Batteries

What are solar batteries?

The solar batteries are capable of storing the energy coming from the solar panels in the form of chemical energy in order to to produce electricity. In solar panel batteries this cycle can be repeated a certain number of times, deep discharge batteries can repeat it many times, i.e. they have many life cycles.

The solar batteries are used to store the energy produced by the solar panels for use when needed. These solar accumulators are ideal for the night useThe solar panels can be used in the event of grid failures or when the solar panels do not produce enough power.

The transformation of energy will be constantly repeated and, depending on its use, it will determine the lifetime of the batteries for solar panels. A photovoltaic battery that with good use and maintenance can last up to 15 years. The batteries for solar panels must have accumulated energy to be used and is measured in volts.

The operation of solar batteries is based on the chemical process of reduction-oxidation (redox). In this process one of the components is oxidised (loses electrons) and the other is reduced (gains electrons). And this is how the process of solar batteries is understood.

When installing solar panels, it must be taken into account whether or not batteries for solar panels are necessary depending on the installation and the system must be correctly dimensioned.

The off-grid solar kit usually have solar batteries to provide energy throughout the day. The rest of the kits may or may not have solar batteries, depending on the characteristics of the installation.

At FVComponents.com we offer you the batteries for solar panels of the highest quality and that best suit your needs. We have a wide variety of solar batteries and various models of solar panels. Our batteries for solar panels are designed for all types of solar kits and we have the most competitive prices on the market.

What is the price of batteries for solar panels?

The price for the purchase of a battery for solar panels varies according to different factors:

Batteries for solar panels prices: What does it matter?

• Voltage: In the photovoltaic sector there are 6V, 12V, 24V, 48V and high voltage solar batteries.
• Technology: Open lead-acid, AGM or GEL, stationary and solar lithium batteries.
• Size: The type of battery depends on the size of the PV system.

To this can be added the price of an inverter charger. Inverter chargers activate the charger function when the solar battery is at minimum voltage. These devices are very cost-effective because they fulfil a dual function: they transform direct current into alternating current for domestic use and act as a charger for the solar battery.

At FVComponents.com you will find a wide range of solar batteries made with the materials of the most prestigious international manufacturers, in addition our batteries for solar panels have a performance guarantee.

Buy solar batteries

To select the right solar battery, you have to look at the type (flat or tubular) and its internal technology (liquid electrolyte or immobilised). You also need to size, i.e. determine both the number of cells and the capacity of the solar panel batteries.

If we already know that we want to buy batteries for solar panels and we want to get the most out of our self-consumption solar kit, it should be taken into account:

General purchasing aspects for solar batteries

• Use: The intended use of the solar batteries must be determined. It can be a daily or sporadic use depending on the type of residence. It should also be taken into account whether these batteries for solar panels will be fixed or portable.
• Price of solar batteries: Another important factor is the price of the PV battery. Prices can range from €200 for AGM solar batteries to €10,000 for lithium solar batteries. Lithium solar batteries can be expensive but are considered to be the best batteries for solar panels.
• The application: To determine whether a monoblock, open lead-acid, stationary or lithium solar battery is required.
• Physical location: Whether or not it is possible to carry out regular maintenance on batteries for solar panels.
• Environmental conditions: Install in a location with stable temperature and available ventilation, bearing in mind that monoblock solar batteries do not emit gases and do not require maintenance.
• Maintenance: This is a crucial factor in the choice of batteries for solar panels. The type and model of solar battery should be chosen according to the maintenance to be carried out. If you do not want to do maintenance, choose the photovoltaic battery that does not need it.
• Recharging: At the moment the conditions for recharging the solar batteries are optimal.

Another important aspect when buying batteries for solar panels is to carry out a good sizing. The parameters to measure for solar batteries are:

Batteries for solar panels: Technical aspects for purchase

• The rated voltage and voltage limits of solar batteries suitable for the equipment or power supply system.
• Current or discharge power of solar batteries.
• Duration of the current or discharge power of the solar batteries.
• Temperature average of where the installation of solar batteries is to be carried out.

A very important thing in order to be able to dimension our installation correctly is to correct selection of the voltage of solar batteries. In this way, the service life of the batteries for solar panels can be extended as long as possible.

The calculation of the correct voltage for batteries for solar panels should be made according to the energy consumption of the house. The first thing to do is to take into account the consumption of the house with the Wh consumed per day. For this, it is necessary to carry out a test to check the correct voltage of the solar batteries for our photovoltaic installation.

Calculation of the voltage of the solar batteries: Case of consumption of 3200 Wh/day

This 3200Wh/day is divided by the voltage required for the batteries for solar panels. The result must then be multiplied by 2, so that the solar batteries are not discharged by more than half. The result obtained must be multiplied again by 2 to obtain the value corresponding to 2 days of autonomy for the solar panel batteries.

For a 12V system: 3200/12= 266.67 x 2 = 533.33 x 2 = 1066.67 Ah

We get a very high capacity.

For a 24V system: 3200/24= 133.33 x 2= 266.66 x 2= 533.33 Ah

An off-grid solar kit with these characteristics is an appropriate capacity.

For a 48V system: 3200/48 = 66.67 x 2 = 133.33 x 2 = 266.66 Ah

In the latter option, even if the capacity of the solar batteries is reduced, it may even be too much. With the 24V system we can work well and the investment will be less.

Analysing these points with consumptions such as those that have been considered, the only option to choose is the 12V solar batteries if the consumptions work at this voltage. The most suitable option for this installation of 3200 Wh/day is a 24V solar battery voltageThe 48V voltage is too high. The 48V voltage in batteries for solar panels would be interesting if an extension of the installation is planned.

Batteries for solar panels Which are the best?

Depending on each installation, one type of solar batteries or another will be needed. Aspects such as the size of the installation, the price, the location, the use to which it is going to be put, etc., should be taken into account.

Within the catalogue of solar batteries we can find: AGM, GEL, CARBON and lithium.

Solar batteries: Which one to choose?

The AGM batteries They are maintenance-free and do not give off toxic gases because the electrolyte is sealed between layers of fibreglass, which also makes it a spill-resistant battery for solar panels and adapts to the available space. They are one of the most popular solar batteries in the photovoltaic sector due to their quality, price and performance.

The GEL batteries are perfect for small and medium-sized installations. These batteries for solar panels have durability and a high warranty. These solar batteries can reach approximately 800 life cycles by discharging up to 70%.

Stationary batteries are a perfect choice for the most demanding solar installations due to their high durability and long service life. Their competitive technical characteristics such as the availability of a wide range with a great capacity-price ratio compared to other technologies.

The lithium batteries have many advantages. These batteries for solar panels have a longer lifespan, offer a higher energy density, offer greater autonomy in less space and also these solar batteries are characterised by a much faster charging process.

In short, if we focus on the quality of solar batteries and their applications for solar home installations, lithium solar accumulators are the ones that offer the best performance. The performance of these solar batteries when it comes to accumulating the energy generated by solar panels is very high.

On the other hand, as they are the best performing solar batteries, they have a higher price, but these types of solar batteries offer benefits that are unattainable for others.

Positive aspects of a solar lithium battery

• They take up to 70% less space than other types of solar batteries.
• Quite light.
• Fast charging.
• They have no memory effect, so they do not lose their load-bearing capacity over time.
• They are maintenance-free for their entire lifetime of about 10 years. Lead-acid solar batteries are cheaper, but require control of the electrolyte density, for example.
• They are much less polluting than other batteries.

For all these reasons, it could be said that the best option for photovoltaic batteries are lithium accumulators. In short, depending on the characteristics of our solar panel kit, we will choose one solar accumulator or another.

Why a solar storage for your photovoltaic system?

Solar accumulators maximise the efficiency of the photovoltaic installation. They are also able to reduce or even eliminate dependence on the grid. Using a photovoltaic installation with a battery system is an excellent solution for consuming the accumulated energy during the hours with the highest prices. Here are some of the advantages:

Benefits of solar accumulators

• Solar energy storage: They are an energy storage device to be used when needed, at night or on cloudy days.
• Emergency back-up source: In the event of a mains failure, electricity can still be used thanks to the energy stored in the batteries.
• Energy independence: Self-sufficiency can be achieved in off-grid photovoltaic systems. Houses that do not have access to the conventional electricity grid can make use of electricity.
• Savings on electricity bills: In grid-connected photovoltaic systems, the use of batteries saves up to 90% on the electricity bill.
• They reduce environmental impact: By using solar accumulators, the consumption of fossil fuels for the use of household appliances is reduced.

These are just some of the advantages of having an accumulator system with solar panels. You can consult with FVComponents.com if you would like more information. Our specialised technicians will be happy to advise you without obligation.

How does a battery work?

The operation of solar batteries is based on a process of collecting energy, storing it and using it.

This is the step-by-step process for a solar battery

• Solar radiation collection: The sun's radiation reaches the solar panels.
• Power generation: During sunshine hours, the solar panels generate energy for the house to use for its own consumption.
• Energy storage: They store the surplus energy produced in the panels for later use.
• Use of the energy stored in the solar batteries: During the night, when it is cloudy or raining, the stored energy is used. With a hybrid solar kit, the stored energy can be consumed or fed into the grid depending on the energy demand of each residence.

Installation of the solar accumulators

When installing solar panels with solar accumulators, it is important to choose a good location. This will determine part of the proper functioning of the solar accumulators.

Depending on the characteristics of the solar accumulators that we have acquired, we will be able to condition the space where we will store them. The space for the solar batteries must protect them from adverse conditions that affect their operation.

• They must not be exposed to direct sunlightThe product is exposed to high temperatures, excessive humidity, dust and dirt.
• The ventilation must be adequate to prevent possible overheating.
• It is necessary to respect a minimum distance between the solar accumulators.
• The space where the solar storage tanks are stored must be accessible for maintenance.

When the solar storage tanks are in their storage space, they have to be connected. The installers will decide which is the type of connection Depending on the model, this can be done in series or in parallel.

Then the solar accumulators are connected to the inverter. and the installation would be up and running. Finally, there would simply be a series of checks, configuration and programming of the energy management.

Maintenance of photovoltaic batteries

With the exception of lithium solar batteries, AGM and stationary OPzV batteries, all other solar batteries need to be well maintained to reach the lifetime specified by the manufacturer.

Avoid exposure to high temperatures. During operation, their temperature rises significantly, so they should be installed on a flat surface where they are not exposed to direct sunlight and are not exposed to high temperatures. In order to avoid damage due to excessive heat. High temperatures accelerate corrosion of gratings emissions from solar accumulators and the degradation of the active materials while their performance is significantly increased.

When accumulators experience low temperatures, they have less capacity to deliver current but the lifetime increases. This is because all internal corrosion processes slow down.

For every 10°C increase in ambient temperature above the recommended temperature, the lifetime of solar storage tanks is halved. For example, solar storage tanks that last five years at 25°C will only last 2.5 years if the ambient temperature is 35°C.

Comply with usage applications, charging and discharging parameters, maintenance and use. makes it last as long as the manufacturer estimates it to last. If not used correctly, the service life is often drastically reduced.

Any accelerated degradation, reduced cycle life or misapplication will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. To improve service life it is recommended that the battery is always above the 70% charge.

New regulation of these devices

The latest EU regulatory update on the regulation of accumulators and batteries presents some important new developments. These changes are intended to improve and reduce the impact of these devices on the environment.

According to the information contained in the text approved by the European Parliament, the purpose of this regulation is to prevent and reduce negative impacts on the environment. Aspects such as the carbon footprint during manufacturing, ethical sourcing of raw materials, security of supply and the promotion of reuse, recycling and reuse are considered.

The aim is to improve in the following areas:

• Sustainability: The aim is to improve the sustainability of these devices from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and subsequent recycling.
• Energy efficiency: Standards are set to promote more efficient and cleaner technologies.
• Waste management: The new regulations will allow for better management of end-of-life devices, thus encouraging reuse and recycling.
• Security: Establish safety standards with the aim of minimising risks in their manufacture and use.
• Labelled: Implement clear labelling to inform consumers about the composition and environmental characteristics of these devices.