Installing a solar battery in your house is a wise investment, especially if you are living off the grid. They provide backup power and reduce electricity bills. This article highlights more on solar batteries and presents you some of the best in the market. Let’s get started.
Which Are The Best Solar Batteries For Your Home?
Here are some batteries you can consider for your home.
BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup
If you have many large appliances to run, then you’ll need a large battery such as the BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup. This model has a whopping capacity of 9,920Wh and can be expanded to 19,840Wh. This is enough power to run most devices in your home. And thanks to the 9,000W pure sine wave inverter, you can rest assured it will run 240V and 120V devices.
For peace of mind, you get a 10-year warranty, which is better than most brands offer. You can install the battery outdoors or indoors as it is IP65 rated. And thanks to the LiFePO4 battery, it is more efficient than its competitors. So, if you want to live off the grid, consider buying this model.
BLUETTI EP800+B500 Home Battery Backup
Another option to consider is this package. You get a solar battery with a capacity of 9,900Wh which can be expanded to 19,800Wh. Like most BLUETTI solar batteries, it comes with an app control feature so you can monitor it from the comfort of your bed or coach. Furthermore, you can change its setting via the app.
It is also lightweight compared to other batteries, weighing 44 kg. The 10 years warranty will allow you to use it with peace of mind. You’ll love how quiet this model is. With a noise level of less than 50dB, it can be running without interrupting your sleep or conversation.
How do Solar Batteries Work?
Generally, solar batteries store excess electricity from your solar panels. With solar batteries you can rest assured you’ll enjoy all the electricity your solar panels have captured during the day. You can then use this extra energy during the night or power outages.
If you have robust solar batteries, you can start living off the grid as they have high capacity. This helps you become energy independent. You can even sell the extra electricity to your power grid, if your state offers net metering. With solar batteries you can opt for off-grid or grid-tied solar systems. The latter allows you to take advantage of net metering.
How Do You Choose The Best Solar Battery?
There are several aspects you need to consider when choosing a solar battery. For example, you’ll want to install one that can handle small and large appliances. The more appliances you have the larger the battery you’ll need.
If you have low energy needs, you can opt for a small to medium option. You’ll also want to consider the battery’s modularity. A modular battery allows you to add extension batteries if you need more energy. Compatibility is also a crucial aspect to consider since not all batteries are compatible with popular solar panels.
Besides the price, you should also consider its warranty. You want solar batteries that have comprehension warranties extending for at least 10 years. With such a warranty, you don’t have to incur maintenance costs.
So, here are some of the aspects you need to consider when buying a solar battery
Type of Coupling
There are two types of coupling: AC and DC coupling. The difference is how electricity flows to the battery. AC-coupled batteries have alternating current, meaning power flows in intervals. DC-coupled solar batteries have electricity traveling in one direction.
If you have an AC-coupled system, you’ll need to have an inverter to switch electricity from AC to DC and vice versa. Most modern solar batteries come with an in-built inverter. For example, BLUETTI power stations have a pure sine wave inverter allowing you to power most if not all appliances.
A DC-coupled system requires the electricity to be inverted once: from DC to AC. This is because most appliances use AC current. You’ll not have an inverter if the power will be heading straight to the storage batteries.
To buy an AC-coupled or DC-coupled solar battery will depend on your preferences. AC-coupled batteries are easier to use and cheaper while DC-coupled units are more reliable and ideal for homes without solar panels.
Compatibility
You don’t want to buy solar batteries that are not compatible with your solar panels. Some solar batteries are only compatible with specific brands while others are compatible with many brands.
So, it is important to determine whether the solar batteries are compatible with your existing solar panels. If you don’t have solar panels installed, we’d recommend buying the solar system from one brand to avoid incompatibility issues.
Modularity
Modularity is how expandable a battery is. For example, most BLUETTI batteries are expandable allowing you to store more electricity. Its modularity should also allow you to modify it to meet your energy needs. As you’d expect, energy needs can increase in the future warranting extra batteries.
When considering modularity, check which other batteries are compatible and how many batteries you can hook up at once. Some brands will require you to hook up batteries of the same size, so it is important to check with the company.
Capacity
A solar battery’s capacity is the amount of energy it can store expressed in kilowatt-hours. The larger the kWh rating, the more energy the solar battery can store. And if you have high energy needs, you’ll need a solar battery with a high capacity.
While a larger battery is the best bet, you can always settle for a small unit if your energy needs are low. However, do not overload it as this can cause damage to your appliances and the battery. The rule of thumb is to install a battery that can meet your home energy needs. Also consider modularity, so you can add other batteries if the capacity for one does not meet your needs.
Power Output
Another aspect to consider is the power output. Here, you need to consider the starting and running power output. Starting power is the amount of power the battery can output at once while running power is the amount of power the battery outputs as it runs normally.
If you have large appliances and the energy consumption is high, you’ll need a solar battery with high running and starting power output. Consider checking the brand’s website or battery’s manual for detailed information on the power output.
Types of Solar Batteries You Can Buy
Solar batteries come in four different types. They include the following:
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium -ion batteries are the most popular solar batteries. Used in most residential settings, they have a high energy density and long lifespan. And thanks to their high depth of discharge, you can draw more energy from a single battery. This explains why they are compact and lightweight.
Another reason why lithium-ion batteries are popular is due to their maintenance-free design. One of the most efficient lithium-ion battery types is the lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) option. This model does not overheat and offers fast charging. That said, they are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
For example, the BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station | 2,400W 2,048Wh has LiFeO4 battery ensuring it can last for at least 10 years. The power station has a 2,048Wh capacity which is adequate to power most applications in your home. And thanks to the 3,600W power lifting mode, it can be used with larger appliances such as refrigerators.
Lead-acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been around for long compared to other options. They are a popular option for people on a budget and tend to have a lower energy density. While they are cheaper than lithium ion batteries, they are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
Flow Batteries
While flow batteries are another efficient solar battery, they are not common in homeowners. These large batteries are mostly used for industrial application. As you’d expect, they are more expensive and require professional installation. So, it is not necessary to buy flow batteries for residential use.
Nickel-cadmium Batteries
Like flow batteries, nickel-cadmium units are intended for commercial use. They can withstand high temperatures and harsh environments. Thanks to their high energy density, they are used in energy intensive applications. Like flow batteries, they are expensive and larger than lithium-ion batteries.
FAQ
How Long do Solar Batteries Last?
A typical solar battery can last between 10 and 15 years. Factors such as frequency of use, depth of discharge, and type battery will affect the lifespan.
Can a Solar Battery Backup Your Home during an Outage?
Yes. A solar battery can provide backup power in the event of a power outage. When combined with solar panels, you can even use them for off the grid living.
Final Thoughts
Solar batteries are no doubt a viable backup power solution. They allow you to power your devices during an outage. Besides, they allow us to live off the grid with ease. If you are looking for the best solar batteries, consider buying from BLUETTI.
