The process of installing a new solar energy system may seem daunting at first. Researching solar power can be challenging due to the wide variety of solar panels, batteries, and other components.

When it comes to DIY solar system installation, choosing solar batteries is one of the easier selections to make.

Here, we take a look at lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and flow batteries, the four most common types of solar batteries. Then, we'll get into how to select the best solar battery for your needs.

Four primary categories of solar batteries.

Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are the most common types used in home solar systems. In the early days of home solar power, lead-acid was a mainstay of manufacturing. However, lithium-ion has rapidly replaced other solar battery types as the industry standard.

Lithium-ion batteries are the ideal option for most households now because of their low cost, extended lifespan, and high efficiency. Almost all brand-new solar panels and integrated systems.

Nickel-cadmium and flow batteries are two other common types of batteries found in the business world. Although they aren't commonly found in residential solar installations, advances in technology and declining costs could make them more accessible in the near future.

-Lighium Ion Phosphate(LFP/LiFeaPO4)

When it comes to solar energy, lithium-ion is currently the standard. It's lighter than lead-acid alternatives while yet providing a deep discharge.

The most recent iteration of lithium batteries used in mobile power stations and hubs is lithium iron phosphate. The efficiency and number of cycles produced by LFP are superior. Also, to reduce the quantity of cable and copper, the power kits use 48V systems rather than 12V. As a result, less energy is wasted as heat and resistance.

Lithium ion, or LFP, will be present in any serious solar generator or power plant. If a solar kit uses lead acid batteries, you should generally look elsewhere.

--Pros

Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries, meaning that they can store the same amount of energy in a smaller package. Lithium-ion batteries don't require much in the way of upkeep and can keep going strong for years, if not decades.

Because of their faith in the reliability of their products, several manufacturers now provide warranties of 5-10 years. Your lithium-ion battery is guaranteed to outlive the majority of your solar system's components, making it a "set it and forget it" component.

Lithium-ion has a depth of discharge of 80-95%, so more of the power you generate and store may really be used. The 50% depth of discharge of lead acid is no match for this.

--Cons

The cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher than that of lead-acid ones. However, lithium-ion batteries typically save money in the long run compared to their lead-acid equivalents since they last longer.

Incorrect installation of lithium-ion batteries might be dangerous. The occurrence of thermal runaway could cause them to ignite. If you are unsure about your installation skills, it is best to either hire a professional or opt for a plug-and-play system.

--Best For

Lithium-ion is an ideal storage medium for rooftop and portable solar panels. The batteries are convenient for solar energy storage in recreational vehicles and off-grid camping because of their portability and low weight.

There are already solar energy systems designed for use in recreational vehicles, tents, and other off-grid structures. They provide a turnkey solar system with 48V batteries and everything else required for optimal performance and security.

-Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid has long been the industry standard for automobiles and is commonly found in throwaway batteries for household appliances. However, home and portable solar systems can also use lead-acid batteries.

Lead-acid is a reliable technology, although it is becoming increasingly unpopular for use in solar systems. They weigh more, have a shorter lifespan, and need to be replaced more often than lithium-ion batteries. As the price of lithium ion and other batteries continues to drop, lead-acid technology is struggling to maintain its market share.

--Pros

Compared to other battery types, lead-acid is the most wallet-friendly. However, as demand has increased, the price of lithium-ion has decreased substantially, and it may soon be cheaper than lead-acid.

Customers have been using lead acid for decades and know what to anticipate. Even though the battery only has a limited lifespan, the technology is reliable and consistent throughout.

--Cons

Over the course of a solar system's existence, multiple replacements of the lead-acid battery will be required. Depending on the type of lead-acid technology and the application, the lifespan of lead-acid solar batteries may be as little as three to five years.

The cheaper initial purchase price is offset by the higher expense of frequent replacement. In comparison to lithium-ion, the cost over 15–20 years is expected to be much greater.

Toxic waste increases in frequency of replacements. You can bring your used lead-acid batteries back to the store where you bought them or look for a local hazardous waste recycling program. These are the most practical ways to get rid of stuff.

--Best For

When size and weight aren't a problem, lead-acid is the way to go. They are useful in both permanent and temporary settings. If a homeowner is serious about installing a permanent solar system, lithium-ion is the only way to go.

-Nickel Cadmium(Ni-Cd) Batteries

The use of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) dates back to the late 19th century. In the 1980s, advancements in the technology behind Ni-Cd batteries made them a practical option for use in today's technological contexts.

Utility firms and the aviation industry are only two of the many huge commercial activities that rely on them.  

--Pros

Ni-Cd is long-lasting and reliable, making it ideal for usage in areas where wear and tear are common, such as commercial aviation and utilities. A Ni-Cd battery could last for more than 20 years.

Nickel-cadmium can be safely stored between -85 degrees Fahrenheit (-65 degrees Celsius) and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).

These batteries are more efficient than lead-acid ones because they are able to store more power in a smaller and lighter form.

--Cons

Ni-Cd contains highly poisonous cadmium. Proper disposal of the batteries is complicated and sometimes harmful. Because of this, cadmium use in batteries has been outlawed in some nations.

The "memory effect" can diminish a Ni-Cd battery's capacity to store energy over time. Other battery technologies, such as lithium-ion, are not affected by this phenomenon.

--Best For

Massive solar-powered business enterprises. Energy storage systems based on nickel-cadmium are commonly used by utilities. Nickel-cadmium batteries are now used in most commercial airplanes, however this may change in the near future.

-Flow Batteries

There will soon be numerous innovations in solar-powered batteries. One of the most exciting developments in solar energy storage is the flow battery. Currently, communities like Viejas, California's, are evaluating the efficacy of flow batteries in large-scale solar systems.

--Pros

The solar power system can completely deplete the energy stored in the battery because flow batteries have a depth of discharge of 100%.

When compared to other battery types, such as lead-acid, which can only be discharged to around 50%, lithium batteries have a far higher DOD rate, at roughly 80%-95%.

--Cons

Flow batteries are a cutting edge innovation. There aren't a lot of affordable alternatives for home use.

--Best For

Flow batteries are ideal for large-scale commercial solar installations due to their high cost and substantial size. Flow batteries are now unavailable to the typical consumer. Flow batteries may be commercially available for use in homes and portable devices within the next 10 to 20 years.

Why you need Good Solar Batteries?

You should invest in high-quality solar batteries to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your off-grid solar system. Batteries are the lifeblood of your renewable energy setup. They are used to store the energy generated by solar panels.

It could seem like a smart idea to buy inexpensive batteries, but in the long run, you'll only be setting yourself up for frustration. Your entire solar power system will be rendered useless until you can replace the batteries. There will be more hassle and expense as your system matures if you use lead acid batteries instead of lithium-ion ones.

How to Choose the right types of solar battery

Most home and portable solar power systems use either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. Here are the most crucial questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a solar battery.

-Size and Weight

Lead acid batteries are considerably heavier than their lithium-ion counterparts. In addition, a lot more space is needed to keep the same quantity of energy in them. When designing a solar array for a recreational vehicle or a tiny house, it's important to keep size and weight constraints in mind.

You'll still need a small system if you want to store the inner workings of your home solar array in a closet. The homeowner may profit from a lithium-ion battery system due to its compact size in such situations.

-Initial and Ongoing Costs

Although lead-acid batteries are less expensive initially, they need to be replaced much more frequently than lithium-ion batteries do, and they are also far less efficient. As a result of having to repair components, the total cost of maintaining a solar energy system rises. Unless you can't afford the upfront cost, lithium-ion is the more cost-effective option.

-Battery Capacity

The size of the battery being used is one factor in deciding which kind to buy. A huge battery is unnecessary if you are simply using it to power a small device. The larger size and heavier weight of a lead acid battery will not be as much of an issue here.

A full-fledged solar system requires battery storage capable of handling thousands of amp-hours. The use of lithium-ion technology allows for the miniaturization and lightening of a high-capacity battery pack.

-Ambient Temperature

Battery performance is greatly impacted by the surrounding temperature. The optimal charging temperature range for lithium-ion batteries is between 32 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 45 degrees Celsius). They have a discharge temperature range of -4F (-20C) to 140F (60C).

The operating temperature range for lead acid batteries is -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).

If you need to charge in subzero conditions, lead-acid batteries may be your best bet. As an alternative, lithium-ion batteries are a good choice for hot environments.

-Cycles

A battery's storage capacity decreases with each discharge. The longer a battery can go between charges, the more cycles it can handle.

-Warranty and Brand

The quality of batteries varies greatly. There will be some minor differences between battery brands. The varying durations of available warranties should also be taken into account.

When shopping for an important (and expensive) component like solar batteries, go with established companies. Generic, off-brand batteries are more likely to fail and perform poorly since they are constructed with lower-quality components.

If a battery or other solar component doesn't have a warranty, don't buy it.

FAQs

How Do Solar Batteries Differ From Traditional Batteries?

Solar batteries are identical to standard batteries in every other respect. Batteries originally developed for marine or golf cart use are commonly used in solar energy systems.

Deep-cycle batteries, not lead-acid ones like those used in cars, are needed for solar energy systems. Long-lasting power is available from deep cycle batteries. Also, solar batteries regularly experience partial discharge, which reduces their energy capacity.  

Typical automotive batteries have a high initial energy capacity and rarely discharge by more than 20% after starting the vehicle.

What is the Ideal Solar Battery?

The best solar batteries are lithium-ion ones. Rapid progress in lithium technology has been made in recent years. They're easy on the wallet, easy on the back, and tend to last more than a decade.

Which Solar Batteries Have the Longest Shelf Life?

Longer life is achieved in solar lithium ion and LFP batteries than in lead-acid ones. When compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries have a much longer expected lifespan (ten years or more).

Conclusion

Solar batteries come in a few varieties, but lithium-ion and lead-acid are the only ones worth considering for home use. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to their compact design, high energy density, extended lifespan, and simple operation.

Kowint gives you confidence that your solar battery will survive as long as it should. Each of our solar batteries also has a longer expected lifespan and greater efficiency.