Solar Panels And Battery Backup Options

Should you install batteries with solar panels?

Energy storage applications are becoming more popular as people look for ways to store solar energy and sell it back to their utilities at the maximum price and profit.

Just as is the case with solar panels, a number of different battery technologies and manufactures exist. This article will compare commonly available energy storage options (batteries), from the most affordable to the most lavish, which can all be paired with a solar power installation.

Understanding Batteries & Energy Storage Capacity

Batteries are rated in amp hours and kilowatt hours, with higher numbers indicating more storage capacity.

For example, a battery with 250 Ah at 6V will be able to power more electronics than would a battery with 200 Ah at 6V.

Battery Voltage

When connected together, multiple batteries form a battery bank or energy storage group. Common household applications are 6 V, 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V.

Just like with amp hours, a higher voltage battery bank will support more electronics.

Battery Cycle Life

Another important consideration is cycle life, which provides the number of discharge/charge cycles the battery can deliver before capacity drops to a specified percentage of rated capacity.

Batteries from different manufacturers may have the same capacity and energy content, but design, materials, process and quality influence how long the battery will cycle.

Available Battery Technologies & Manufacturers

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries are quickly becoming the hottest new type of battery technology. Popularized for their low-weight, high-efficiency, and sleek designs, lithium ion batteries are some of the newest and expensive type of energy storage available today.

Lithium ion batteries are low-weight and high-efficiency

Lithium ion batteries are today used in cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicle applications.

LG Chem is a division of the Korean electronics manufacturer LG. Their new energy storage solutions (ESS) fall under the RESU product line.

RESU batteries can provide the following:

• Reduced electricity bills with self-consumption
  • Generate solar energy during the day and store it for consumption when grid power rates are at their highest.
• Power during blackouts
  • Use stored solar energy for use during an emergency situation, like a blackout caused by a hurricane or other natural disaster.

For residential solar use, the RESU battery comes in 3.3, 6.5, and 9.8 kWh sizes. The price of one 6.5 kWh LG RESU battery unit is $5,600.

The Tesla Powerwall is another popular lithium ion battery option. 

Powerwall batteries can provide the following:

• Solar self-consumption
• Backup power
• Time-based control
• Off-grid capabilities (coming soon according to the Tesla website)

For residential use, the Powerwall comes in 13.5 kWh size and multiple units can be installed together for added energy storage capacity. Each Tesla Powerwall unit costs $5,900.

Pika Energy is another popular electronics company offering a lithium ion battery solution. They’ve developed their products in partnership with Panasonic.

Pike Energy batteries can provide:

• Solar self-consumption
• Rate arbitrage
• Backup power

For residential use the Pika battery comes in 11.4 and 17.1 kWh sizes.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are some of the oldest and most common type of energy storage options available. Deep cycle lead acid batteries are commonly used in vehicles, golf cars, boats, and other high energy applications.

Most lead acid batteries have an expected life of 5 to 10 years, with shorter warranties than newer technologies like lithium ion.

However, the biggest advantage of lead acid batteries is their dramatically lower cost.

Since the technology has been around so much longer, prices have come down to cost much less than newer battery technologies like lithium ion.

Popular lead acid battery manufacturers:

• Crown
• Surrette / Rolls
• Fullriver

Related Reading: Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power

Learn More About Solar Panels And Batteries In Texas

Alba Energy is proud to be one of the premier solar installers in Texas with offices throughout the state. Learn more about saving with a solar panel installation on your home or business by contacting us to schedule a free solar energy consultation.

And with SMART Solar Financing from Alba Energy you can POWER your home with solar panels, pay LESS on electricity bills, and contribute to a CLEAN energy future. Request a FREE solar consultation today!