Power Backup Systems
No Responses May 15, 2024

How to Choose the Best Solar Batteries in Kenya

What are Solar Batteries?

Solar batteries, also known as solar energy storage systems or solar power backup systems, store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use. These solar batteries charge when the sun is shining, making the stored energy available when the sun sets. They enhance the reliability of solar power systems by providing backup energy during power outages and reducing reliance on the electric grid. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of solar batteries and provide tips for choosing the best solar battery to fit your needs.

Why Use the Best Solar Battery?

Solar batteries are used in various applications, from small-scale residential installations to large-scale commercial or utility projects. They are used to power everything from lights and appliances to entire buildings or even electric vehicles. Some of the reasons to add battery storage to your solar power system includes:

  • They reduce power bills
  • Gain independence from your utility provider
  • Reduce your reliance on the grid

The Different Types of Best Solar Batteries

Before installing a solar battery, it’s important to compare a variety of solar battery systems. This helps you to choose the best for your home or business. Below we have listed some of the most popular types of solar battery backup systems. This will help you find the right fit for your energy needs.

1.Lithium Iron Phosphate Solar Batteries (LiFePO4)

They are argued to be the best types of batteries used in solar power systems. They are a type of lithium battery that uses LiFePO4 as the cathode material. This offers several advantages over other types of solar lithium batteries.

Pros

  • Long cycle life: They have a long cycle life, which means they can be charged and discharged many times without degrading their performance.
  • Temperature resilience: Lithium  batteries can operate at different temperatures without suffering from significant degradation in performance.
  • High energy density: Lithium-ion solar batteries can store much energy in a small space and light package. This makes them ideal for use in solar power systems where space is limited.
  • High Depth of Discharge: These batteries have up to 95% depth of discharge which is the highest compared to all other types.
  • Longer lifespan: Lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifespan. Depending on usage, they can last up to 10 years or more.

Cons

  • More expensive than other solar battery options. However, they offer a longer cycle life and higher energy density, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

2.Lead-acid Solar Batteries

Lead-acid solar battery type comprises of lead plates and an electrolyte solution of sulphuric acid.It reacts with the lead plates to produce a flow of electrical current. They are usually low-cost making them a popular battery in use for different applications.

Lead-acid batteries come in two main types: flooded and sealed.

  • Flooded lead acid battery: They are called flooded because they contain a liquid electrolyte solution of sulphuric acid that fills the lead plates inside the battery.
  • Sealed lead acid battery: They are called sealed because they are designed to be completely closed. They do not require regular checking of the water levels or cleaning of the battery terminals.
  • Gel solar battery: Gel battery is one of the best types of sealed lead acid battery used in solar systems. The silica gel in deep-cycle gel batteries suspends in the sulphuric acid, giving the battery greater stability.

Pros

  • Affordability: Lead-acid solar batteries are one of the most affordable options for solar power storage. They are widely available and have been used for decades in many different applications, making them popular.
  • Temperature adaptability: Lead-acid batteries can handle extreme temperatures. They are suitable for use in both hot and cold climates.
  • Reliability: These batteries have a long track record of reliable performance making them a popular choice for critical applications.
  • Recyclability: Lead-acid batteries can be reused for many applications. Many lead-acid batteries contain up to 80% recycled lead.

Cons

  • Limited lifespan: Lead-acid solar batteries have a limited lifespan and typically last 3-5 years.
  • Low depth of discharge: They have a low depth of discharge of up to 50% only.
  • Slow charging and discharging: Lead-acid solar batteries charge and discharge more slowly than some other types of batteries used for solar systems.

4.Nickel Cadmium Solar Batteries 

They are rechargeable and uses nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes and potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte. Ni-Cd batteries are popular for large scale applications, like utility solar energy storage, because of their durability. However, due to the high toxicity of cadmium and the “memory effect” , they are rarely used for residential solar storage. Memory effect causes the battery to suddenly die.

Pros

  • Low Self-Discharge Rate: Ni-Cd solar batteries have a low self-discharge rate. It means they can hold their charge for a long time when not in use.
  • Long Cycle Life: Ni-Cd batteries have a long cycle life. This means they can be recharged and discharged many times before needing to be replaced.
  • Wide temperature range: Nickel cadmium solar batteries can operate in various temperatures, making them suitable for use in both hot and cold environments.

Cons

  • Toxicity: Nickel-cadmium solar batteries contain toxic chemicals including cadmium and nickel. They can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
  • Memory effect: They are prone to the memory effect, which reduces their ability to hold a charge.

Choosing the Best Solar Battery for Your Home

In most cases, the best solar battery in Kenya for a home solar system installation is a lithium solar battery.

They hold more energy in a small amount of space, they have high efficiencies and discharge most of their stored energy. Also, because the’re common, many solar companies are able to install a lithium-ion solar battery both accurately and safely.

The following tips will help to choose the best type of solar battery for different homes and businesses:

1.Solar Battery Capacity

Solar battery capacity refers to the amount of energy it can store, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

This capacity is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a solar battery for a solar energy system. Homeowners and business owners should choose a battery with a capacity that meets their energy needs. The size of the solar battery should be based on the amount of power required to provide the necessary energy.

Before choosing a solar battery, it’s important to document the power ratings of appliances and the overall energy consumption. This information helps in making informed decisions about the best type of solar battery for your home or business

2.Solar Battery Lifespan

When selecting a solar battery, the lifespan is a crucial factor to consider. It determines how long the battery will reliably perform before needing replacement. Battery lifespan is usually measured by the number of charge-discharge cycles it can endure before its capacity and performance significantly decline.

For instance, a standard lead-acid battery might last between 200 to 1,000 cycles, depending on its type and usage patterns. In contrast, a lithium-ion solar battery can last up to 6,000 cycles. Therefore, a battery with a longer lifespan offers a more cost-effective and sustainable solution for solar energy storage compared to one with a shorter lifespan.

When evaluating battery options for solar energy systems, prioritise those with longer lifespans or higher discharge cycles. This ensures better long-term performance and value.

3.The Battery Size

The first step in selecting a battery is to determine its intended application. This involves considering whether it will be used in a grid-tied or off-grid solar system, or for backup power. It’s equally important to assess the power requirements of the application, as this directly influences the size and capacity of the battery needed.

Once you have defined the application and power requirements, the next crucial step is to choose a battery size that matches these needs. The ideal battery type should effectively meet the power demands of its intended application while being appropriately sized for seamless integration.

4.The Cost of the Solar Battery

When choosing a solar battery for a home or business, consider the total cost. This includes not only the initial installation cost but also the battery’s expected lifespan, efficiency, and future maintenance needs. A battery with a higher upfront cost might be more economical over time due to its longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements.

While some solar batteries are cheaper to buy, they often have shorter lifespans and may need regular maintenance, which can increase costs over time. In the long run, these cheaper batteries might end up being more expensive compared to their pricier alternatives.

5.The Solar Battery’s Efficiency

When selecting a battery, consider its efficiency, as this determines how much energy from the solar panels can be stored for later use.

Measured as a percentage, efficiency represents the ratio of the energy stored in the battery to the energy input into it. For example, if you input 100 watt-hours of energy into a battery and it stores 80 watt-hours, the battery’s efficiency is 80%.

Higher battery efficiency means more of the energy generated by the solar panels is effectively stored. Therefore, the battery with the highest efficiency is the most desirable for solar applications

6.The Power Rating of the Solar Battery

The power rating of a solar battery indicates how much electrical power it can provide at one time, essentially its strength for delivering energy.

When choosing a solar battery, match its power rating with your solar system’s power needs. If your system needs to power large appliances or multiple devices simultaneously, select a battery with a higher power rating to handle the load.

Consider two types of power ratings:

  • Maximum Power Rating: This shows how much power the battery can deliver quickly, even for a short duration.
  • Sustained Power Rating: This indicates how much power the battery can provide continuously over a longer period.

Selecting the right power rating ensures that your solar battery meets your energy needs, delivering electricity reliably when you need it.

Conclusion

When selecting a solar power battery, it’s crucial to prioritize your specific needs and preferences. Are you looking to use the solar battery for backup during power outages, or do you want to go completely off grid? Consider the appliances you need to power and for how long. These questions guide us in helping customers choose the most suitable solar battery type for their homes or businesses.

Voltmatic Energy Solutions is a local solar installations company near you equipped with experience and expertise. We use our knowledge and experience to make solar power work for you! 

For more information reach us at:

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