How solar energy battery storage systems work

Posted on 09 March 2018

Are you considering installing solar panels but have concerns about the ins and outs of your energy usage? Perhaps you’re worried you may not use all the power you create, with some of it going to waste?

The simple answer for this is to install a solar power battery storage system when you put in your solar panels. This way, whenever you’re not using all your energy, the battery storage will store it for later use.

How do battery storage systems work?

Battery storage works by collecting the electrochemical energy generated through your solar panels during the day time, so the power can be used at later times, such as when it is dark.

The battery storage systems work by storing the solar energy as a chemical and then releasing this energy when needed for electricity, via an electrochemical reaction.

You can choose from lead-acid or lithium batteries and both types release electrons different. However, they all pass electrons through a battery circuit, charging and discharging from the battery.

What do they look like?

You don’t have to worry about a battery storage system looking unsightly in your home, as it simply resembles a hot water system setup.

What are the advantages?

Battery storage is a great way to use solar panel energy, and is therefore becoming increasingly popular in Adelaide and around South Australia.

If your solar panels are producing a lot of energy, and your battery is getting full quickly, you can even join together multiple batteries to store extra energy.

There are lots of advantages to storing the solar energy for later use, such as maximising your energy savings, having a continuing supply and offsetting feed-in tariffs.

How safe is the battery storage?

If you look after your solar power battery storage properly, it is perfectly safe. As with any energy appliance, you need to be careful when using it, but it doesn’t pose any extra risks when compared to other appliances.

However, make sure you don’t store the batteries near anything flammable and ensure you check it frequently for any chemical leaks.

What type of battery storage can you purchase?

As previously mentioned, you can choose between a lead-acid or a lithium battery for your solar electricity storage.

Lead-acid batteries are similar to car batteries and are often used for rural properties where grid connections can be expensive. They need regular checks and maintenance but are quite cheap and easy to recycle.

Lithium batteries are the more common battery found for household solar panels and they keep getting cheaper and more efficient, now making them well suited for solar power storage.

Going off grid with battery storage

It’s currently difficult go entirely off grid whilst using battery storage as you may not be able to generate enough energy to cover all of your power needs, however it is possible to install additional equipment to meet your power usage.

There is no denying more and more Australians are switching to solar powered energy and with battery storage systems making the electricity use easier and adaptable, it’s clear as to why.

If you require further information of solar energy battery storage systems and their benefits or are just ready to switch to a more environmentally friendly energy source make sure you contact the helpful Solar Power Direct staff today.