What Are Solar Rechargeable Batteries? Types, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Solar power is now one of the most expanding and highly adaptable renewable energy sources. 

How? Well, as per the Solar Energy Industries Association, the market for solar systems and other solar devices such as solar rechargeable batteries doubled in 2016. 

It’s the solar rechargeable batteries that will be the matter of interest in this blog post.  

Let us understand how these batteries function, their types, and a lot more!

What are Solar Rechargeable Batteries?

Best defined as the means to store solar energy, solar batteries make it possible to use the stored energy later on. These batteries are easily rechargeable. 

They are composed of a solar cell and a battery, and are created especially for photovoltaic systems. 

Solar rechargeable batteries are used in standalone systems (off-grid solar systems) and hybrid solar systems to store the energy generated by solar panels.

Types of Solar Rechargeable Batteries

The four most important types of solar rechargeable batteries are as follows:

1. Lead acid batteries
2. Flow batteries
3. Nickel-based batteries
4. Lithium-ion batteries

Each of these batteries has distinct backup power technologies. Let’s examine the features of each of these batteries in detail.

1. Lead acid batteries

The tried-and-tested option in the domain of solar batteries is lead acid batteries. Since the 1800s, these deep-cycle batteries have been employed to store energy. 

Because of their dependability, they have managed to survive. Lead acid batteries come in two basic options: flooded lead acid batteries and sealed lead acid batteries.

2. Lithium-ion batteries

The newest players in the solar market are lithium-ion batteries. In terms of utilisation, these batteries quickly ascended to the top of the directory of solar rechargeable battery banks.

The lithium-ion batteries are regarded as the ideal batteries for residential solar systems.

3. Nickel-based batteries

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are not commonly used. Ni-Cd batteries opened their doors in the late 1800s. A redesign in the 1980s significantly boosted the energy they could retain. They are a favourite in the aviation sector.

Because of their endurance, Ni-Cd batteries are used for large-scale applications.

4. Flow batteries

A flow battery is an innovation in the field of energy storage. These batteries have a water-based electrolyte liquid that circulates between two distinct chambers inside the battery. 

Chemical processes occur when something is charged, allowing the energy to be collected and released. The popularity of these batteries is currently starting to increase.

Advantages of Solar Rechargeable Batteries

1. Battery Backup for Power Outages

If you have a solar PV system that’s connected to batteries as well as the grid, you’ll be able to keep your appliances running with the help of batteries during power outages.   

However, the backup is finite. It entirely depends on the capacity of the solar rechargeable batteries, i.e., for how long they’ll be able to keep the appliances running.

2. More Dependence on the Solar System

Electricity is used throughout the day. If you have a solar rechargeable batteries system, you may store extra energy generated and use it when needed at any point in time. 

It can be perfectly used when your lights are on, you are baking, or even while using the microwave. 

The energy you consume from the grid will be lessened due to this strategy, lowering your electricity bills substantially. 

3. Become Self-reliant

Thanks to lithium-ion battery technology, you no longer need a complete room devoted to batteries to get electricity. These rechargeable batteries last longer, producing more electricity than ordinary non-rechargeable batteries.

Due to their extended lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly the most preferred option for residential solar.

Disadvantages of Solar Rechargeable Batteries

Let’s examine a few disadvantages of solar rechargeable batteries.

1. High Cost of Storage

Energy storage is fairly expensive and can significantly raise the cost of solar PV systems. Therefore, installing solar rechargeable batteries may not always be financially advantageous, depending on your utilisation tariff rate. 

As a result, estimating your return on investments is worthwhile if you are willing to purchase a solar battery system.

2. Increases complexity

The complexity of the photovoltaic system is increased by designing and putting in an energy storage system. It also means more potential problems with the battery system’s design, setup, and functioning. 

The solar rechargeable battery system must be scaled properly for the needs during the design process, and you must fit the proper size cables and switches. 

As they are not suitable in high heat areas, solar battery systems can only be placed in a cool area with good ventilation. 

3. High Maintenance

The maintenance level varies if you are using solar rechargeable batteries. Major maintenance factors include the water levels and terminals of lead-acid batteries, which need to be regularly topped off. 

It must be electrolyte water; you cannot use ordinary water. It would help if you also took attention because battery chemicals are usually extremely hazardous and corrosive. 

However, other, more contemporary forms of energy storage batteries, including lithium-ion, typically require no maintenance.

Conclusion

When choosing a battery system for your residential or workshop solar power system, there are a number of things to consider. 

Solar rechargeable batteries are one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to curb carbon emissions. They can be installed by anyone, at any home, or in residential/commercial buildings. 

So, if you are trying to reduce your electricity bills while saving the environment, adopt solar batteries. However, you must carefully consider all the factors before making any judgments!

FAQs

Q. How long can a solar recharge battery operate?

A solar light’s rechargeable batteries can operate for two to three years without needing to be replaced. 

Rechargeable batteries are eco-friendly as they produce less waste because they are subjected to recharge over and over rather than directly dumping them after one-time usage. However, they are still not lifelong products.

Q. What is a solar battery?

A solar rechargeable battery is a type of battery used to store solar power for further use. It enables you to continue using appliances in low light, during the night, or during a power failure. 

You can run your home primarily on solar energy if your batteries and solar generation system are significant enough.

Q. Are solar light batteries rechargeable?

Solar batteries will eventually self-discharge, which implies that they will stop functioning over time. 

To guarantee that the battery lasts its whole life, typically 2-3 years, it is crucial to charge them at least every three months.