indicators, some have remote displays inside the house, some have a system to access it on their mobile phones, laptops and computers via internet.
(Source: Battery Pocket Guide: www.ecogeneration.com.au)
BEST SOLAR BATTERY BRANDS IN 2024 IN PERTH WA:
If you’re considering adding battery storage to your solar power system in Perth, WA, choosing a reliable and efficient battery is crucial. Here are some of the best solar battery brands in 2024 that are popular among homeowners in Perth:
- Tesla Powerwall 2:
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh
- Efficiency: 90% round-trip efficiency
- Features: Compact design, integrated inverter, advanced monitoring, and smart energy management.
- Why Choose: Tesla Powerwall 2 is renowned for its high performance, reliability, and seamless integration with solar systems.
- LG Chem RESU:
- Capacity: 9.8 kWh (RESU10H) and 13.1 kWh (RESU13)
- Efficiency: 95% round-trip efficiency
- Features: Compact size, easy installation, and high efficiency.
- Why Choose: LG Chem RESU batteries are known for their durability, high efficiency, and compatibility with various inverters.
- Sonnen Batterie:
- Capacity: Varies (typically between 5 kWh to 15 kWh)
- Efficiency: 89% round-trip efficiency
- Features: Modular design, integrated inverter, smart energy management, and remote monitoring.
- Why Choose: Sonnen batteries offer flexibility with modular options, making it easy to scale up storage capacity as needed.
- Enphase Encharge:
- Capacity: 10.1 kWh (Encharge 10) and 3.4 kWh (Encharge 3)
- Efficiency: 89% round-trip efficiency
- Features: AC-coupled system, integrated with Enphase microinverters, robust monitoring, and reliability.
- Why Choose: Enphase Encharge batteries are ideal for homes already using Enphase microinverters, ensuring seamless integration and high performance.
- BYD Battery-Box Premium:
- Capacity: Varies (typically between 5.1 kWh to 13.8 kWh)
- Efficiency: 96% round-trip efficiency
- Features: Modular design, high efficiency, and compatibility with various inverters.
- Why Choose: BYD Battery-Box Premium batteries are known for their high efficiency, scalability, and robust performance.
- Redback Smart Hybrid System:
- Capacity: Varies (up to 14.2 kWh)
- Efficiency: 90% round-trip efficiency
- Features: Integrated hybrid inverter, smart energy management, and Australian-designed for local conditions.
- Why Choose: Redback offers a reliable, integrated solution designed to withstand the unique conditions of the Australian climate.
Considerations for Choosing a Solar Battery:
- Capacity: Choose a battery that matches your household’s energy needs.
- Efficiency: Higher efficiency means more of the stored energy is available for use.
- Compatibility: Ensure the battery is compatible with your existing solar system and inverter.
- Warranty: Look for batteries with long warranties, indicating confidence in their lifespan and performance.
- Features: Consider additional features such as smart energy management, remote monitoring, and modularity for future expansion.
By selecting one of these top solar battery brands, you can ensure your solar power system in Perth, WA, is efficient, reliable, and tailored to your energy needs.
Solar Power Batteries FAQ
- What does battery capacity mean?
The battery capacity is the amount of energy stored in the battery storage system. The battery capacity is also promoted on the basis of total capacity and depth of discharge(DOD). The depth of discharge (DOD) is the amount of energy that can be drawn from the total capacity of the battery. The DOD is expressed as a percentage of total capacity. No battery has 100% of DOD.
- How long does a battery Last?
Warranties of the battery varies as every manufacturer has their own product warranties. Batteries often last longer than its warranty (usually 2-10 years), however steadily its capacity to store energy decreases with time.
3.Where can a battery system be installed?
Battery storages can be wall mounted or floor standing, and could also be installed indoors or outdoors but, it really depends on the type of battery and manufacturer specifications. Large size batteries like Lead acid batteries are best suited to be installed outside as they vent hydrogen when charged. On the other hand Lithium batteries are designed to be wall mounted inside a utility room that helps control the temperature of the battery.
- Will battery work in a blackout?
Some batteries will work in blackout and others won’t. If you want the batteries to work in an event of a blackout speak to your solar designer to choose a product to suit your needs.
- Is it important to have monitoring?
It is important to keep an eye on how the battery storage system is operating. Different manufacturers adopt different ways of doing this: some systems have a display on the battery along with indicators, some have remote displays inside the house, some can be accessed through mobile phones, laptops and computers via internet.
To know more about your options contact us today or simply leave your contact details here. One of our friendly sales expert will be in touch with you.