Solar batteries are an integral part of any solar power system. For one, they are your primary source of electricity after the sun goes down or during cloudy days when there’s not enough sunlight for your solar panels to power your appliances sufficiently.
Given the many options for solar batteries, some first-time users can get confused about which power pack to add to their setup. Lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries are frequently compared, as they represent the traditional and modern approaches to energy storage on the market.
If you’re currently weighing which battery you should get, here’s a quick guide on what to look for and how both a lead-acid and lithium battery would fare under a variety of factors you need to consider for your solar batteries.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery?
Power & Capacity
Check the battery’s power rating and capacity. This will give you an idea of what to expect during operation, especially if you don’t plan on using your power pack the entire day.
Capacity is expressed in kWh and indicates the actual amount of energy stored in the battery. However, more is needed in determining the overall output of your power pack. You also need to look at the power rating, which indicates how much electricity your solar battery can provide your home in a single interval.
Tip: Remember, high-capacity + low power = great for emergency backup power & can run several essential appliances. Meanwhile, low-capacity + high power = will run an entire house but only for a few hours due to less stored electricity.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
Depth of Discharge refers to the percentage that you can safely discharge your solar battery to maintain optimal health. We recommend going for a high-DoD battery, as this means you get to use more stored energy before needing a recharge.
For example, if you have a solar battery with a capacity of 10kWh, it should ideally have a DoD of 60% which means you can use a maximum of 6kWh before charging your power pack again.
Efficiency
Opt for solar batteries with good round-trip efficiency. This refers to the ratio of energy you can utilise from the solar cell to the energy you need to store electricity. High efficiency also translates to cost-effectiveness as they provide more electricity, making your power pack worth every penny.
Warranty Offer
Aside from choosing a battery with up to 10 years of life expectancy, check its warranty too. A good warranty offer indicates not just an extended lifespan but also reliability on the part of your provider.
The VoltX Energy Battery Advantage
Clearly, we know that lithium is the winner when it comes to choosing the best solar battery. These power packs are designed for modern times. They’re the most recommended for energy storage, which is why it’s not surprising that millions of Aussie homes have been getting one as well.
Solar batteries paired with a solar power system can significantly lower or even eliminate your energy bills, especially at a time when energy prices are continuously rising. They offer energy independence by providing daily power that is practical, efficient, and safe.
Here at VoltX Energy, we have tons of solar system packages with batteries to choose from. Our plans are geared to accommodate small to large-scale power requirements and are comprised of only premium quality components, including lithium-based solar batteries. Request a quote today & our experts will reach out to help you determine the system that best fits your needs.
