Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries might be your best bet if you are looking for a solar battery in the UK for home solar panels. They are not only more efficient but also charge faster meaning they have a larger capacity if compared to lead-acid batteries. They also last twice as long, lasting an average of 10-15 years. They are undoubtedly costly but they are definitely worth the cost.

Solar panels generally need 1-3 lithium-ion batteries with at least 10 kWh of usable capacity to provide cost savings for the whole household, from load shifting to backup power. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory states that a solar power system with a single 10 kWh battery is all you need to power essential household systems for 3 whole days. If heating and cooling systems are included, an average household will need a larger solar power system with 30 kWh storage i.e. 2-3 lithium-ion batteries.

Although more and more people are using solar batteries, there is no guarantee that it is the right choice for every household. If you face frequent power outages and need backup power, a solar battery is worth a shot. If you wish to reduce your electricity bills, solar batteries won’t save you much, especially if you have a full-retail net-metering program. Another consideration is that the payback period for solar batteries in the UK is much longer than its warrantied life. An average solar battery takes around 12 years to pay back while most of them have a warranty period of 10 years.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) help in the collection of energy from renewable sources like solar and wind and store them for later use such as in the instance of a power outage. Battery storage is indispensable in the process of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. Battery storage systems will also play a pivotal future role in supplying green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands at the same time.

A 10 kWh battery can power the necessary electrical systems in an average household for at least 24 hours if heating or cooling systems are not involved. If you wish to extend this duration, you will have to invest in energy-efficient appliances. You will also have to practice smart energy usage and carry out proper maintenance of your solar battery from time to time.

Qcell’s solar batteries are one of the most powerful and high-yielding solar batteries in the global market. They help homeowners to sustainably decrease their electricity bills while benefiting from long-term operational security. Eco Angels offers you the best solar batteries in the UK with manageable sizes and unique features so that you can produce eco-friendly solar power, safely and independently.

Three different types of batteries are commonly used in solar storage: lead-acid, saltwater, and lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries will last the longest among the three and undoubtedly have the best solar battery storage in the UK. Unfortunately, they are not going to be the most affordable option. Nevertheless, lithium-ion batteries have a high DoD rate of almost 80% meaning you will be able to use more of your stored energy without harming your solar battery.

The right solar battery size for your household depends on multiple factors. This includes the number of people living in your home. If a household has a single bedroom and an annual consumption of less than 2,000 kWh, it will require a lithium battery of 10.5 kWh. The process of finding the best solar battery in the UK can be a bit more complicated because the given measurement is just an average consumption level. Many households can exceed or underperform for various reasons. You can always contact Eco Angels for a consultation regarding the solar battery that will suit your household best.

A solar battery being full means that no more solar energy from the panels can be stored in them. Overcharging a solar battery once it is full, may significantly damage it. The excess energy is handled in one of the following ways:

It is pushed back to the panels: The simplest way of handling excess energy is to direct it back into the solar panels. This results in a temporary increase in voltage. This method is quite effective in the reduction of the overall efficiency of the system.

It is pushed back into the grid: In grid-based solar power systems, any excess power can be fed back into the electrical grid. The owner can also receive credits or compensation for the amount of electricity supplied to the grid.

A dump load can be enforced: The third option that one can choose when a solar battery is full is to employ a dump load. A dump load usually diverts excess power onto another device. This device absorbs the excess energy and converts it into some other form, such as heat. This option ensures that the battery remains safe but also makes productive use of the surplus energy.

The average life span of a solar battery extends from 10 to 15 years. Most solar batteries have a warranty period of 10 years. But a battery, if well maintained, can remain in a good condition for far longer. Here are a few factors that determine the lifespan of a solar battery.

Usage: One of the most important factors in determining the lifespan of a solar battery is the number of times it has been used.

Exposure: Extreme weather conditions and temperatures can significantly shorten a solar battery’s life span. A lithium-ion battery can survive temperatures between zero degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Type of Battery: Lithium-ion batteries are not very pocket-friendly. Nevertheless, they have a longer life span than lead-acid batteries, making them a comparatively better option.

Discharge: The depth of discharge (DoD) of a solar battery decides how much of its capacity it can discharge without shortening its life span. For instance, a lithium-ion battery’s DoD is usually around 90%.

Maintenance: Solar batteries need little or no maintenance. However, it is wise to monitor your battery from time to time. Proper performance and consistency ensure a long and healthy battery life.