Solar batteries: how they work
What is a solar battery?
When you install photovoltaic solar panels, they are not the only ones that perform solar energy functions. Solar batteries are the device that allows you to store the energy produced by solar panels when the sun is shining so that you can use it at times when there is no sun, such as at night or on cloudy days. This device also allows you to use a higher current intensity than the one provided by the solar panels in operation, something especially interesting when using several devices at the same time.
How does a solar battery work?
Solar batteries are responsible for storing electrical energy and supplying it to you when the solar panels are not producing electricity or the amount you need. How do they do this? When the solar panels produce more energy than you consume, this is used to charge the batteries. This happens, for example, if it is sunny and there is little wind.
Types of solar batteries:
We can differentiate between different types of batteries. Not all of them have the same characteristics and, depending on your needs and preferences, some or others will be better for you. Depending on the cycle, we differentiate between two types of batteries:
Low-cycle batteries: These are responsible for providing energy when there is high demand. This means that there is supply at all times, without any interruptions. If you have this type of battery, it is recommended that you do not let them discharge deeply, as they can wear out and deteriorate, especially if they tend to drop below 20%. Due to this last characteristic, this is not usually the preferred type of battery for photovoltaic solar systems.
Deep cycle batteries: Unlike the previous ones, these batteries can be repeatedly discharged up to 80%. They are often used, mainly due to this characteristic, as they allow you to enjoy them without worrying about wear and tear, which is why they are also usually the most popular option for solar energy systems.
Not all types of batteries are classified according to the cycle. Taking into account the manufacturing technology and the electrolytes used, we can differentiate three types of batteries:
Lead-acid batteries: These are the most common type of batteries used in solar installations. They have a high efficiency of 85-95% and offer excellent value for money. If you have this type of battery, it is important to remember to fully charge it after each cycle to avoid failures, and to keep them fully discharged for days, as they may not work again.
Liquid batteries: in this case, we are talking about sealed and open batteries. Sealed batteries have valves that allow the exchange of liquids, and open batteries have caps that allow the water to be changed. They are affordable and quite resistant to overloads. They do not have a very long lifespan and can break down when they work at very low temperatures.
Absorption Glass Mat (AGM) batteries: the majority of these batteries, in which the acid is fixed on the glass fibres to absorb them, are valve regulated. They are the most modern and expensive of those presented in this classification and have a long useful life, as well as great resistance to low temperatures. These are deep cycle batteries that hardly self-discharge.
AGM batteries are ideal for the following applications: Nautical (boats, sailboats, all types of vessels), Renewable energy (for solar panels, inverters), Wheelchairs, Golf carts, Caravans, Motorhomes, Campers, Telecommunications, Automobiles, Tuning, Traction, Mobility
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