Some people are looking for the best batteries for solar power storage for home use, in light of the high electricity prices and the tendency of many to renewable energy.
The use of solar energy systems on rooftops, offices, and small and medium-sized private companies has increased in many countries, especially as they tend to support renewable energy as part of solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector.
How to Choose Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage
There are many types of batteries that are used in solar cells, and to choose the best batteries for solar power storage, you must look at the following specifications:
- Battery Capacity: This is how much energy the battery can store and the amount of energy that the battery can hold at any given moment.
- Battery Efficiency: How much energy is stored and released per cycle.
- Battery Depth of Discharge: The amount of energy that can be used without accelerating battery degradation.
- Battery Life Cycle: It is the number of charge and discharge cycles that the battery can complete before reaching the end of its life.
- Battery Life: Battery life depends on the depth of discharge and the ambient temperature.
- The temperature range in which the battery operates.
Best Batteries for Solar Off Grid
There are many types of solar energy batteries that are suitable for various uses such as homes, small offices and large institutions, and among the best batteries for solar power storage are the following:
1-Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 AGM 12V 125Ah SLA Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery for Use
This type is classified among the best batteries for solar power storage, as it was specially designed to use two types of energy, namely solar energy or wind energy, and it is a high-quality AGM battery. In addition, it has a long life and is made of high-quality materials, so it is an ideal choice for storing solar energy or wind energy. Moreover, it is a small battery with an average cost suitable for home use.
Pros
- It is a very well-made battery with custom military grade boards.
- The battery is completely free of hazardous fumes or gasses when in use.
- It is well suited for solar PV panels with smart chargers or use with wind turbines and inverters for backup power or powering a small cottage or cabin.
Cons
- The one-year warranty period was not enough, unfortunately, because the problems appeared after the year ended.
- It is a more expensive option than most lithium batteries.
2-Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah for RV
It is another type of AGM battery that works in various conditions, and has a deep life cycle, so it is classified among the best batteries for solar power storage. In addition, it does not require a Maintenance or monitoring during operation due to its long life span and manufacturing quality.
On the contrary, this battery takes up a large amount of space due to its heavy weight and may not be easily installed. We also find that Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah for RV is a large and economical battery suitable for small companies or startups.
Pros
- High efficiency with the panel converting up to 21%-24% of solar energy into electrical energy.
- Fast charging technology with built-in smart IC chips to maximize charging speed.
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design is perfect for long trips.
- Integrated zip-close pocket to protect devices while charging.
- Made of corrosion resistant Pb-Ca alloy, so the battery holds a charge for a long time.
Cons
- Relatively heavy.
- Not easy to install due to weight.
Best Lithium Ion Battery for Solar Power Storage
Lithium batteries are among the best batteries for solar power storage that have many advantages when compared to lead-liquid batteries and AGM batteries.
It is noteworthy that these batteries were manufactured with the latest technology, as they used chemical compounds with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technologies, which are widely found in solar energy batteries, in addition to lithium-ion technology (Li-ion).
What distinguishes the lithium battery is its high efficiency, which ranges from 95% to 99%, depending on the type. For example, the efficiency of the “eVault Max 18.5” battery at 0.5C is 98%.
The lithium battery also has a high depth of discharge, that is, a high cycle rate when discharging 80% of the total capacity, in addition to a low self-discharge rate of 1.5% to 2% per month.
So, it can be stored for a longer period than lead and gel batteries. Therefore, we find that high-efficiency lithium batteries are very suitable for offices and companies.
Pros
- It has a high number of discharge cycles.
- Its long life span may reach 10 years for some species.
- It doesn’t need any maintenance.
- Its internal resistance is low.
- Its specific capacity is high with high loading capacities.
- Small size and lighter weight than lead-acid batteries.
- Support fast charging.
- Its efficiency is high.
Cons
- Expensive compared to gel and lead batteries.
- Requires special protection management to keep voltage and current within permissible limits.
- It cannot be quickly charged under the freezing point of less than 0°C.
Conclusion
In the end, we recommend AGM batteries as the best batteries for solar power storage, as they are lightweight, highly efficient, and live for longer periods. Additionally, they do not require more examination and maintenance compared to the other types of batteries.
FAQS
Which battery is most suitable for solar energy storage?
As we mentioned, there is a difference between the types of batteries, so if you are looking for a battery with an average cost that lasts for a long time, we recommend AGM batteries.
Which battery is more powerful than lithium-ion?
AGM batteries are the most widely used in the field of solar energy and are a strong alternative to lithium batteries. As they are classified among the best batteries for solar power storage due to their high efficiency and average price compared to high-cost lithium batteries.