Lithium Batteries for Solar Storage: A Quick Guide
On the outside, Paraguay and Iceland appear to be worlds apart, but they share one element in common: they are nearly totally reliant on renewable power.
So, why is it so difficult for huge countries like the United States to achieve merely 20% sustainable energy production? There are a variety of responses to this topic, but one that comes up frequently is that renewables are an irregular power source, which means they aren’t stable enough to serve an entire country.
This is just partially correct. Wind and solar power, the two most common forms of renewable power, are called inconsistent resources since the sun does not constantly shine and the wind does not always flow. Newer energy storage techniques, such as lithium-ion solar batteries, are allowing solar energy to be used to power dwellings.
We’ll clarify lithium-ion solar batteries, that however much they are, review common brands, and explore their benefits and drawbacks in this blog.
What is a lithium-ion solar cell, and how does it work?
Lithium solar cells are a recoverable energy storage device that may be used to retain surplus solar power when used in conjunction with a solar power system. Lithium-ion cells are widely utilized in rechargeable electrical devices such as electrical vehicles and cell phones.
Tesla launched their new lithium-ion solar cell, Powerwall 1, in 2015, influenced by the tech featured in their electric vehicles.
The Powerwall 1’s introduction sparked a flurry of research and discussion into power storage and the production of cost-effective solar batteries. It also helped Tesla become one of the leading battery makers in the United States. Powerwall cleared the path for the development of lithium solar batteries, setting cell power storage prices, spurring research in the area, and raising hopes that battery tech can become accessible to average home users.
Many solar storage solutions used lead acid cell banks prior to the introduction of the Tesla Powerwall. Nevertheless, there seem to be a plethora of lithium-ion solar batteries on the marketplace, allowing each homeowner to pick the best solution for them.
What are the prices of lithium-ion solar cells?
The most common issue among consumers is the cost of an energy storage system. Installing a lithium cell storage solution might cost anything between $7,000 to more than $30,000.
The cost can vary based on the following factors:
- Which manufacturer do you go with?
- The battery’s characteristics
- How many batteries will you require?
- The cost of installation
Adding lithium-ion cells is significantly more expensive than replacing lead-acid batteries. A lead acid cell installation might cost somewhere from $5,000 to $15,000, which is far less than the cost of installing lithium-ion solar cells.
When is it better to use a lithium-ion solar battery?
Since they take up minimal space while retaining a significant amount of energy, lithium-ion solar cells are the finest solar energy storage solution for common household use. Their high DoD also implies you could use more of the energy you’ve saved.
Because the battery will survive longer than a lead acid battery, it will not need to be changed as frequently. Plus, because they are more efficient, you can use more of the power that the solar panels generate and store, providing you more value for your budget.
Other types of batteries, such as lead acid batteries, may work much better for you in some instances. This is particularly true if your solar battery is only being used as a standby power source.