The energy produced by the solar panels and in excess to your requirement is supplied to the batteries, and you take power from it when the solar electricity is insufficient, for instance during the night time or when it is cloudy in the afternoon.
Though, it is important to note the possibility of getting various advantages when you incorporate a battery storage device into your solar PV system.
Batteries including the old-fashioned batteries and the new-fangled batteries can accommodate power which is produced when solar panels are operating and can be utilized when solar panels are not producing power.
Energy storage helps in increasing energy self-sufficiency since stored energy can be used in-house.
Pros and Cons of Solar Battery Storage
Pros of Solar Battery Storage
- Cost Savings: A battery system allows you to use stored energy during peak hours when electricity rates are higher, thereby saving you money on your utility bills.
- Backup electricity: Do solar panels need batteries? Yes, because solar batteries supply electricity during grid outages, keeping important systems and appliances operating.
- Maximizing Solar Usage: Batteries allow you to use more of the electricity generated by your solar panels, which improves the overall efficiency and benefits of your solar power system.
- Environmental Benefits: Using stored solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and dependency on fossil fuels, resulting in a cleaner world.
Cons of Solar Battery Storage
Solar batteries can be expensive, significantly increasing the initial cost of your solar power system. Prices vary by capacity, brand, and technology.
Batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles, thus they will eventually need to be replaced, increasing long-term maintenance expenses.
- Efficiency Losses: Storing energy in batteries and then using it later results in efficiency losses. Not all of the energy in the battery will be available for usage.
- Complexity: Adding a battery system complicates your solar installation, necessitating more sophisticated management and maintenance. That’s why it is often questioned that do solar panels need batteries?
Installation of solar PV panels also has the added edge of installing a battery storage system that helps boost the electricity system.
Namely, the availability of batteries depends on your electricity usage pattern, your financial capabilities and the desired level of self-consumption plan.
For the solar panel system the following batteries are commonly used. Some of the common batteries utilized in solar PV system, include the following; each has pros and cons.
- Lead-acid batteries are possibly one of the earliest types of rechargeable batteries that have been used in solar power systems.
- Lithium-ion batteries are widely being applied in the solar power systems because of their effectiveness and long lasting.
- Nickel-Cadmium batteries are not commonly used but implementing in some particular uses and are very robust and can operate at high temperatures.
- Flow batteries are a relatively new style of energy storage device that applies liquid electrolyte in external containers.
In conclusion, there are many advantages to solar batteries for instance, energy independence, cheaper rates, back-up power.
However, the following disadvantages which we are also likely to embrace, among them being high cost to start up and modularity, should be carefully considered.
In case of any doubt or while seeking to purchase a battery for your system, there is always the option to approach the Solar wholesaler Ireland at MIDLAND BATTERIES that have a variety of battery types to meet the battery needs of a particular solar system.
Choose from them one that would better assist you to fulfill your energy goals and targets in a stipulated amount of money.