Solar Batteries: What you need to know

Solar batteries are used to store solar energy generated from solar panels so it can be used at a later date. If there’s a high demand for electricity at a certain time, you’ll be able to draw from the electricity you have stored.

Solar batteries work like a large rechargeable battery. When your solar panels generate electricity, the battery will store any excess that you don’t use. Your solar panels will convert the solar energy into electricity you can use. Any excess electricity is then sent to the National Grid if you’re not using a battery. However, the battery can store the excess energy so you can use it in the evenings when there’s no sunlight.

One of the biggest benefits of using a battery for your excess energy is reducing your reliance on the National Grid. If there’s high demand for electricity or a power outage on the grid, you’re less likely to be affected as you can rely on your own power. The less reliant you are on the grid, the more security you have in your energy supply.

You’re also likely to benefit from smaller electricity bills if you’re choosing to use business battery storage for your energy supply. Due to the flexibility you have when using batteries, you can choose to only take electricity from the grid when it’s cheaper. Then, during peak periods where costs are higher, you can rely on the electricity you’ve generated. With a balance between your own solar electricity and grid electricity, you can see lower costs on your bills. If paired with an export meter, you can even generate some extra revenue too.

There’s also the benefit of a reduced carbon footprint. For a battery, you’ll need to be generating your own form of renewable energy such as solar power. Therefore, you’ll have a lower carbon footprint. This is a great way to help your business to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve any sustainability goals your business is working towards.

The lifespan of the battery depends on the type of solar battery your business chooses. For lead acid batteries, the average lifespan sits around 5 to 7.5 years. With lithium-ion batteries, the average lifespan is around 11 to 15 years. Of course, all this also depends on whether they are over-discharged or exposed to extreme weather conditions. This can cause damage to the battery, significantly reducing its lifespan.

One of the most important factors when considering a solar battery is the capacity. Most batteries only have a capacity of around 90%. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure that the battery you choose can handle the amount of energy you’re looking to store. If its capacity isn’t enough, you might not get sufficient power from the battery when you need it. It’s also a good idea to consider the lifespan of your battery as well as any relevant warranties.