If you are relying on daylight energy and want to store off-peak electricity for future use, a battery will do this in addition to offering true power independence. Solar panels collect clean, abundant energy, but only the battery gives you freedom. It ensures you will be provided with light even in a power outage.
This guide will discuss the importance of solar batteries, describe the different types of batteries and their prices in detail, and provide some tips on how to choose the correct battery. We’ll also review the top three battery backup systems. Whereas sunlight collectors are a step toward sustainability, rechargeable cells unlock the energy stored in such panels.
Related articles: How are Solar Batteries Different from Rechargeable Batteries?
Best Solar Battery Backup System for Home in Canada 2024
Are Solar Batteries Worth It?
Your unique situation mainly determines the response. Aside from the extra cost you incur in asking for solar batteries, they come with several benefits. They help you bypass peak kWh costs, cut down on demand charges, and offer you a reliable power source during blackouts.
Another useful feature of solar batteries is that you can have power even if your local company does not provide net metering. On the other hand, this is only effective financially if the cost of the battery is less than the electricity price used at night.
Finally, solar batteries can be considered a smart investment as they often bring independence and positive finances, more so when used together with different incentives. Although particular situations and location data are essential in the decision-making process, it is still a good idea to take all the aspects into account.
What Are Solar Batteries?
Solar batteries, usually used in combination with solar panels, are energy storage devices that charge electric energy in a chemical form for later use and emergencies when the solar panels are not generating power. They can store charge from any power source, including grid electricity, which is switched on during periods when solar productivity is low or other renewable sources like wind turbines are accessible.
Solar batteries come in different varieties. Each type has its chemistry, positive points, and shortcomings. In certain situations, batteries are the perfect choice for storing a lot of energy for a short period. When you need a steady output for long periods, those cells are better. Options include lead-acid cells, lithium-ion, redox flow batteries, and nickel-cadmium.
To compare daylight cells, both kilowatt-output rating and kilowatt-hour storage capacity must be considered. The rated power will tell you the total electrical load a battery can deliver to your system, while the storage capacity will tell how much electricity a battery can hold. For example, a solar battery with a rated power of 5 kWh and a storage capacity of 10 kWh can power up to five thousand watts of electric load continuously and meet the peak load of 5 kW for two hours before the battery is depleted. If the battery gives electricity to a 1,250-watt load, it can operate for not less than 8 hours with the full battery.
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Homeowners who are thinking about transitioning to daylight power will always focus on the cost of sunlight cells. In 2024, this market will be completely different from its beginnings due to the rapid improvement in technology and the escalating need for renewables.
Batteries in the solar category are available in different pricing ranges and characteristic sets. The economical option of starting lead-acid batteries is about 120 CAD. These batteries are based on outdated technologies that require routine maintenance, thus becoming far less convenient than the new ones.
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries lie in between mid-range devices, where the price range goes from 300 to 550 CAD. They bring both availability and cost-effectiveness; the main reason for this is quite simple: they last longer and require less maintenance compared to competitor lead-acid batteries.
At the top are lithium-ion batteries, each priced at 1850 CAD. This crop of batteries spurs the pace of solar technology by offering enhanced reliability, durability, and greater convenience to users. Despite their higher upfront cost, they more than compensate for this with their extended lifespan and negligible maintenance requirements, consequently making them the common buyers’ pick.
The price of solar batteries should certainly be assessed not just in terms of the initial payments but also in terms of their long-term value. Factors like lifespan, maintenance requirements, and how well they work with your solar setup serve as key elements that help determine the total cost of ownership.
Today, the average home battery ranges from 6,000 to 23,000 CAD. This extensive choice may be indicative of broader variations in battery capacity, branding, and additional features such as smart connectivity and built-in inverters.
Types of Solar Batteries
Solar batteries exist in different variants, each with its distinct features. Lead-acid ones are cheap and reliable, but they will need to be maintained well.
Sealed Lead-Acid options, including Absorbent Glass Mat and gel cases, are low-maintenance and have a long life span. AGM batteries are cheaper and operate well at both hot and cold temperatures, while gel batteries, which use silica to harden the electrolyte solution, have a longer service life but are slower to recharge.
Lithium-ion batteries, often called lithium iron phosphate or LiFEPO4, are the modern addition to solar battery technology. They are characterized by their high discharge and recharge rates, long lifetimes, and easy maintenance. Even though they are more costly, their slimness and weightlessness allow them to fit in tight and compact areas.
How To Choose a Solar Battery
Picking out the right solar battery involves many considerations. Battery Capacity is the key factor, laying the groundwork for how much power can be kept within and the number of batteries that you will require. How you use it, whether as a main energy source or backup power, also helps to determine this decision. If you are connected to the grid, look into available tax rebates or credits.
Power/voltage is crucial to determine if it is suitable with your solar panels and other system parts. Another essential factor is Depth of Discharge (DoD), which is the percentage of charge you can charge your battery before the performance is adversely affected. Besides, the price is diverse depending on the varieties of solar batteries. A lead-acid battery is generally cheaper but needs more maintenance. Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries are one of the mid-range battery options, and Lithium-ion batteries, though more expensive, are the most reliable.
Top 3 Battery Backup System
The correct battery backup system will be a critical factor in proper solar energy generation. Among the countless systems, three are worthy of highlighting for their advanced performance and unique features. Read on to discover more details on these top-notch selections.
AC500+B300S+PV350 Solar Kit
Equipped with 5,000W rated power and a 10,000W surge capacity, it can handle almost anything you put on it. The power unit of the system is able to be expanded from 3,072Wh to an enormous 18,432Wh, so you will never run out of power, not even during really long outages.
The addition of the PV350 solar panel with a 350W output to the system makes it able to use solar energy, which contributes to the choice of an energy-saving and eco-friendly product. Through the smart app, you can easily check and manage the system. As a result, this makes it even more convenient to use because of all the excellent features.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Power Station
This gives a 2,200W AC pure sine wave inverter with a 4,800W surge capacity. The initial capacity of 2,048Wh can be expanded up to 8,192Wh, which offers an opportunity to have a system that can adapt to different energy requirements.
It has a 900W solar max input, and the 1,400W fast dual charge capability makes it a rapid charging unit. This guarantees it will be a reliable power source. The smart control of the app by the BLUETTI system will give you the opportunity to control your energy needs with ease and economy.
AC300+B300+3*PV350 Solar Kit
It's a great pick for those who want to harness the energy of daylight. It comes with a powerful 3,000W AC inverter. Also, it features a surge capacity of 6,000W, thus able to run a wide range of appliances. The system can be expanded to 12,288Wh. And with three PV 350 solar panels, it has a 1,050W solar input, which ensures it recharges very fast and doesn’t fully rely on grid power. Such a kit is suitable for individuals who intend to derive a maximum amount of energy value from solar power and yet run under any circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Summarizing, solar batteries are the cornerstone of a solar power system. Their role becomes important in providing energy independence and cost saving, and they also serve in a sustainable future. Also, the choice of battery is dictated by several parameters, such as capacity, power, depth of discharge, and cost. Among these systems, the AC500+B300S+PV350 Solar Kit, BLUETTI AC200MAX, and AC300+B300+3*PV350 Solar Kit are the most reliable and have high-capacity energy storage. Despite the fact that the initial investment may seem relatively high, the long-term rewards and the opportunity for energy savings will make solar batteries a prudent choice for many house owners.
