A solar battery stores the electricity that your solar panel system generates for later use. These batteries are quite powerful, but they’re not all created equal. Different batteries work for different solar panel systems. Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best solar battery for your system:
Power Rating
Each solar battery has a power rating. This power rating tells you how many appliances (and which ones) your battery can power at once. It is expressed through kilowatts (kW) or in Amps. For instance, a light bulb would require .012 kW of power, while an air conditioner would require 20 Amps. The power rating you will need will depend on the number of appliances you need to power.
Battery Size
A battery’s size (or its capacity) does not mean its actual physical size. Instead, it refers to the amount of electricity that battery is able to store and supply to your home. Battery size is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which tells you how long your battery can power your home for.
Roundtrip efficiency
Roundtrip efficiency measures how well your solar energy system converts and stores electricity. No matter what you do, there will always be some amount of energy loss throughout the electrical process. This is true of any electrical system. Roundtrip efficiency shows you how many units of electricity you’ll get out of your battery for every unit of electricity you put into it.
Battery Lifetime
Batteries, just like with anything, have a lifespan. Some batteries will last longer than others. Ideally, you’ll want to choose one that will last for years.
If you’re planning on installing a new solar energy system, Empire Clean Energy Supply can help. Contact us today at 631-589-4340 to learn more.