The energy industry is generating a lot of debate over the best solar battery storage technology and for a good reason. The technology has been touted as the future of electric power, and due to Australia’s high penetration of solar panels, it has become a key market for many retailers.
The increasing cost of electricity has prompted many Australian households to turn to alternative energy sources, such as solar storage. Is it worth it to invest in solar batteries? Sadly, there is no black or white answer to this question since it entirely depends on your circumstances. Here we take a look at some of the factors that you need to consider when considering installing a solar battery and whether or not it will be able to save you money.
This article will provide critical information you need to know if you’re considering buying a solar battery for your home or business.
What is Solar Battery Storage?
Using a solar energy storage system allows you to store and use the solar energy generated during the daylight hours at night by using a solar energy storage system.
During daylight hours, solar panel systems produce most of their electricity when most people do not need power. Battery storage is an alternative to storing excess electricity.
How Solar Energy Can be Stored?
Solar batteries are a great way to store solar energy. Alternatively, you can add a solar battery to your solar panel system and store this abundance of renewable energy when needed to power your property. Solar batteries work by storing the extra energy generated by your solar panels. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common battery used for solar energy storage.
Reliable and Lifespan
There is nothing wrong with buying solar panels in Australia if you plan to use them for 25 years. Some solar panels operate at 90% or even more of their rated output after 25 years of operation. For batteries, it is an entirely different story.
A solar battery usually comes with a 10-year warranty, but cycling it regularly reduces its lifespan and shortens the warranty period.
Guide on How to Select the Best Batteries
Let’s get started with the factors to consider
Choosing the right battery depends on several factors, including:
Battery Size
A battery’s size determines its storage capacity. A smaller battery is more suitable for a small solar panel array, and a larger battery is better for a larger array. A Tesla Powerwall II and a 3kW system make no sense together.
Duration of a Cycle
Using the number of times it can be charged and discharged before it becomes unusable, we can estimate the battery’s life cycle. During a ten-year period, an average battery can be charged and discharged approximately 4,000 times.
Warranty
In general, solar battery warranties last for ten years, and there is a correlation between the warranty and the number of cycles. There have not been any lithium-ion batteries installed in Australia for more than ten years, despite warranties being important.
Aspects of Functionality
Ensure that the battery can perform the tasks you require. Battery backup power is not available with every battery.
A Good Value for Money
Value is a more important ranking factor than price. Batteries that last three times as long but cost twice as much are a better deal. A buyer’s perception of value depends on their judgment, so it’s up to them to decide.
What are Solar Battery Systems Available in Australia?
As a solar storage hotspot, Australia has plenty of battery options. Tesla Powerwall 2, which boasts a capacity of 13.5-kilowatt-hours (kWh), is one of the most recent additions to the market. As well, as Aquion’s AHI batteries, LG’s lithium-ion batteries, and Redback’s Smart Hybrid System, a wide variety of other battery storage systems are available such as Enphase’s modular AC batteries and LG’s lithium-ion batteries.
Depending on the storage unit’s size, price, and efficiency, there is considerable variation. There are different sizes of solar batteries. Generally, smaller solar panels are paired with smaller batteries, whereas large arrays require a larger battery. There are two best batteries for small solar power systems.
Sungrow Battery
The Sungrow battery offers good value for its small to medium size. With a 4.8kWh capacity, it can serve even small solar arrays. A reliability test of the Sungrow battery has been successful so far.
Enphase Battery
Enphase batteries come in 1.2kWh units that can be expanded at any time. The downside of Enphase solar batteries is that they lack a backup power capability, so they can not be used in any solar panel system. There are two best options for household grid-connect batteries.
Tesla Powerwall II
Using the Tesla Powerwall II battery with any grid-connected system is possible. As far as performance during recent testing is concerned, it is reasonably priced and offers reasonable value for money.
LG Chem Resu
In Australia, LG Chem batteries are popular. For several years, LG has been investing heavily in the solar market, producing quality solar panels and batteries. An LG Chem and a Tesla Powerwall II battery are suitable for a 5kW system.
Conclusion
Having read the article, by now you might be aware of the ways to choose the most suitable solar energy storage. We at Aus-Brite Solar are your reliable partner for solar batteries as we assure you of high-end quality, reliability, and commitment over the course of the whole process.
Our mission is to shape Australia’s present to deliver a future of renewable and clean energy, which is why we provide the best solar deals in Sydney. We integrate safety and efficiency into our solar installation process, ensuring long-term reliability and longevity.
