Maximise the value of your existing solar with a solar battery storage solution. Batteries allow you to store your excess solar energy and use it when you need it, instead of sending it back to the grid. At night when your solar system is not producing power, you can use battery power to run your home, and in the event of a power outage, some battery installations can provide you with backup power.

 

Four main types of batteries

There are four main types of battery technologies that pair with residential solar systems:

  • Lead acid batteries
  • Lithium ion batteries
  • Nickel based batteries
  • Flow batteries

 

Lead acid batteries

Lead acid batteries have been traditionally the most common form of solar battery storage currently on the market, although the technology is now mostly outdated. Thousands of Australians have used banks of lead-acid batteries with solar electricity to remove their need to be connected to the traditional electricity grid. These deep-cycle batteries have been used to store energy for a long time – since the 1800’s, in fact. And they’ve been able to stick around because of their reliability. There are two main types of lead acid batteries: flooded lead acid batteries and sealed lead acid batteries.

 

Lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries are the new kids on the energy storage block and the vast majority of residential and commercial batteries on the market today. As the popularity of electric vehicles began to rise, EV manufacturers realized lithium ion’s potential as an energy storage solution. They quickly became one of the most widely used solar battery banks.

 

One of the most popular lithium ion solar batteries for residential installations includes Tesla’s Powerwall II battery. Learn more about this solar battery storage option in one of our previous blogs.

 

Nickel based batteries

Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries aren’t as widely used as lead acid or lithium ion batteries. Ni-Cd batteries first sprung on the scene in the late 1800’s, but they got a makeover in the 1980s that greatly increased how much energy they could store. They are a favourite amongst the aircraft industry.

 

Flow batteries

One of the more recent developments in the solar battery storage space are ‘flow’ batteries. They contain a water-based electrolyte liquid that flows between two separate chambers, or tanks, within the battery. When charged, chemical reactions occur which allow the energy to be stored and subsequently discharged. These batteries are now beginning to rise in popularity. One of the major advantages that flow batteries have over lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries is that they have a 100% depth-of-discharge – which means the battery can be entirely discharged in a cycle with no negative effects on the lifespan of the battery.

 

Get in touch with the friendly team at Quantum Solar today to discuss the types of solar battery systems we offer. We will discuss your needs and help you assess which option will suit you best. Give us a call on 1300 4 SOLAR, or contact us online here.