Batteries

Solar Batteries

Deep cycle Batteries are designed to store energy for when it is required i.e. during times of little or no solar generation or high energy demand. There are various battery technologies available for different applications and so it is important to choose the correct technology for your requirements.

Off Grid Batteries

Off grid batteries need to store a large amount of energy, so that there is plenty of energy available during extended bad weather. If the battery is undersized, it will be discharged to a lower state of charge more regularly and therefore shorten the life expectancy. You will also be more reliant on a back up source of energy like a generator, to top up the system more often.

Common battery technology used for off grid systems are Lead Acid i.e. Enersun and Lead Carbon i.e. Shoto

Grid Connected (Hybrid) Batteries

Grid connected (Hybrid) batteries are designed to retain the solar energy you generate on site, rather the sell it to the grid and buy it back later at a much higher rate. A grid connected home would ideally be designed so that appliances run during sunshine hours where possible, directly from the solar system. Batteries can then be add to store the remaining solar energy for use during the evening, high demand or low generation times. Unlike off grid batteries, you only need to store a small amount of energy to cover the evening usage, however if you fall short the grid will continue to support your energy demand as usual.

Common battery technologies used for grid connected (Hybrid) systems are Lithium Iron i.e. LG Chem, Enphase, Tesla Powerwall