If your solar panel installation isn’t a grid-tied system, (i.e. An installation that doesn’t need batteries), then this article is for you. We’ll look at what are the 4 types of solar batteries and do a comparison between each one to see which is best for you.
What Are The 4 Types Of Solar Battery?
In the solar battery industry, there are 4 main battery types used to accommodate different jobs and budgets. They vary in terms of quality, storage capacity, cost, lifespan and include:
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Sealed AGM
- Sealed Gel
- Lithium
Before we look at the 4 types of solar batteries in more detail let’s get a quick overview.
What Is Solar Panel Battery Storage?
Having a solar energy storage system allows you to save some of the energy that your solar panels produce that would otherwise go back to the grid.
Even more, at times when there is limited sunlight, or at night when no electricity is being generated by your solar panels, then you can draw from your storage system.
How A Solar Panel Battery Can Save Homeowners Money
Installing solar storage helps reduce your carbon footprint and lessens your reliance on the electricity grid, which helps save money on your bill. Other ways include:
- Maximizing the amount of electricity you can use.
- If you are out during the day during peak electricity generation then you will not lose out when you need electricity on demand.
- If you are totally off-grid then it will supplement any fossil fuel backup, so you don’t have to use as much from your non-renewables.
In fact, when you consider the long-term savings on your bill having solar batteries is essential to any solar panel system.
Now that you have seen what solar panel batteries can do for you and how they will save money, let’s dive into the different varieties in the market.
The 4 Types Of Solar Battery
Flooded Lead Acid
This is at the lower end of the solar battery spectrum. They have a short life expectancy of 3-5 years, lower costs to set up and require ongoing maintenance.
These sorts of batteries are good for properties that are not in use constantly or for “off gridders” who have the time and inclination to keep maintaining the system.
Sealed AGM
This is next level up with a lifespan of 4-5 years, medium set up cost and maintenance-free.
Sealed AGM is great for smaller properties that aren’t full-time residences, like a holiday home, or as backup power for a home generator.
Sealed Gel
With high set-up costs, a lifespan of 5-6 years and maintenance-free, you are now getting to the higher end of the solar battery market. However, they still don’t produce the maximum yield from a battery.
You are still in the territory of using this type of battery as a backup to a mains supply and again for properties that are not used full time.
Lithium
These sorts of batteries are the industry standard and are great for all home solar panel storage systems. You may have seen shortages of Lithium in the world as demand exceeds supply, that’s how good they are. They are cleaner than the other battery types and can be used indoors.
Although the set-up costs are high you are looking at a life expectancy of over 10 years and they are maintenance-free. In fact, this is what Tesla Power Walls are made with.
Check out our article on The Tesla Power Wall.
Summary Of What Are The 4 Types Of Solar Battery?
So now you have an overview of the 4 types of solar battery let’s do a comparison of them.
Types Of Solar Battery
Factors To Consider
- Cost
- Cost Per KWH
- Lifespan
- Best Use
- Maintenance
Flooded Lead Acid
- Low
- Low
- 3-4 years
- Part occupation
- Yes
Sealed AGM
- Medium
- Moderate
- 4-5 years
- Part occupation
- No
Sealed Gel
- Medium
- Moderate
- 5-6 years
- Part occupation
- No
Lithium [Best]
- High
- Lowest
- 10+years
- Full-time occupation
- No
So for most homes, a Lithium solar battery system is mainly used as it lasts longer and is suitable for properties that are in full-time occupation.
Other Factors
When looking at batteries whichever type you go for it’s essential to also take the following into consideration:
Power Rating
- This refers to how many appliances you can have turned on at the same time and run them from the battery.
Roundtrip Efficiency
- This is the percentage of electricity that is available to use from your battery.
Storage Capacity
- This is how many hours of stored electricity the battery has in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh)
If you would like more information on what’s right for you, the savings you can make and how the leading solar panel and solar battery suppliers compare against each other why not click on the link to our FREE solar savings calculator at the bottom of the page.
