Best Solar Batteries In Kenya

Kenya’s abundant sunshine makes solar power a great option for your home. But what happens when the sun goes down? Solar batteries store excess energy from the day, allowing you to use solar power even at night. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the best solar batteries work and key considerations when choosing one. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the best solar battery to suit your needs and budget.

1.What are solar batteries?

Solar batteries are devices used to store energy generated by solar panels for later use. When solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, the energy is often produced during the day when demand may be low. Solar batteries allow this excess energy to be stored for use during times when the sun is not shining, such as at night or during cloudy days.

2. How do they work?

Solar batteries play a crucial role in solar energy systems. They store excess electricity generated by solar panels during sunny periods. As sunlight hits the panels, they convert solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then transforms this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) for immediate use and to charge the batteries.

Inside the batteries, a chemical reaction stores the excess electricity as chemical energy. This stored energy can be discharged when needed, such as at night or on cloudy days, providing a consistent power supply. When electricity is required, the stored energy is converted back into AC electricity through the inverter. This ensures compatibility with household appliances and devices. This process helps solar energy systems function effectively by maximizing energy use and providing reliable power even without sunlight.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Solar Batteries in Kenya

3. What to consider when choosing the best solar batteries

• Capacity

The battery system’s capacity determines how much energy it can store. Assess your energy consumption patterns to select a battery with the right capacity to meet your needs. Ensure it can store enough energy to power your home or business during periods of low sunlight or grid outages.

Lithium-ion solar batteries offer higher energy density than other battery types. This allows them to store more energy per unit of volume or weight. As a result, lithium-ion batteries provide greater storage capacity within the same physical size or weight constraints. This makes them more space-efficient and ideal for installations with limited space, such as rooftop solar systems on residential buildings or portable solar power systems.

• Depth of Discharge (DoD)

The depth of discharge (DoD) indicates the percentage of a battery’s capacity that can be used before it needs recharging. Assess your energy usage patterns and choose a battery with an appropriate DoD to maximize both efficiency and longevity.

A top-tier solar battery optimizes discharge capacity, allowing you to use the maximum amount of energy. Lithium-ion batteries can often be discharged up to 90% of their total capacity without damage, enabling you to utilize more stored energy. In contrast, lead-acid batteries, particularly traditional flooded types, perform better and last longer when kept at higher charge levels.

• Cycle Life

• Round-trip Efficiency

Round-trip efficiency is a key factor in solar battery systems. It measures how effectively a battery system stores and retrieves energy. Choosing a battery system with high round-trip efficiency minimizes energy losses during charging and discharging cycles.

High round-trip efficiency ensures that the maximum amount of energy generated by solar panels is effectively stored and later retrieved. This optimizes the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of your solar energy system. Lithium-ion solar batteries generally offer higher charge and discharge efficiencies compared to lead-acid batteries. This results in less energy loss during the process, leading to higher overall system efficiency.

• Budget

Affordability is a key consideration for many people investing in solar batteries in Kenya. While low prices can be attractive, it’s crucial to balance cost with quality. Choosing a cheaper battery that compromises longevity and performance could lead to frequent replacements and higher expenses over time.

Lead-acid solar batteries have a lower initial cost compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, their shorter lifespan and higher maintenance requirements can result in greater long-term costs. On the other hand, lithium-ion solar batteries typically have a higher upfront cost but offer a longer lifespan and better performance, potentially providing better long-term value.

• Warranty

When choosing a solar battery system, look for one with a comprehensive warranty that covers defects, performance degradation, and other issues. A longer warranty period typically reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality and reliability.

Lithium-ion Batteries: Manufacturers usually offer warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years, and sometimes even longer for high-end products. These warranties often guarantee a certain level of performance and capacity retention over the warranty period, giving consumers peace of mind.

Lead-acid Batteries: Warranties for lead-acid batteries are generally shorter, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years. Coverage can vary based on the type of lead-acid battery (flooded, sealed, AGM, gel) and the manufacturer. Lead-acid batteries often come with prorated warranties, where coverage decreases as the battery ages, unlike lithium-ion batteries that typically offer flat-rate warranties.

• Maintenance

While solar batteries generally require minimal maintenance compared to other energy storage solutions, routine upkeep is still crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance tasks include inspecting the battery for signs of wear or damage, cleaning terminals and connections to prevent corrosion, and monitoring the battery’s state of charge and overall health. Following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules can help identify potential issues early and prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Lithium-ion Batteries: These require minimal maintenance and do not need regular water addition or equalization charging.

Lead-acid Batteries: These require more upkeep, including periodic watering (for flooded lead-acid batteries), equalization charging, and monitoring of electrolyte levels. Incorporating maintenance into your solar battery system planning can maximize efficiency and lifespan, ultimately enhancing your return on investment in renewable energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a solar battery system for your home or business in Kenya, prioritize lithium-ion solar batteries for their superior performance and longevity. Their higher energy density, deeper discharge capacity, longer cycle life, and better efficiency make them a more sustainable investment despite the initial higher cost. Additionally, consider warranty coverage as an indicator of product reliability. While lead-acid solar batteries may seem cheaper upfront, their shorter lifespan and lower efficiency could lead to higher long-term costs. By investing in lithium-ion solar batteries, you ensure reliable energy storage for unpredictable grid outages or low sunlight periods, providing peace of mind and long-term savings.

For more information reach us at:

Phone:+254 759493610
Email: info@voltmaticenergysolutions.co.ke