Iceland and Paraguay might sound fully totally different on the floor, however they’ve one factor in widespread: they’re virtually 100% reliant on renewable vitality.
So why do giant nations just like the US discover it troublesome to achieve simply 20% of energy generation from renewables? There are lots of solutions to that query, however one you’ll typically see is as a result of renewables are an intermittent energy supply – that means, they aren’t dependable sufficient to run an entire nation.
That is partially true. The 2 main types of renewable vitality – photo voltaic and wind energy – are thought of intermittent assets, because the solar isn’t at all times shining and the wind isn’t at all times blowing. Nevertheless, new vitality storage applied sciences, like lithium ion photo voltaic batteries are making it potential to energy properties with photo voltaic vitality 24/7.
On this weblog, we’ll clarify lithium ion photo voltaic batteries, see how a lot they value, evaluate common manufacturers, and focus on their professionals and cons.
What’s a lithium ion photo voltaic battery?
Lithium photo voltaic batteries are a chargeable vitality storage answer that may be paired with a photo voltaic vitality system to retailer extra solar energy. Lithium ion batteries are generally utilized in rechargeable electronics like cellphones and in electrical automobiles (EVs).
In 2015, common EV producer Tesla introduced their new lithium ion photo voltaic battery, Powerwall 1, impressed by the know-how used of their EVs.
The launch of the Powerwall 1 ignited a torrent of dialogue and analysis about vitality storage and the event of cost-effective photo voltaic batteries. It additionally propelled Tesla to be one of many prime battery producers within the U.S. Powerwall paved the way in which for the way forward for lithium ion photo voltaic batteries – establishing pricing of battery vitality storage, driving funding within the vitality storage sector, and creating hope that battery know-how may turn into inexpensive for common residential clients.
Previous to the event of the Tesla Powerwall, most photo voltaic storage techniques have been composed of lead acid battery banks. Nevertheless, there are actually many lithium ion photo voltaic batteries available on the market, so each house owner can discover the correct possibility for them.
However regardless of all of the hype of this new know-how, the trade and analysts alike have forgotten to ask one easy query. Are lithium ion photo voltaic batteries one of the best battery for photo voltaic panel techniques?
Photo voltaic knowledgeable Will White explains how lithium ion batteries work within the beneath video:
How a lot do lithium ion photo voltaic batteries value?
The most important concern most householders have is how a lot an vitality storage system will value them. The full value to put in a lithium battery storage system could possibly be wherever from $7,000 to over $30,000.
The value can differ, relying on:
- What producer you select
- The options the battery has
- What number of batteries you want
- The set up prices
The price of putting in lithium ion batteries is way larger than the price of putting in lead-acid batteries. A lead acid battery set up may run you wherever from $5,000 to a most of $15,000 – a lot decrease than the set up value of lithium ion photo voltaic batteries.
So why do individuals proceed to decide on lithium ion batteries? The upper price ticket comes with a variety of added advantages which you could’t get with lead acid batteries, which justifies the upper value for some.
Fashionable lithium ion photo voltaic battery manufacturers
There are lots of lithium ion photo voltaic batteries available on the market. The preferred alternative for residential vitality storage is the Tesla Powerwall, a 13.5 kilowatt hour (kWh) lithium ion battery that costs about $12,000, including installation costs.
The Tesla Powerwall is one of the cheapest lithium ion solar batteries, which is one of the reasons it is so popular.
The following table outlines some other popular lithium ion solar battery on the market:
What are the pros and cons of lithium ion solar batteries?
The reason why the introduction of lithium ion solar batteries rocked the solar industry is because the technology offers a variety of benefits over lead acid batteries.
However, there are some cases in which a lead acid battery might be a battery choice to store your solar power.
Pros of lithium ion solar batteries
The advantages of lithium ion solar batteries include:
- Higher depth of discharge
- Long lifespan
- Higher energy density
- High efficiency
- Less maintenance
Higher depth of discharge (DoD)
The DoD of a battery is the amount of the stored energy in the battery that has been used, as compared to the total capacity of the battery. Most batteries come with a recommended DoD in order to maintain the health of the battery.
Lithium ion solar batteries are deep cycle batteries, so they have DoDs around 95%. Many lead acid batteries only have a DoD of 50%. This means you can use more of the energy that’s stored in a lithium ion battery without having to charge it as often.
Long lifespan
Because lithium ion batteries have a high DoD and don’t need to be charged and recharged as often, they have a long lifespan.
Most lithium ion solar batteries have a minimum warrantied lifespan of around 10 years, or a cycle life of 10,000 cycles – whichever comes first. Lead acid batteries, on the other hand, only have warrantied lifespans of around 5 years.
Higher energy density
The energy density of a battery is how much power the battery can hold relative to the physical size of the battery.
Lithium ion batteries can store more power without taking up as much space as a lead acid battery, which is great for homes where space is limited.
High efficiency
Lithium ion batteries have a higher round-trip efficiency rating than other types of solar batteries on the market.
Efficiency refers to the amount of usable energy you get out of your battery compared to how much energy it took to store it. Lithium ion batteries have efficiencies between 90 and 95%.
Less maintenance
Not having to worry about regular maintenance is one of those advantages that you just can’t put a price on.
Lithium ion solar batteries do not require maintenance like flooded lead acid batteries do.
Cons of lithium ion solar batteries
The disadvantages of lithium ion solar batteries include:
- High cost
- Thermal runaway
High cost
Lithium ion batteries tend to be the most expensive battery storage option, especially when compared to lead acid batteries.
The good news is that solar battery systems qualify for incentives like the federal tax credit, which helps make lithium ion batteries more affordable. Plus, although lead acid batteries may be cheaper – they have to be replaced more often than long lasting lithium ion systems.
Thermal runaway
Lithium ion batteries run a higher risk of thermal runaway, which means they catch on fire. However, this risk of a properly installed lithium ion solar battery is slim to none.
When is a lithium ion solar battery the best choice?
Lithium ion solar batteries are the best solar energy storage system for everyday residential use because they take up little space while still storing a substantial amount of energy. Also, their high DoD means you can use more energy stored.
The battery will last longer, so it won’t need to be replaced as often as a lead acid battery. Plus, their higher efficiency means that you get to use more of the energy your solar panels produce and store – giving you more bang for your buck.
However, in some cases, other battery types, like lead acid batteries, could work better for you. This is especially true if you are just using a solar battery as backup power storage. Since you won’t be draining a backup battery regularly, the lower DoD and lifespan don’t matter as much, so spending the extra money for those features won’t be necessary.
Lead acid batteries are also popular for off-grid solar system projects that aren’t used regularly – like vacation cabins. But for everyday use, spending extra on a lithium ion solar battery is probably your best bet.
Whether it’s for off-grid battery backup or for a grid-tied solar system, energy storage can help you run entirely on clean energy. Contact local solar installers to find the best solar battery system to pair with your solar panels.
Key takeaways
- Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be paired with solar solar panels to store excess solar energy.
- Lithium ion solar batteries usually cost around $9,000, but the price tag can run up to $30,000 depending on the manufacturer, included features, and how many batteries you need.
- Lithium ion batteries have become more popular for solar installations than lead acid batteries because they have a longer lifespan, can store more energy, and are more efficient.
- There are some negatives to lithium ion batteries – they come at a high cost and they are more likely to catch fire than lead acid batteries.
- Overall, lithium ion batteries make the best energy storage solution for everyday residential use.
