Solar batteries are used for multiple recharges. The solar battery receives power from the solar panel connected to it. In contrast, the normal inverter battery runs on the chemical reaction between the fluid and the metal plate. It can last for 5 to 15 years, depending on the maintenance.
What makes solar batteries more efficient compared to the normal inverter battery?
Solar batteries are inverter batteries designed to serve different purposes. The solar battery gets the energy from the connected solar panel. The standard inverter battery is charged using the chemicals and metal installed in the battery. The chemical reacts with the metal and generates electricity to power the equipment.
Once an inverter battery is installed, it can last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. Comparatively, solar panel batteries require regular charging.
Solar batteries are charged during the day when there is bright sunlight, and the stored energy is used throughout the day and night.
Another difference between solar batteries and inverter batteries is the discharge rate. The majority of the inverter batteries come with the C20 discharge rating. The rating indicates the battery will last for 20 hours when fully charge. On the other hand, solar batteries generally come in C10 ratings. The battery may discharge within 10 hours of full charging. After the battery is fully depleted, you have to charge the battery again.
Inverter batteries are known for the higher capacity of storage. When the battery is fully charged, it can produce a sufficient amount of energy to power household electronics.
The energy output depends on the type of battery you use. There is a wide range of options available for inverter batteries. Also, different ratings are there for inverter batteries, according to your need.
What is the difference between a solar battery and a car battery?
The primary objective of both types of batteries is to store energy and facilitate the user when needed. In many cases, the two batteries are similar. These batteries are designed with a particular purpose in mind.
Car batteries are mainly used to start the car and power the lights. On the other hand, solar power batteries are designed to store the energy generated from the solar panel.
Solar batteries cannot be used in the car as they cannot generate sufficient energy to start the engine.
A car needs a burst of energy within a short period to power the engine. Solar batteries cannot produce high watts.
Solar batteries are deep cycle batteries. The batteries will discharge over time and can sustain for a long period. Once the fully charged, the stored energy is used to power the connected electronics and equipment.
The slow depletion rate makes the battery usage for the long hour use. It will keep powering the device until nothing is left to give.
Once the solar battery is fully drained, it requires to be recharged again. There are two types of solar batteries available in the market, and one is lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
What are the characteristics of Lithium-ion and Lead-acid batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are favorable when it comes to storing solar energy. They are highly efficient and safe for home use. The deep discharge rate of the battery gives you a long hours of use once the battery is fully charged.
The Lithium-Ion batteries are very light in weight, which enables users to move them quickly here and there. Due to this, most travelers prefer to use Lithium-ion batteries for their power requirements. The build quality and improved energy-storing technology make the Lithium-ion battery last longer.
The major component of the Lithium-ion battery is the lithium that is used as the electrolyte. It produces electricity by a chemical reaction. Lithium is a lightweight metal that reacts with the chemical and frees up the electronics, which are then transformed from the positive to the negative side of the battery and produces the flow of electricity.
The easy-to-use quality makes the Lithium-ion batteries an ideal option for home use.
Comparatively, the Lead Acid batteries are designed for long hour serving. It can store solar power efficiently and offer power over long periods.
The only problem with Lead-acid batteries is when the battery goes through a charge and discharge cycle, a small portion of the battery performance is lost in the process.
Over time the gap between the performances would be widened, and the battery will no longer generate a sufficient amount of energy. It also affects the lifespan of lead-acid batteries.
Are solar batteries the same as regular batteries?
Solar batteries and regular batteries are two different types in terms of build quality and performance. A significant difference is seen in the discharge rate of these two batteries.
Solar batteries come with deep cycle recharge, which allows the battery to store energy for long hours. At the same time, regular batteries can deplete the power quickly when in use.
Solar power batteries are rechargeable batteries that accumulate energy from the solar panel. It stores the energy during the day using the photovoltaic current to use the energy at night.
Solar batteries are powered by the sun, and regular batteries are powered by the local power grid. In most cases, lead-acid batteries are used as solar batteries, which are maintenance-free.
Also, they are less harmful. These batteries do not produce harmful gases during the charging process.
Solar batteries are used in outdoor lighting and solar street lights systems due to their high efficiency.
Also, once the solar panels are installed, they keep producing electricity. However, regular maintenance is required to keep the battery’s performance intact.
Conclusion:
The solar battery and standard inverter batteries, both are good for storing energy. If you plan to move to renewable energy, then solar batteries are a great choice.
Install the solar panel system to your rooftop or in the backyard and enjoy the free energy throughout the year.
The regular inverter batteries are generally used as backup energy when there is a power cut.
Also, they are helpful during travel. It can power your essential equipment during travel and keep you connected to the world. Both are useful in different situations of life.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
