A Quick Guide To Understand The Basics While Purchasing the Solar Batteries for the Home

In the past two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of home solar panels installed in the US. Despite economic uncertainty, the second quarter of 2023 saw a rise in solar panel installations on homes compared to the first quarter, as reported by industry sources. In addition, the Solar Energy Industries Association predicts that the increased adoption of solar power will lead to a rise in energy storage usage among consumers. In fact, solar batteries for the home now make up to 60% of all installations compared to just 4 years ago when it was essentially at zero.

What is the cause of this? The question is challenging and involves the protection and segregation of energy, such as the regulations found in California’s NEM 3.0, time-of-use (TOU) rates, and the price of batteries, which is becoming more affordable as rates fluctuate. We’ll explore these explanations and additional factors to help you determine if battery storage is the optimal choice for you.

Reasons that urge homeowners to opt battery storage for their residences

In 2010, the majority of lithium-ion batteries were primarily utilized in devices such as laptops and cell phones. In the coming years, lithium-ion batteries may be used to power both residences and vehicles. There are several reasons why the usage of battery storage is increasing among those who rely on solar power for their energy needs.

This technology allows individuals to reserve surplus solar energy for later consumption.
It allows people to be less reliant on the power grid.
In some areas, the option to charge and utilize batteries at specific times could be a wise decision based on electricity prices.
The availability of lithium-ion batteries from a variety of manufacturers decreases their price, making them more affordable for average consumers.
A battery-equipped solar power system provides a reliable source of clean energy for backup use.
Enhanced batteries can now retain more energy, operate more efficiently, have a longer lifespan, and come at a lower cost for both small and large-scale uses.

Battery storage can assist in utilizing surplus electricity that is not required in household consumption. PV systems without battery storage use net metering to return surplus electricity to the grid. Typically, these NEM policies result in minimal financial returns when the sun is shining in the daytime. In the same way, time-of-use (TOU) rates frequently result in higher electricity charges during the evening hours when demand is high and the sun has gone down. Homeowners who utilize solar power have the option to store surplus energy in batteries. This energy can be reserved for later use, particularly during times when the sun is not out and electricity costs more.

The Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) in California enforces increased electricity rates at peak usage periods. Homeowners can save money by using battery storage to avoid paying high electricity prices during peak times. They can also send surplus battery power back to the grid during peak electricity price periods. Explore Aurora’s unique NEM 3.0 resource centre to assist you through the transition and locate useful resources for selling battery storage.

Factors to take into account when selecting a solar battery

Solar batteries have assisted in the increased use of solar energy by a larger number of individuals. The additional power generated in the daytime is conserved for use at night or on days with little sunlight. Additionally, using a battery can aid in reducing your electricity expenses by decreasing your reliance on power from the utility company. In fact, you don’t need a large battery to observe the advantages of energy storage. Using a small battery can decrease your reliance on grid electricity during periods of peak pricing.

It’s important to find a solar battery that is well-suited for your individual needs. Prior to discussing installing a system with batteries with a solar panel installer, it’s important to understand how to choose the most suitable battery for your requirements. Some of the factors are discussed below.

The capacity of the battery

The capacity of a battery refers to the amount of energy it can store, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Capacity is determined by the amount of electricity a battery can store and its lifespan. Prior to deciding on a solar battery, it is crucial to calculate your daily energy usage.

To calculate the necessary daily energy intake. Consider the following:

Household appliances that are frequently utilized.
What is your average daily power consumption
The totals on your standard utility receipts
How much additional storage are you comfortable with?

After determining your daily energy consumption and backup power requirements, you can then calculate the optimal size for your solar power system and assess if adding energy storage is financially feasible.

The power usage

Before selecting a solar battery, evaluate the maximum power output and duration of consistent power supply it can provide. Power is an essential factor to consider when choosing a system, as it determines its capability to handle tasks effectively. A powerful battery with low energy consumption can keep the refrigerator and washing machine operating for an extended period. A modest yet robust battery can supply power to your entire residence for a short period. Consult with your solar installer to determine the best solar battery for your needs, taking into account factors such as its capacity and power rating. They can help you identify the most appropriate option for your specific requirements.

Depth of discharge (DoD)

Solar batteries must be recharged in order to ensure optimal functionality over an extended period of time due to their composition. The depth of discharge (DoD) indicates the extent to which a battery’s power has been utilized before it begins to lose efficiency. Having a higher DoD enables you to utilize more of your solar battery’s power before needing to recharge it.If you own a 10 kWh solar battery with an 80% depth of discharge, you should limit your usage to 8 kWh of its stored power. Exceeding this limit could reduce its lifespan.

———————————————————————

Round-trip efficiency

The round-trip efficiency measures the amount of energy that can be retrieved from the battery in comparison to the energy that was initially input. Enhanced battery efficiency leads to cost savings and increased effectiveness. Consider this example to grasp round-trip efficiency: If your battery has a capacity of 10kWh but can only utilize 8kWh, it operates at 80% efficiency. When purchasing a solar battery, seek one with high energy storage and usage efficiency.

Warranty

Battery companies offer varying warranties for their products. The outcome will vary depending on the brand and type of battery. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer warranty period than lead-acid batteries. There is a possibility of lithium-ion batteries being protected by a warranty for 10 years or possibly more.

Lifespan

The battery’s ability to hold charge decreases with use, and eventually, it will no longer have as much charge as it did when it was new. After prolonged use, the battery’s capacity to retain a charge may decrease, depending on its quality. In general, batteries that take longer to reach their maximum capacity have a longer overall durability than batteries that charge quickly.

Expense

It is crucial to consider the price of a solar battery prior to making a purchase. Finding a cost-effective solar battery that functions effectively is vital. The cost of solar batteries varies from $3,000 to upwards of $20,000.

Here’s a simplified explanation of the cost variations for different types of solar batteries.

The average price range for lithium-ion solar batteries is between $7,000 and $30,000, with potential additional maintenance costs.
Lead-acid batteries typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 and don’t require much maintenance.
On average, lithium-iron-phosphate batteries typically range in price from $9,000 to $30,000. They have a long lifespan and need minimal upkeep.

Different types of batteries for the home

It is essential to have knowledge about the various types of solar batteries.Here are the positive and negative aspects of the two main classifications.

Lead-Acid Battery

These batteries are typically the oldest and most affordable. They might be the perfect choice for you if you need a lot of energy but prefer to depend on your own power source. There are two categories: flooded batteries necessitate regular maintenance, while sealed batteries require none.

Advantages:

The most affordable solar battery on the market that is reliable and efficient for off-grid power needs.

Disadvantages:

It has a shorter lifespan compared to other batteries. It adjusts the space based on the amount of electricity being consumed.

Lithium-ion Battery

In comparison to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are the top choice for homeowners.

Advantages

It is more compact than lead acid. You don’t have to constantly maintain it, and its lifespan is approximately 90% longer.

Disadvantages

It is more expensive than the lead-acid models, and it is prone to overheating.

Final takeaway

Solar batteries are gaining popularity due to factors such as inclement weather, power grid problems, and fluctuations in electricity costs. With so many options available, I trust that you now have a clearer understanding of your preferences. Check out our solar storage page for more information on how to store solar energy.