101 Guide To Solar Batteries| How to Get Started?

101 Guide To Solar Batteries How to Get Started

According to a 2022 Roy Morgan research, over 3.2 million Australian households own a solar energy system. It is almost 32.3% of all households in Australia. And more recently, it is believed that nearly 70% of homes will own solar energy.  

Inevitably, as solar homes are increasing, the need for solar batteries also increases. So keeping that in mind, this is our 101 guide to solar batteries. This blog will provide Australians with all the details on how to get started with solar batteries.  

Solar battery storage systems aid in the resolution of a variety of solar energy issues. Connecting a battery to a grid-tied solar energy system allows the system to continue powering even when the grid is down. It will help with power access rather than disconnecting to generate electricity. 

Solar batteries can also help commercial customers reduce peak demand charges and become more resilient in power outages. Many state and local governments are restricting the usage of carbon and fuel-powered generators. 

As the popularity of solar storage systems grows, conditions continue to support solar adoption. And Solar Emporium is ready to support as many people as possible so that they can make their community a better place. 

Battery storage for solar applications helps to relieve strain on our electrical grid by replacing unstable grid energy with clean-green electricity. It allows heavy cycling and periodic full-capacity recharging.  

Several types of batteries are available to meet these specific needs. The cost of a solar battery, installation process, lifespan, and maintenance are all factors to consider when selecting a battery. But first, we need to understand the basics of solar batteries.  

101 guide to solar battery

Understanding Solar Batteries

Owning a solar battery has a three-part process. First, you need to understand the basics of solar batteries. Then you need to know what factors to consider before purchasing a solar battery. Lastly, you have to know about the maintenance process.  

What Are The Best Solar Batteries?

Solar batteries for home energy storage typically comprise one of three chemical compositions: lead-acid, lithium-ion, or flow batteries. In most cases, lithium-ion batteries are the most cost-effective option for a solar panel system. However, other battery types may be available.

How To Evaluate Solar Storage Options

Considering solar energy storage system options, you’ll encounter many complicated product specifications. It may create more questions about the best equipment to match your solar battery.  

To evaluate your solar battery options, you should first understand its capacity to store energy and power ratings. Then it would be best to compare the depth of discharge (DoD), efficiency, and warranty. 

Calculating the Size of Your Solar Battery System

Properly sizing your battery is critical. But consumers and solar installers may frequently overlook it. Batteries in PV systems are often undersized due to cost or underestimation of system loads.  

Understanding the customer’s energy requirements and correctly designing a plan that best meets their objectives is very important. Solar battery manufacturers’ online system sizing calculators can help simplify determining battery capacity for load requirements. 

How long will a solar battery last?

The lifespan of a solar battery varies from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type. Lithium batteries have a lifespan of up to ten years. Lead-acid batteries have a lifespan of 3–5 years. 

How Many Hours Of Energy Can A Solar Battery Provide?

Several factors determine this. These factors will help determine how long you can power your home. 

 The most significant factors to consider are:  

  • Number of appliances running in your house 
  • Your battery’s total capacity 

Considerations When Purchasing Solar Batteries

solar plus storage

Various factors should be considered when calculating the total cost of installing a solar battery to your solar energy system.  

Price: A solar battery with a low upfront cost may sacrifice quality and battery life; you may offer a lower upfront cost for a significantly higher future cost. But the need for frequent battery replacements may increase the cost over time.  

That is why, when deciding, it is critical to consider all factors other than price. 

Capacity: Battery capacity is significant because it represents the energy the battery can store. 

Voltage: The voltage of the solar battery bank should be considered to ensure that it meets the requirements of the solar system. Your solar energy system will include a solar inverter. Depending on the voltage of your solar battery bank, you may need to purchase a different inverter.  

The inverter specifications determine the voltage of the solar battery. Ideally, it should be installed on a system that converts DC-to-AC energy so that the voltage of loads in a DC energy system.  

Cycles: The cycles of a solar battery are the most crucial factor to consider. The battery cycle indicates how many discharge/charge cycles it can provide before capacity drops to a specified rated capacity percentage.  

Solar batteries with the same power, energy content, and weight may exist. However, the battery’s design, material, and quality will influence how many times it will cycle appropriately over its lifetime.  

Maintaining Solar Batteries

Let’s assume the installation process is done. But your work isn’t done yet. You still need to maintain a few things to have a properly running battery to power your house. Here are a few things you can keep on checking:  
  • If it’s kept in a protected space or not  
  • How is the backup process 
  • How much backup is the battery providing for your appliances  
  • Is the monitoring app or device working well or not  
  • Is the battery providing enough off-peak power  
  • Are the transformers working correctly or not  

Choose Solar Emporium for Solar Solution

The most expensive component of a solar power system is a battery. However, battery technology is spreading due to electric vehicles and the push toward renewables such as solar and wind. 

Companies pour millions of dollars into research and development to build cheaper, better batteries. This is excellent news for us. Battery prices have been declining over the last decade. Hopefully, this trend will continue with more advancement in the space.  

You now understand solar better than an average person. However, don’t stop there! Call Solar Emporium today or get a free quote for your desired solar solutions.  

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What Type of Batteries To Use With Solar Panels

What Type Of Batteries To Use With Solar Panels

Solar energy systems typically comprise solar batteries and panels, mounting tools, and an overall performance monitoring system. Solar energy systems 

Most houses are connected to the grid. These systems are more commonly used for backup among homeowners. Many people, however, are looking for a replacement for their utility supply. One common reason people switch to solar is to avoid high energy costs. 

So what type of batteries to use with solar panels to avoid high energy bills?  

Various type of solar batteries are used as a backup for critical loads when the grid fails. You can choose from multiple types of solar batteries to use for your system. These solar batteries are designed to provide auxiliary power to the grid. 

As we all know, four different types of solar batteries exist in the solar industry.  

  • Lead Acid Batteries  
  • Lithium-ion Batteries  
  • Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries 
  • Flow Batteries 

Lithium-ion and lead acid batteries are the most used of these four batteries. For a detailed review of all these batteries, check out our last blog about 4 different types of solar batteries. 

Lead Acid Batteries

For many years, lead-acid batteries have been a reliable energy supply for off-grid areas. They are typically deep-cycle and low-cost. Lead-acid batteries are known for their high power and discharge current but low energy density. They can take up to 14 hours to charge fully. 

Because of their highly toxic nature, these batteries should be thrown away properly. Otherwise, it can threaten the environment. 

The flooded lead battery is dependable but must be watered and ventilated to function correctly. The VRLA comes in two varieties: gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM), which have valves for off-gassing regulation. These are appropriate for cold and warm temperatures. Although VRLA batteries provide enough installation flexibility, their temperature sensitivity may pose a challenge to people looking for a permanent alternative to their grid supply. 

Li-on batteries for bet efficiency

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming a more popular choice for solar systems worldwide. The development of this type of battery is heavily influenced by its application in the electric vehicle industry. Its prism shape allows ventilation which is beneficial in solar systems. 

Lithium-ion batteries have a distinct voltage range and charging response. A voltage regulator charge controller is used to charge them. Despite low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries do not benefit from long-term charging. 

This type of solar battery requires little to no maintenance and has a high energy capacity and a long lifespan. Lithium batteries are evidently more expensive than lead-acid batteries. They may also need a protection circuit to regulate the current and voltage. 

Lithium-ion batteries can provide more cycles than lead-acid batteries. It makes them ideal for providing additional services to the grid. Lithium-ion batteries’ high charge and discharge efficiencies make them an excellent choice for solar systems.  

These batteries also lose less capacity when unused. That is very beneficial in solar installations where energy is only used occasionally. 

In Comparison, Which Battery Is Better?

Capacity

The capacity of a solar battery simply describes its ability to store electrical power. Because of their heavier weight, lithium batteries have a higher degree than all other types of lead-acid batteries.  

To power a 5.1kW, you’ll need about 8 lead-acid batteries, whereas two lithium-ion solar batteries will suffice.  

Because lithium batteries have a higher energy density. They can be installed in difficult places because they can also fit more capacity into less space. Both nickel-cadmium and sodium nickel chloride have a broad capacity range.  

DoD (Depth Of Discharge)

The DoD of a solar battery is the usable portion of its capacity, and a DoD of at least 40% is recommended for optimal battery usage. Lead batteries have a DoD of 50%, whereas nickel-cadmium batteries have a DoD of 15%. 

Exceeding this limit before recharging reduces battery life. In contrast, lithium-ion and sodium nickel chloride solar batteries have an 80% DoD, implying a higher usable capacity. 

Warranty Of Solar Batteries

When deciding which solar battery to use in your system, consider its battery life as the best indicator of its ability to retain capacity. One charge cycle is the chargeback up from a discharge and is the primary determinant of battery lifespan.  

In addition, the number of cycles your solar battery will go through will be determined by the frequency with which it is used. This characteristic varies even for the same type of solar battery and is influenced by the battery’s depth of discharge.  

A warranty is always a good indicator of dependability in any brand or product, including solar batteries. 

Effectiveness

The round-up efficiency is the difference between the available energy and the amount of energy used to charge a solar battery.  

The higher a battery’s round-trip efficiency with the DoD, the better. Regarding 95% efficiency, lithium-ion solar batteries win because they have the most conversion rate from solar power.  

This means that depending on the configuration of your system, you may need to install fewer solar panels and batteries. 

Charge Rate

Another factor to consider when purchasing a solar battery is the charge rate. It indicates how quickly a battery will be recharged when connected to a charger. It is expressed in fractions like C/4 function capacity.  

With a charge rate of C/5, lead-acid solar batteries can take up to twice as long to charge as lithium-ion solar batteries, especially during peak hours.  

Lithium-ion batteries and flooded lead-acid are ideal for full-time, off-grid power at various levels of use. If you need a battery for a vacation home or somewhere you won’t spend much time during the year, a sealed lead-acid battery is your best bet. 

It has a low self-discharge rate and requires no maintenance. 

You must consider power outages when purchasing a battery solely for backup purposes. It will help determine how frequently you’ll need your grid supply throughout the year.  

A low-maintenance battery, such as a sealed lead-acid solar battery, will be more beneficial if only used a few times.  

However, after examining other comparisons, lithium-ion batteries are the correct choice. These batteries have better capacity, DoD, warranty, and charge rate.   

Considering these parameters, you can accurately plan and install your solar system. You can choose which type of solar battery is best for you based on your intended system use.  

What Is A Solar Charge Controller?

The solar charge controller is a device that connects your solar panels and batteries. The controller ensures that your batteries are not “overcharged.” Overcharging your batteries causes them to overheat and catch fire. 

A controller also determines how to properly charge your batteries by varying the flow of amps and voltage rate based on the battery manufacturer’s recommended specifications. 

The market is flooded with low-cost solar charge controllers. There are better places to cut corners. Spend a little more money on a high-quality solar charge controller. 

All batteries are replaced at some point. Therefore, you need to decide wisely on the storage system. You’ll need to spend more time researching if you buy expensive batteries. It will help manage them more to get the most out of them.  

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Is It Still A Good Idea To Get Solar Panels In 2023?

Is It Still A Good Idea To Get Solar Panels In 2023

Solar panel prices have dropped significantly in the first two months of 2023. Experts predict significant price drops of 10% annually for the next ten years.

Keeping the above in mind, is it still a good idea to get solar panels in 2023? And how much money do you save with solar panels in Australia?

One of the reasons solar panel prices have risen in recent years has been due to a shortage in polysilicon manufacturing. Several factors influenced the price increase, including weather, industrial accidents, and the global pandemic.

These factors contributed to supply chain issues, and prices went up. But will solar panels get cheaper in 2023? Yes, solar panel price drop is very evident now. 

But if you wait any longer, you’ll definitely miss out on significant energy savings at a low initial cost. And electricity prices will continue to rise.

Many factors contributed to a spike in natural gas prices in 2022, which affected energy prices. The energy price has increased by up to 50% in many states in Australia.

With the cost of solar PV systems falling, now is the perfect time to switch. Even if forecasts indicate that prices will fall further in the coming years, you shouldn’t take your chances.

Many promising government incentives are still active in Victorian and New South Wales. Therefore, taking advantage of low prices is a wise decision now!

Feed-in Tariffs

Solar panel prices have fallen by nearly 82% in the last decade. As a result, Australians can enjoy the best solar feed-in tariff for their solar system at a low cost.

People who adopted solar technology early had to pay an excessive amount for systems that could be more efficient compared to now. But they relied heavily on the feed-in tariff to achieve a reasonable payback period.  

Governments aided early adopters financially while driving the industry to develop new and more efficient systems using a feed-in tariff.

Solar Rebates and Incentives In 2023

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides individuals and small businesses a financial incentive to install eligible small-scale renewable energy systems. It is managed through the development of small-scale technology certificates.

And for expected power generation, small-scale technology certificates are provided. This renewable energy is used to replace nonrenewable energy sources.

Homeowners can now get lower purchase rates through an agent via these certificates. The volume of this benefit varies depending on the amount of solar energy available in that state.

Small-scale technology certificates can be generated after the installation of an eligible system. And these are calculated based on the amount of electricity produced or replaced.

The small-scale technology percentage (STP) determines the number of small-scale technology certificates that electricity retailers must submit annually.

Energy Prices

Energy prices in Australia are expected to skyrocket in 2023 in Australia.

The market offers rose between 8.5% and 18.3% in New South Wales, up to 12.6% in Southeast Queensland, and 9.5% in South Australia, beginning in July 2022. Victorians have also experienced an increase of approximately 5%.

The changes also affect small business customers. With standing offer prices rising by up to 13.5 per cent depending on the state.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warned that the average household energy bill could rise by 20% again this year.

With the energy prices rising, solar manufacturers might increase their prices too. So grab your desired solar system before it’s too late.

Why Are Solar Panels Less Expensive Now?

Initially, solar panels took a lot of work to manufacture and install. Thus, making them costly. Because of their lower efficiency ratings, panels took longer to help recoup their high upfront costs.

However, advances in solar technology, combined with federal and state incentives, rebates, schemes and initiatives, have entirely transformed the solar industry landscape.

According to a 2021 study, the cost of solar panels has lowered by more than 82% since 2010. There was an average increase in efficiency of about 250%. As a result, solar power is now less expensive. And they can pay for themselves in less time.

Despite price drops, solar panels still have a high upfront cost. However, numerous federal incentives, such as the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit and statewide programs, can assist homeowners in recouping the high upfront costs.

How Much Money Can You Save With Solar Panels?

Solar consumption means using the solar energy you generate to power your home. As feed-in tariffs fall, solar energy is your best option for getting the most out of the Sun.

You can get the most out of your solar panels if you use them during the day when your panels produce electricity from the sun.

However, you should continue saving money in the evenings, early mornings, at night, or during bad weather or winter.

In that case, you must invest in a solar battery that can store excess solar power for longer. Instead of selling your energy and repurchasing it from the grid, you can distribute it evenly across your household’s needs.

How Much Value Will Solar Increase to Your House?

Electricity bills have risen dramatically, and the prospect of one less utility bill appeals to any buyer. In March 2023, it was announced that electricity prices in Victoria would increase by 31%, while prices in NSW would rise by 22%.

But how much does solar increase home value in Australia? According to a survey, 85 per cent of Australians believe solar rooftop panels increase the value of a property.

Furthermore, it is believed that three-quarters of renters would pay more rent to live in a property that used solar energy.

So, Do Solar Panels Pay for Themselves?

The short answer is yes in almost all cases. The payback period for solar panels in Australia has gotten easier. But to get the most out of your panels, you must first understand how your household uses power and begin thinking about self-sustainability.

A few years ago, your feed-in tariff rate made it an easy choice. However, by 2023, most solar systems installed will only achieve a satisfactory return on investment with the assistance of a solar battery.

Solar savings are a significant motivator for solar adoption. Our team is always efficient in assisting you to know everything about solar installation as electricity bills continue to rise.

Why Should You Switch to Solar in 2023?

We recently saw an increase in electricity prices for the entire year of 2022. This resulted in price increases for energy of up to 50% in some areas.

Waiting to install solar panels means missing out on savings on your energy bill, which will continue to rise over time.

Here are some reasons why you should go solar now rather than later.

  • The cost of PV panels for homes is currently low, but this may change soon.
  • In several markets, favourable government incentives for solar energy are decreasing or being phased out entirely in the coming years.
  • Solar power eventually increases your home’s value, and you can sell it faster.
  • Compared to 2022, residential electricity prices in Australia will increase significantly by the end of 2023.
  • If you installed a solar photovoltaic system that generated enough power to offset the increasing energy bill, your savings would grow in two or three years.

Solar Emporium’s affordable solar pricing packages are waiting for you! Contact us right now to become energy independent.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

What Are The 4 Different Types Of Solar Batteries?

What Are The 4 Different Types Of Solar Batteries

Before getting a solar battery, you need to know the different types of solar batteries and their specifications. There are 4 different types of solar batteries available for you.  

Let’s get a background of solar batteries first!  

In summary, solar batteries store excess energy produced by solar panels. When energy output is low, you may use the excess energy to power your home. For example, you can use the sun’s energy on cloudy and rainy days or even after sunset.  

Using solar plus storage depends on various reasons like climate and topography to culture and way of life. Most people in Australia work during the day. Therefore, automatically they consume less energy during the daytime.  

But that’s when solar panels collect most sunlight to convert it to electricity. And that’s what demands the development of storage technology.  

Differences Between Solar Batteries and Regular Batteries

Solar batteries are specifically built to store and release renewable energy on demand. They are made with different materials than ordinary batteries to handle the slower charge/discharge rates associated with dependable solar energy sources. 

Traditional batteries have limited energy stored in a single cell, making speedy charging difficult. Solar batteries, on the other hand, have two or more cells and may provide electricity for a much longer period. 

Solar batteries can also be lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion. Instead of a standard battery, a solar system will provide more energy over time and not leak heavy metals into the environment after completing its life cycle. 

Solar Battery Types

different types of solar batteries

Four primary types of batteries are used to store electricity from solar power systems. The following section summarizes commercially available technologies and information on each type. 

Lithium-ion Batteries

Maintenance of Lithium-ion batteries is relatively easy. These batteries have higher energy density than other batteries. That’s how they can store more energy in a smaller space. Li-ion batteries also have a longer life cycle. Most of the batteries are guaranteed at least ten years.  

However, one of the most significant downsides of lithium-ion batteries is their higher cost than other energy storage technologies.  

Furthermore, because of their chemistry, lithium-ion storage systems are more likely to catch fire due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.  

Although, if properly fitted, the chances of your battery catching fire are almost zero.  

Lithium-ion batteries are ideal for residential solar installations because they can store more energy in a smaller space and allow you to utilise more of the stored energy. 

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are less popular than lead acid or lithium-ion batteries.   

These batteries first came into the market in the late 1800s. After the remodelling in the 1980s, they considerably boosted the energy they could store. Ni-Cd batteries are the most popular in the aircraft industry.  

The fundamental advantage of Ni-Cd batteries is their long life. They are also capable of operating at high temperatures. Furthermore, they are almost maintenance-free and do not require complex battery management systems. 

But Ni-Cd batteries are exceedingly poisonous because of cadmium. Consequently, cadmium use is prohibited in various countries. They are also vulnerable to the memory effect, which reduces their ability to keep a charge.  

But because of their endurance, Ni-Cd batteries are useful for large-scale applications such as utility solar energy storage.  

Flow Batteries

Flow batteries are a new technology in the energy storage industry. They contain a water-based electrolyte liquid between the battery’s two chambers or tanks.  

When charged, chemical reactions occur, allowing the energy to be stored. These batteries are becoming increasingly popular. 

Because of their larger size, they are more expensive than other batteries. The cost and size make it difficult for household use. 

One of the best features of flow batteries is their 100% depth of discharge. This means you can use all the energy in the battery without damaging its mechanism.  

Unfortunately, these are far more expensive than other types of batteries. They also have an insufficient storage capacity compared to other battery systems.  

Flow batteries serve better in large-scale systems. Because of how they work, they must be huge enough to hold any significant quantity of energy.  

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are the most tested and reliable technology in the solar battery industry. These deep-cycle batteries date back to the 1800s. And they’ve been able to stay because of their dependability.  

These batteries have been classified as flooded batteries and sealed batteries. Lead acid batteries are the least expensive energy storage, making them the most cost-effective. They are also trustworthy because of the long industry journey.  

To function correctly, flooded lead acid batteries require ventilation and maintenance. That increases the likelihood of the battery leaking. Also, their low depth of discharge (DoD) results in more frequent charging.  

They have a lifespan between 5 and 10 years because of their modest depth of discharge. Lead-acid batteries are ideal for off-grid solar systems and backup storage for a power outage. 

How to Choose the Best Solar Battery Type for You

The two main distinctions are the battery’s chemistry and whether it is AC or DC-coupled. Which battery is best depends on when you plan to install it, how frequently you plan to use it, and how much space you have. 

A lithium-ion battery is usually the best option for a residential solar installation. They can store more energy in less space, discharge most stored energy, and have high efficiency.  

Furthermore, because these are the most popular, many solar businesses can precisely and safely install a Li-ion solar battery.  

If you are on a tight budget, lead-acid batteries may be the ideal alternative. They have been used for decades and are cheap. 

Call Solar Emporium as your trusted solar contractor to determine which solar battery best matches your needs. Get a Free Quote Today!  

Costs of Solar Batteries

solar battery for excess energy

The type and size of the battery selected determine the cost of a solar battery or battery system. Lead-acid batteries have a lower initial price to the consumer than lithium-ion batteries.  

However, investing in a lithium-ion battery may save money in the long run, depending on how the batteries are used.  

Check out Solar Emporium’s lucrative solar storage packages! 

Depending on size and power, a single lead-acid battery can cost between $200 and $800. Although to keep a household fully powered, it may require multiple lead-acid batteries.  

On the other hand, a household lithium-ion solar battery system with installation costs between $7,000 and $14,000. 

Nickel-cadmium and flow battery prices vary depending on the size and scale of the installation. Because of the expense, durability, size, and stability in extreme temperatures, they are sometimes utilised in residential houses. But these are better suited for commercial and industrial environments. 

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last | Solar Battery Lifespan

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last
Due to the advancements of recent government rebates and many energy-saving projects, adapting to the renewable energy lifestyle is becoming the new normal. In that train of thought comes the idea of getting solar batteries. Solar batteries are the single most awesome addition to your rooftop solar that can double the benefits of having solar overnight!
Now that I have made it clear that getting solar batteries is something you should be considering, there are other attributes of a battery that you should know. Not all solar batteries will serve you equally, and even getting solar batteries now will not make sense for every household. So, before making the commitment getting to know about them should be your no.1 priority.

How Solar Batteries Work

When the sunlight hits the silicone-made solar panels, they start making electricity from direct sunlight and pass that through a solar inverter to transform the generated electricity into a usable form. Strictly technically speaking, there is no true end or pause of the electricity generation of PV panels until they hit their expiry date, which is like 25 years and 30 for some brands.
solar battery australia
Without solar batteries, the additional electricity generated by the panels will be exported to the grid, against which you will get Feed-in-tariff. Fit rates are generally not very charming. In that case, solar batteries are added to the solar system. They store that surplus of power for you to use when the peak demand hours charge a lot to import power from the grid. Saves you a lot of money in comparison to what you will make through Fit.
Getting batteries also aligns with the government’s recently developed Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), to be inaugurated on 1st November. PDRS focuses on reducing energy usage at the peak hours of the day by incentivizing the installation of efficient gadgets and more. You can do your part by using energy-efficient gadgets and relying on battery units as opposed to the utility grid for a change. This change saves you money and saves mother nature in the long run, too; it’s a win-win situation for everyone.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last

After purchase, a high-quality solar battery system should provide you with support for the next 15 years. However, there are batteries on the market that have an 8-to-10-year lifespan but are less expensive. To be honest, there is no reason to settle if you are considering investing in solar batteries in the first place. Because it is an investment, if you combine it with a high-quality solar system, clearly, it can give you free energy for as long as it lasts.
There are also many types of solar batteries which serve you at different capacities and run for a different number of years. The most popular types of solar batteries are lithium-ion batteries and led acid batteries.

Lithium-Ion Battery

lithium-ion battery technology is preferred by battery companies because of its greater DoD (Depth of Discharge), dependability, capacity to store more energy for a longer period of time, and smaller size. However, lithium-ion batteries are more costly than lead-acid batteries owing to their advantages.

Lead-Acid Battery

Since they have been available for so long, lead-acid batteries—which employ the same technology as the majority of automobile batteries—have been extensively used as in-home energy storage units for off the grid power choices. Although they are still available on the market at reasonable costs, their popularity is dwindling because of their poor DoD and short lifetime.

Solar Battery Cost- Would This Break My Bank?

Each kWh of solar battery storage used to cost between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, without including installation fees. For each kWh of solar battery storage, you may currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400. Prices have dropped by almost 52%, and things can only get better from here.
Does this mean solar batteries are now affordable? Not really, but the benefits of having a battery backup system more than outweigh the expense.
However, just like any other category, there are also luxury brands of solar batteries. But in this aspect, these brands tend to provide and outdo the competitors in many cases which come, you guessed it, at a price. For example, Tesla batteries. Tesla’s solar battery cost can easily defeat others in the category in terms of being expensive.
Additionally, there are several key factors to consider to make when purchasing solar batteries, including the battery’s kind, compatibility with your solar panel system, brand, and installation company.
Most of them will have an impact on the price range.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System

Can I Add a Battery to My Solar System
With a vast majority of the population opting to go solar to retaliate against the increasing power bills and grabbing the opportunity of declining solar battery prices, it’s safe to say we are heading in the right direction. Many of us already have rooftop solar, and in an attempt to get the most out of the solar system, adding a solar battery should be on top of our priority list. Kudos to you, as you are already thinking about it, judging from the fact you are here in the first place.
So, the topic of discussion is, can I add a battery to my solar system if I wish to? The short and simple answer to that is yes, yes, you can. However, there are some things that you need to double-check before you think about it. Although solar battery prices are indeed falling, they can’t just be labeled as something cheap, not yet.
Before we jump to that, it’s essential to know the basics of how solar battery works.
adding solar battery with panels

How Solar Battery Works?

There are two types of solar battery storage systems to consider when on the topic. One is AC coupled, and the other is DC coupled solar battery.
In an AC-coupled system, solar panels produce DC power, which is then converted into AC electricity via a solar inverter. Your house appliances may then get this AC power, or it may go to another inverter, which will convert it back to DC so that it may be stored in a battery system. Any power that is stored in a battery system for AC-coupled systems must be reversed three times before it can be used back in the house.
On the other hand-
A DC-coupled system means that there is no inversion of solar power from DC to AC and back before the electricity is stored in the battery. Instead, DC solar electricity flows from solar panels to a charge controller that immediately feeds into a battery system. Any solar-generated electricity will only undergo one inversion (from DC to AC), either when it travels from batteries to your home’s electrical system or out to the power grid. With a DC-coupled system, your house is inevitably dependent on the battery for its primary source of energy if not connected to the grid.
Besides that, built-wise, there once again are several types of batteries available in the market. For instance, nickel-cadmium batteries, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lead-acid batteries. Because of their low cost, lead acid batteries are by far the most common option among all of these battery kinds. However, they need regular maintenance and are vulnerable to damage if not handled carefully. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are also growing in popularity lately.
Now that you are familiar with the basics of solar batteries, here is a list of things to check before you can add a battery to your solar system-

Existing Solar Inverter Compatibility

As discussed above, there are two types of solar battery storage systems which work in two different ways. Just like the batteries, there are different types of inverters that do the energy conversion of solar-generated DC electricity differently.
Your existing solar inverter can be a hybrid inverter or a standard inverter. In case you have a standard inverter, you are going to have to go through a bit more trouble. I will explain everything; bear with me.
DC VS AC coupled solar battery
You see, a standard inverter is only capable of converting DC to AC for the house to use. So, when you have a standard inverter, there are about two ways you can go by. The first option is to get rid of this system and add a charge controller, which can regulate the solar energy into going to the battery first, and tie it with a battery inverter that will supply electricity to your house. Needless to say, this is quite the expensive route to take as charge controllers that are able to take such a huge load are not cheap.
The second route to take, in case you have a standard inverter, is to opt for an AC-coupled system. This way, your system remains the same; it just gets an addition of a hybrid inverter with batteries. In this scenario, when the grid is down, the hybrid inverter steps up to keep the entire thing up and going. Without the hybrid inverter, your solar system will shut down if the grid goes down, but with the addition of the hybrid inverter, the sine waves produced by it trigger the standard inverter to keep on generating electricity, which then gets stored in the battery bank. Also used in the house.
Then comes the situation where you have a hybrid inverter. In this case, adding the battery bank will be a breeze as this one is equipped to convert both ways. Thus, saving you the hassle of getting to figure out the whole thing once again.
However, there still remains the question of how much load the inverter is able to handle and so many other things. For all these calculations and figuring out, I believe it’s best to just leave things to the professionals.

Budget

With a minimum value, you can get yourself a working battery or an amazing one. You have to figure out what your needs are and take into consideration your area, your future demands, etc.; with the calculation of everything, you have to map out a budget for the solar battery. There are many companies, including us, who can sort you out a financial plan; also, there are government rebates to help you become energy independent.

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Power Generator VS Solar Battery Storage | Which is Right for You?

Power Generator VS Solar Battery Storage
If you live in an area that faces frequent power outages having a backup power source always can give you peace of mind. To keep running your power outlets, you need backup options in the form of power generators, solar batteries, etc.; however, there always remains confusion about whether you should go for a diesel-powered generator or solar battery storage unit.
There are some advantages as well as disadvantages of both options. Depending on your household and expectations from your backup power, you must make the call on which one is right for you. In order to make the decision, you need all the right information, and here is a brief discussion on the topic-
But first, let’s get to know how power generators and solar batteries work.

Power Generators

A diesel/power generator, usually referred to as a Genset, is a piece of machinery made up of an electric generator/alternator and a diesel engine. Together, these two components transform diesel fuel into electrical energy. Most standby diesel generators provide reinforcements. If your power system fails during a storm or the busiest time of the day, they are designed to turn on and supply you with electricity.
Two types of generators are available, one is permanent, and the other is portable. The core difference between the two is mainly their capacity. Also, their maintenance and price point are contrasting for obvious reasons.
power generator
There are also other non-renewable fuel-run generators in the market, such as propane, natural gas, gasoline, etc. As these power generators run on fossil fuels, they will work if there is fuel to power them. However, they also have their limitations and only can serve you so many hours as your specific model of the generator can push too. Overuse of such machines can be dangerous for you and the machine itself.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are energy storage systems that are designed to store the surplus amount of energy that is generated by your solar panel system. Your rooftop solar continuously generates power as long as the sun is shining. You consume solar-generated electricity as the day passes by to do stuff around the house all day, but a quality solar system can generate more electricity than you can use in a day. Where does that excess energy go, then? It either gets exported back to the utility grid, or you can store it in a solar battery.
Solar batteries are smart pieces of technology that not only understand when and how much to store after your household needs are met but also, in the case of an off the grid solar system, can sense when to trigger the power generator to work in case of sunlight unavailability. Furthermore, solar batteries also remain in constant communication with the solar inverter to understand when to store energy. The entire process of running and using solar batteries is seamless and hassle-free. And the best part is, you don’t have to interfere; it does everything necessary by itself, unlike power generators.
As the batteries rely on non-renewable sources like solar, there is essentially no cost of running for them. You don’t need anything else but a plentiful supply of sunshine for the batteries to be full, of course, using solar panels.

Difference Between a Solar Battery and Power Generator

Here are some core differences between both-

Reliability- power supply and quality

Generators often provide lower-quality energy that is vulnerable to power surges and other problems that can harm electronic devices like computers. They frequently require manual startup, indicating that their power source is not continuous (unless you have an automatic switch installed on a permanent generator.) Home batteries can be configured to offer a smooth backup power source that starts up in milliseconds after an electrical loss. Also, less vulnerable to surges and disruptions are home batteries.

Labour and maintenance

Solar batteries can charge themselves; on the other hand, you must refuel your generator once or twice, even thrice a day, if needed. Additionally, households using generators must store conditioning chemicals, all of which must be maintained outside and might be hazardous.

Backup hours – runtime

If your generator has fuel, it will run itself. However, the possibility of the machine getting overworked and turning useless is also high. Solar batteries, on the other hand, can run without you worrying about them breaking down, but if your solar panels fail to yield enough energy to charge the batteries, that can be troublesome. Although, it is a rare case, especially for quality solar panel system designed by the experts.

Carbon emission

As the generator solely relies on non-renewables like gas, diesel, propane, etc., it’s inevitable for the generators to not emit harmful GHG gases. In contrast, solar batteries run on renewables which means zero carbon emissions.
solar power outlet

Cost of running

In the case of solar batteries, there is only an upfront and a one-time cost of purchasing and installing the unit. After that, you can expect to sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing perks of solar batteries. There might be occasional maintenance expenses which are rare when the unit reaches old age. Batteries run on free energy generated by the panels, and the source is our mighty sun.
The scenario is completely different for power generators. With the ongoing political tension and issues between major nations, prices of fossil fuels have skyrocketed. After you pay to purchase the generator, there will always be a recurring expense of buying fuel. So, it’s safe to assume generators cost more to run. Learn more about the price hike here.
In conclusion, if you are looking forward to an investment from which you can reap benefits for years to come and be carbon neutral, solar batteries are the way to go. Although purchasing generators is cheaper, the hassle that comes with them, not to mention the cost of running them, does not seem appealing to most.

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Do Solar Batteries Work in A Blackout

Do solar batteries work in a blackout
Solar panels are an amazing addition to any household in becoming energy independent.
Adding a home solar battery to your system can potentially make you invincible when it comes to blackouts.
Do solar batteries work in a blackout? Yes!
However, your solar batteries won’t function unless you have blackout protection. And there are other attributes that may or may not allow your solar system to function during such an event.
This might sound a bit complicated, so let me explain your options to stay connected to a power source even during a blackout.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Solar batteries are storage units of backup power on which you can rely in the event of a power outage or at night when the solar panels can’t produce electricity. Whether it is a grid-connected system or an off grid system, you can have solar batteries added to both of them. However, when offered a high Feed-in-tariff (pretty rare nowadays), solar owners tend to gravitate towards exporting power to the grid instead of storing it in the battery, losing power autonomy in the process.
solar batteries
A typical solar storage system usually stores the surplus of energy generated by the solar panels. The surplus being whatever energy is left after your average household needs are met. Solar panels can generate more than what you need if the system works at its peak potential, you have an oversized system, or simply because you are a light energy consumer and for many other reasons.
The point of having solar batteries is to keep you connected at all times. There are several types of solar batteries available in the market for you to choose from. For instance, there are nickel-cadmium batteries, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lead-acid batteries. Because of their low cost, lead acid batteries are by far the most common option among all of these battery kinds. However, they need regular maintenance and are susceptible to damage if not treated properly. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are also growing in popularity lately.

Blackout Protection Mode- Home Solar Batteries

In order for solar batteries to continue working and provide you with energy, you have to have blackout protection mode. No, not every solar battery comes with a blackout protection mode; there are specific batteries that either have it or they don’t. For this, you have to have a chat with your solar battery installers.
Let’s imagine ourselves in one of these situations to get to understand the concept a tad better.
Suppose you are connected to the grid, and suddenly your area experiences a blackout. The first thing that will happen is your solar panels will stop working, meaning the solar panels will stop feeding energy to the solar inverter, thus having no power in the outlets. This is true if you have a grid-connected system without solar batteries or batteries without blackout protection mode.
blackout backup with batteries
It happens for the sake of the safety of the people working to fix the issue that caused the blackout in the first place. If the grid-connected solar panels keep on generating energy, then the possibility remains that the surplus will be exported back to the grid, being fatal for the workers.
In such a scenario, your solar batteries will get the signal of the blackout within seconds. Depending on the type of battery and how it works, the time delay may vary. As mentioned before, to trigger the blackout mode, your batteries need to have a blackout protection mode. Only then the stored energy will flow back to the house.

For How Long Can You Depend on Solar Batteries During a Blackout?

There are two things that can happen in a situation like this.
First, your solar batteries will only be usable till the point they run dry. This is simple; whatever much energy is left in the batteries, you will get only that much to work through. As the panels have already stopped working for safety purposes, there is no more energy to store for later. Point to be noted; this also depends on the blackout protection mode provided with your batteries. Depending on the battery manufacturer, your blackout protection mode will be able to handle a different amount of load. Some can handle up to 7kW, while other batteries can go only to 2.5kW.
In a different scenario, you can go for days with a quality solar system paired with a top-notch battery in case there is a blackout. For this to happen, your batteries need to have the functionality to let the solar panels keep working in such events. Of course, without exporting any energy back to the grid.
It goes without saying that with an off the grid system, a blackout has no effect on your life. As going off the grid means being energy independent and self-sufficient. It’s the ultimate protection from power outages, blackouts, and outrageous electricity bills at the end of the quarter.

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System

should i get a solar battery storage system
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, low feed-in-tariff, and high electric bills, can you relate to these frustrating issues? If yes, then without a doubt, a solar battery storage system is the solution to your problems. Besides, if you have an outstanding solar panel system yielding a ton of energy, the surplus of which you are exporting to the grid in exchange for a low FiT, you can surely go for a solar battery.
In short, to answer your question, should I get a solar battery storage system the answer is yes, for the most part. However, in certain circumstances, it’s also not necessary to go for a battery; all of those, along with the pros and cons of solar batteries, are discussed below.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

To tell you the truth, you are missing out on the best bit of having solar panels. Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind makes us feel empowered with their ability to exterminate our carbon footprint, not to mention the low electricity bill. Along with those good things, we also have the opportunity to sustain on our own, at least for power which is a massive deal. But without batteries, it’s next to impossible to become energy independent.
solar battery storage system
Without a Battery storage system, you are missing out on-

Free Power Backup on Demand

Solar batteries store the excess amount of energy generated by your solar panels to be used at a later time. But in case of irregular cases like your solar panels struggling to generate enough energy, you can use the battery at will. Also, when you conserve excess solar energy, you can use it at night when the electricity prices are higher because of high demand.

Being Self Dependent

You have gone through the trouble of installing solar panels on your rooftop. The goal is to generate as much energy as possible through this source to not stay dependent on the grid. When your panels are able to satisfy your needs and do more, it gives you the perfect opportunity to ditch the grid for good. Making you self-sustained and worry-free.

What Size Battery Do I Need?

I believe you recognize by now how solar batteries can be amazing at serving us with more power independency. So, that brings us to the question of how big of a battery would suffice your needs. The answer to this question solely depends on you and your family’s needs. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system. I repeat, this is just an estimation with no knowledge of your power needs; selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of what appliances you use the most and what requires the most power will help you. I would suggest leaving that to the professionals as the chances of getting the wrong numbers are high with a do-it-yourself approach, and solar batteries are just too expensive to make an error.
solar battery price

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage. Currently, you may anticipate paying between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to counter in many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner. These will influence the price range for the most part. Learn more about the cost of solar batteries here.

The Pros and Cons of Solar Battery at a Glance

I won’t blame you if you feel a little overwhelmed about making a decision because I understand it’s a tough one. So, here is a list of pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process-

Pros

  • Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining
  • You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
  • In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
  • Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
  • During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy as solar generates energy from the sun.
  • Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Cons

  • Batteries can be expensive, and that is the only weakness I can point out. Nonetheless, any investment comes at a price, and it depends on you whether or not that investment makes sense for you.
In conclusion, if you should get a solar battery storage system depends on your energy usage pattern, your living condition, your area etc. But as a general query, getting solar batteries to tie with your solar panel system is the best approach in your energy independence journey.

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How Much are Solar Batteries | Cost of Battery

how much are solar batteries
Adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc., as the primary energy feeder for a household is the best possible way to become carbon-free. However, if you want to completely eliminate your dependency on the grid and receive zero electric bills at the month’s end, solar batteries are the way to go.
Solar batteries are amazing; there is no room for doubt. Although, the pros of having a battery attached to your solar system is a clear win. Still, the question remains, how much are solar batteries? Here’s a brief discussion.

Price Range of Solar Batteries

Prices of solar batteries have dropped down recently due to significant improvements in technology and the availability of resources. Of course, that doesn’t mean they are cheap now, but the drop is astounding. Previously for each kWh of solar battery storage, you would have to pay somewhere around $3000 to $3600 for battery only plus the installation cost. Now, you can expect to pay about $1200 to $1400 for each kWh storage of solar battery. That’s almost a 52% price drop, and it will only get better from here onwards.
solar battery price
To make more sense out of those numbers, imagine a typical family of four. With no extraordinary power usage on average, they would require about 38kW to 40kW to live comfortably. Assuming they are not connected to the grid and have solar as their sole energy source, the majority of that power need will be satisfied with direct solar power. They will only require extra when the sun doesn’t shine, and that can be compensated with solar batteries. That power need can be assumed to be around 12kWh to 15kWh. Note that I am being generous with numbers here; you might not even need this much for a family of four.
Assuming that the family is in need of a 12kWh battery depending on power, that will cost them around 12kWh*$1200= $14,400 to have solar batteries tied with the solar system. Yes, by no means is that a small number, but you have to consider its advantages. Also, don’t forget it is an investment to yield benefits for the upcoming ten years at a minimum with zero electric bills. Now that sounds like a fantastic deal, doesn’t it?

What Influences Solar Battery Cost?

Type of Battery
Many types of solar batteries are available for grabs in the Australian market as we speak. Different battery types come with different pros and cons. However, there are two most popular types used for solar energy storage, which are-
  • Lead-acid battery
  • Lithium-ion battery
Lead acid batteries are cheaper in comparison and are the most popular type of solar battery at the moment. However, they are not the most efficient option out there, as they require regular maintenance. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries are seemingly better alternatives to lead-acid ones as they require little to no maintenance, charge faster, offers a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge), and so much more. But it’s to be noted that li-ion batteries cost more than lead acid batteries.
Installation
Cost is also dependent on installation as that is also a factor that adds more to the initial number. A certified and insured solar installer should oversee the installation of solar batteries, which is non-negotiable in order to achieve power independency. Making modifications to your current solar power system yourself can jeopardize the battery, and the system, so a do-it-yourself approach is discouraged by solar emporium unless you are an approved installer yourself, of course.
With the installation process comes labor cost, and this is also a factor that varies from person to person, depending on the installation site and the work time.
solar battery cost
Size
Of course, the size of the battery hugely impacts the cost. If you want more hours of battery backup, the battery will be more expensive, and vice versa.
Brand
Certain brands are expected to cost more because of the superior quality offered by them, along with the faith that comes with those brand names. For example, a Tesla powerwall will definitely cost you more than any other battery brand for its brand value, and outstanding quality claimed by the company. Other renowned brands also follow the same agenda.
Inverter Type
If you already have a solar system installed on your rooftop, you definitely also have an inverter. Depending on the type of inverter, the cost of the battery may increase as a whole. If you do not have a battery-ready hybrid inverter, your cost of having a battery will significantly go up as you are going to have to get a brand-new inverter with the system.
But that is not the only way around, you may get away with additional wiring and small changes around the solar system, but that is strongly subjective to your inverter type.
So, those are the factors that influence the cost of the battery. Please note that along with these factors, the numbers may fluctuate depending on your needs and your house. To be precise in this journey, and save money in the long run, it’s easier and best to consult with an expert in the field. Also, if you want to claim government rebates, all of your components and installation partners need to be CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved.

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