While grid-tied solar power systems can be used without a battery bank, adding solar storage to your system can significantly increase your return on investment, energy independence, and overall experience with your system. But it’s important that you purchase the right batteries if you hope to get the most out of your system. Many people swear that the best batteries for solar are lithium batteries, but is that true? Keep reading to find out more about these batteries.
Maintenance
Most solar power users want their systems to be as low-maintenance as possible. If this is a priority for you, lithium batteries are one of the best options. While there are a few zero-maintenance battery models out there, lithium is definitely one that you should consider. It doesn’t require you to top off fluid levels or deal with other regular maintenance tasks. Lithium batteries will store and supply energy consistently for years without any assistance from you.
Charging Time
For a solar battery bank, charge time is more important than you might think. For starters, it’s important that you don’t leave batteries without a charge or with a very low charge for extended periods. This can lead to sulfation and battery damage, shortening your batteries’ lifespan and overall efficiency. Additionally, you need your batteries to be fully charged by the next sunset so that they’re ready to supply your home with power, and that’s much more likely to happen if they charge quickly. Lithium batteries have some of the fastest charging times on the market, making them a top choice for solar users.
Efficiency
Any piece of equipment you add to your solar system should have the highest efficiency rating possible, and your batteries are no exception. The more efficient your batteries are, the more energy they will be able to provide for you and the less power they will require to maintain a full charge. Lithium batteries have a very low internal resistance that allows batteries to charge with minimal loss and maximum efficiency. This helps you reduce your cost per watt for your system.
Lifespan
Finally, consider the lifespan of any battery you buy. If a cheaper model only lasts 2 to 4 years, the long-term cost may be higher than a more expensive battery that lasts 5 to 7 years. Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan than most. This, combined with the other factors mentioned above, make them one of the best options for solar.
If you’re adding a battery bank to your system, look for lithium solar batteries for sale to get the best ones.
