Like many other kinds of green energy, solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. With this increased popularity comes a lot of questions from businesses and other organizations considering making the switch to relying more on solar power. One of the most common questions we see asked is which batteries are the best for solar panels and why. To us, the answer is clear – lithium batteries are the superior choice, and they’re well worth the investment.
If you’ve been wondering which batteries are best for your new solar panels or just want to learn more about this crucial element of solar systems, read on to hear our expertise.
Why the Battery Bank is the Most Important Part of a Solar System
Before getting into what makes lithium batteries the best option available, we need to address what makes the battery bank itself so important. It’s especially important to address this considering the fact that many are under the impression that the solar panel itself is the most important part of the system when it’s actually the battery bank!
The battery bank is charged by the solar panels, which harness energy from the sun. A larger solar array can charge the bank faster, but the larger the battery bank, the more power you’re able to save up. After a few cloudy days in a row, we guarantee you’ll wish you had gotten a bigger battery bank.
Benefits of Lithium Solar Batteries
If you’ve looked into all the different options, you’ve likely noticed that lithium batteries are some of the more expensive. While the expense might initially turn you off from buying them, they more than justify the cost. Lithium batteries can handle large amounts of charge current, meaning shorter charging times, power and voltage remain consistent as you discharge power, and they’re a maintenance-free option. Lithium batteries have a significant weight advantage, weighing about one-third as much as a traditional lead acid battery bank. They also hold up well to inconsistent charging and discharging cycles and are known to last for well over 5,000 charge cycles.
What to Look for When Buying Lithium Solar Batteries
While lithium batteries are far and away the best option for your solar system, they’re not all created equal. To ensure you get the most out of your battery, you should first look for one that has a high Amp-hour rating. The higher the number, the larger its capacity for providing power. You also need to consider the discharge threshold to ensure batteries won’t be damaged as you draw power from them (Dragonfly Energy batteries have a 100% depth of discharge), the battery management system (BMS) to ensure safe operation, the expected lifespan of the product, and what warranty coverage and requirements come with the purchase.
Want to learn more about why lithium batteries are the all-around best option for solar arrays? Contact us today!
