Batteries

a. Function:

• Energy Storage: Batteries store excess energy generated by the solar panels for use during periods when sunlight is insufficient or when energy demand exceeds solar production.

b. Types of Batteries:

• Lead-Acid Batteries:

  • Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA): Traditional type with liquid electrolyte; requires regular maintenance and ventilation.
  • Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA): Includes Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel batteries; maintenance-free and suitable for various applications.
  • Pros: Cost-effective, reliable, and widely used.
  • Cons: Shorter lifespan, lower efficiency compared to newer technologies, and requires regular maintenance.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:

  • Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): Known for high safety, long lifespan, and high energy density.
  • Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC): Offers high energy density and balanced performance.
  • Pros: Longer lifespan, higher efficiency, lighter weight, and requires less maintenance.
  • Cons: Higher initial cost.

• Other Types:

  • Flow Batteries: Use liquid electrolytes for energy storage; suitable for large-scale applications.
  • Sodium-Nickel Chloride: High temperature and high energy density, used in some specialized applications.

c. Key Considerations:

• Capacity: Measured in amp-hours (Ah) or kilowatt-hours (kWh); indicates how much energy the battery can store.
• Depth of Discharge (DoD): The percentage of the battery’s capacity that can be used without significantly affecting its lifespan.
• Cycle Life: The number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity significantly degrades.
• Efficiency: How well the battery stores and releases energy, affecting overall system performance.