Why install a solar battery?
The most obvious reason to install a solar battery is to store solar energy for later use. It is not always possible to use all the energy produced by a solar panel. Sometimes you may be out during the day, and at other times you may simply decide not to waste it.
Solar energy cannot be stored directly in the home, so usually it is lost.
With a battery connected to the solar panels, however, you can store the energy and use it when you need it.
With batteries you can have power even during a blackout. The solar energy generated by the panels will charge the batteries, which can then be used in the home at night, when there is no sun. Batteries can also help you save on your energy bill by reducing the number of times you draw energy from the grid. With a battery, you can also store one day’s energy and release it the next.
Installing a battery is easy
As with solar panels, you do not need to tear your house apart to install solar batteries. They can be fitted inside a wall, or even added to an existing fuse box.
You will probably need to replace the switches in your fuse box, especially if your house is not recently built.
A good rule is to replace fuses with circuit breakers. That way, if something overheats or short-circuits, the circuit breaker trips to prevent an electrical fire. Always consult the installation manual to find the best position before connecting the batteries to the solar panels.
How long do batteries last? What is their capacity?
Solar batteries, like solar panels, come with a warranty that indicates their lifespan. Like all devices, they have a limited life, but they can continue to generate energy even after they have reached the end of it.
Batteries come in different capacities, depending on how long the energy is stored. A battery with a capacity of 5–10 kWh is usually more than enough for ordinary households.
Solar batteries are like any other electrical appliance: you have to look after them. If they are overcharged or left in extreme temperatures, they may not last long. However, with proper maintenance, you can get many years of service.
That said... How much do they cost?
By now you are probably curious to know how much they can cost. Solar batteries are not cheap, but they are not as expensive as you might think.
For a 5 kWh battery including installation, expect to spend no more than 5,000 euros. The exact amount you will pay each month varies depending on the capacity of the battery and the rates charged by your utility company. Bear in mind, though, that a battery is an investment because it pays for itself over time. It will save you money on your monthly bill and help you avoid power cuts during storms.
Which type of battery should you choose?
There are two types of solar battery: flooded and sealed.
Flooded batteries are less expensive and can be mounted outdoors, while sealed ones cost more and must be kept inside the house.
Flooded batteries are connected to an open tank of electrolyte, a salty liquid used to store energy. Sealed batteries use a closed container that does not need to be refilled. The main difference between the two types is the way they are built.
While flooded batteries contain an open tank of electrolyte, sealed batteries use a pressurised liquid in a closed container. All batteries have advantages and disadvantages, but the main consideration should be how you intend to use it. If you plan to mount the battery outdoors, the flooded battery is the best option. If you want to keep the battery in the house, it is better to opt for a sealed model.
To sum up...
Solar batteries play an important role in the solar energy sector. They are used to store the energy produced by solar panels during the day and release it at night. They are usually connected to the solar panels and can store energy for a few days or even longer, depending on the capacity of the battery. Solar batteries are not cheap, but they are an investment. In the long term they will save you money and help you avoid power cuts, for example during storms.
