If you are living in a remote area where no power lines available then having solar batteries included in your solar power kits is a must. They are needed to store the electrical energy generated by the solar power panels. The batteries will drain current into the solar inverter when there is not enough sunlight to power up the system.
Three types Solar Batteries
A. Flooded (Wet) Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-Acid batteries are the cheapest type available. They also have longest lifespan compared to the other types; if the battery maintenance is properly done it can serve your system up to ten years. Despite of the benefits lead-acid batteries also have their drawback:
- Routine maintenance is needed, including adding water, cleaning the terminals and battery top, voltage monitoring and equalization charging.
- When overcharged heavily lead-acid batteries will release hydrogen. Due to this issue you should keep them in place that has good air circulation / ventilation.
Can we use automobiles batteries to store the current? The answer is NO. Batteries used in automobiles are of the shallow cycle batteries. They can only discharge a large amount of current in a short period (i.e. during engine start up) but they can take mild overcharge without loss of electrolyte problem. This type of batteries is designed to discharge current at maximum rate of 20% only. Repeated discharging the battery for more than the maximum limit above will shorten its life.
Solar batteries should stand repeated discharge current up to 80% of the total battery capacity. They are categorized as deep cycle batteries. Although they can be discharged up to the maximum limit above, please note that discharging them at shallower cycle will prolong the lifespan of the batteries.
B. Sealed Deep-Cycle Lead-Acid Batteries
These batteries – aka AGM batteries – are more expensive than the flooded lead-acid batteries because they are maintenance free and need no equalization charge. They are very ideal for unattended solar generators. The drawback of this type is shorter lifespan compared to the wet lead-acid batteries and extra cost.
C. Sealed Gel Cell Batteries
Sealed gel cell batteries use gelled electrolyte that has high viscosity. Although they are relatively maintenance free they can’t be charged exceeding the voltage charging limit. One time overcharging the battery for a long period is enough to reduce its life or even kill it forever. Pick a solar charge controller that can be adjusted to prevent overcharging the solar batteries beyond their safe limit.
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