Solar batteries are probably the most expensive piece of hardware in your solar system for storing your solar power, therefore it is crucial that you choose the correct solar power battery for your solar power system. Solar batteries help you get the most out of your solar setup by storing excess energy generated from your solar power and preventing it from being wasted. This stored energy can then be used to power your home at night or during power outages in South Africa. This guide compares the top five batteries currently available from Off Grid Power Solutions.
Make sure you check out our blog post on “Choosing the best battery for a solar energy system”
Introduction to Solar Batteries
Solar panels generate energy, which is stored in solar batteries. They are an essential component of a solar energy system because they allow extra energy generated by solar panels during the day to be stored and used as a backup power source at night or during periods of low sunlight. Solar batteries convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) to power homes and businesses (AC). By storing excess energy in a solar battery, users can reduce their reliance on grid electricity, increase their energy independence, and lower their energy costs.
If you find all of this industry jargon confusing, feel free to talk to a specialist who will help you pick the best off-grid power solution. Call us on 087 542 0256 / 087 806 6872 or email admin@offgridpowersolutions.co.za (Off Grid Power Solutions is a subdivision of Goscor Power Products)
Here are our picks on the top 5 solar batteries for your home or business.
1. Goscor 5.1KW 100Ah Wall Mount LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Goscor wall-mounted Lithium battery (LiFePO4 Battery) solutions are highly integrated, deep-cycle backup power solutions for your solar home energy storage system. With rich experience and advanced techniques, the product has the features of a fashionable design, high energy, high power density, long service life, and easiness of installation and expansion.
Technical Details
- Normal Voltage: 51.2v
- Normal Capacity: 100Ah
- Life Cycles: 4000+ (80% DoD for an effectively lower total of ownership cost)
- Recommended Charge Voltage: 57.6V
- Recommended Charge Current: 20.0A
- Module Parallel: Up to 4 units
Product Link: Goscor LP16-48100 – 5.1kW Wall Mounted Battery
2.Goscor LP16-48100 – 5.1kW Rack Mounted Battery
Goscor rack mounted Lithium battery (LiFePO4 Battery) solutions are highly integrated, deep cycle backup power solutions for your solar home energy storage system. With rich experience and advanced techniques, the product has the features of a fashionable design, high energy, high power density, long service life, and easiness of installation and expansion.
Technical Details
- Normal Voltage: 51.2v
- Normal Capacity: 100Ah
- Life Cycles: 4000+ (80% DoD for an effectively lower total of ownership cost)
- Recommended Charge Voltage: 57.6V
- Recommended Charge Current: 20.0A
- Module Parallel: Up to 4 units
Product Link: Goscor LP16-48100 – 5.1kW Wall Mounted Battery
3.Goscor 100A LITHIUM BATTERY LP1500 12.8V
The Goscor LP1500 SERIES LiFePO4 battery is fit for E-mobility, Energy Storage Systems, Defense and security, telecom outdoor applications, renewable energy systems, and other harsh environment applications.
Quick Technical Specifications
- High Cycle Life: 4000 Cycles @80%
- Built-in circuit protection
- Recharges Quickly
- Extreme Heat Tolerance
- Lightweight
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Supports Parallel operation
Product Link: Goscor 100A LITHIUM BATTERY LP1500 12.8V
4. Goscor Gel Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100AH
This deep-cycle battery from Goscor is Environmentally friendly, Able to operate at 60°C, Integrated design to ensure the best uniformity and reliability, has a long life and high stability under high temperatures and does not require an air-con. This battery also has a deep discharge recovery capability.
Quick Technical Specifications
- Normal Voltage: 12V(6 sells per unit)
- Normal Capacity: 100Ah
- Design Floating Life: 15 Years
- Self Discharge: 3% Per Month
Product Datasheet: Click Here
Product Link: Goscor Gel Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100AH
5. Goscor Gel Deep Cycle Battery 12V 200AH
This deep-cycle battery from Goscor is Environmentally friendly, Able to operate at 60°C, Integrated design to ensure the best uniformity and reliability, has a long life and high stability under high temperatures and does not require an air-con. This battery also has a deep discharge recovery capability.
Quick Technical Specifications
- Normal Voltage: 12V(6 sells per unit)
- Normal Capacity: 200Ah
- Design Floating Life: 15 Years
- Self Discharge: 3% Per Month
Product Datasheet: Click Here
Product Link: Goscor Gel Deep Cycle Battery 12V 200AH
Key features to consider for choosing a solar battery
When choosing a solar battery, it is important to consider several key features to ensure that you select the best product for your specific needs. These key features include:
Battery Capacity
A solar battery’s capacity is the amount of energy that it can store. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and should be chosen based on the solar panel system’s size and expected daily energy usage.
Battery Voltage
Solar batteries are available in a variety of voltages, and it is critical to select a battery with a voltage that is compatible with your solar panel system.
Cycle life
The cycle life of a solar battery refers to the number of times it can be charged and discharged before it reaches the end of its useful life. This is an important consideration because it will affect the overall cost of ownership.
Compatibility with the solar system:
It is important to choose a solar battery that is compatible with your solar panel system, including its voltage, capacity, and compatibility with the battery management system.
Maintenance requirements:
Solar batteries require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity, including regular cleaning and monitoring of their performance. It is important to consider the maintenance requirements of different batteries before making a purchasing decision.
Solar Battery Cost:
Solar batteries come in a range of prices, and it is important to consider the cost of the solar battery in relation to its capacity, cycle life, and overall performance.
Types of Solar Batteries
Lithium-Ion Solar Batteries
Lithium solar batteries are the optimal choice for storing energy in solar systems due to their remarkable proficiency. They can be charged faster, don’t require maintenance, and function for a more extended period of time than any other battery available today.
Shop our selection of lithium solar batteries for sale
Lead-Acid / Gel Solar Batteries:
A lead acid battery is a rechargeable battery that operates on lead and sulfuric acid. To allow for a controlled chemical reaction, the lead is immersed in sulphuric acid.
This chemical reaction is responsible for the battery’s ability to generate electricity. The reaction is then reversed to recharge the battery.
One disadvantage of lead acid batteries is that they self-discharge even when not in use. A general rule of thumb is a 1% self-discharge rate per day. This rate increases in hot weather and decreases in cold weather.
How do solar batteries work?
Battery Charging Process
Solar battery charging is a complicated process that involves several key components such as solar panels, inverters, and charge controllers. The process begins with solar panels generating solar energy and then converting it to direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity is then routed to the inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity, which can then be used by your home or stored in the solar battery.
Battery Discharging Process
A solar battery’s discharging process refers to the release of stored energy from the battery for use by the home or solar system. This happens when the demand for energy exceeds the amount of energy produced by your solar panels.
The energy that is stored in the solar battery is transferred to the inverter, which converts it back into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used for powering your household appliances. The solar inverter also regulates the flow of electricity from the solar battery to prevent it from discharging too quickly or running too low, which can cause damage to your solar battery.
Importance of a battery management system (BMS)
In summary, a BMS analyzes real-time chemical battery measurements, then adjusts charging/discharging parameters and communicates this information to end users. Battery voltage, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), temperature, and other critical measurements can be monitored by these sensors. They can even show charging time on a simple “fuel gauge.”
A battery management system can improve the reliability, safety, maintenance, performance, and lifespan of a solar battery. So it is worth thinking about whether a battery management system could help you save time, headaches, and money. Most solar inverters have a built-in battery management system.
What is the best solar battery for my solar system?
The best solar battery for your solar system depends on several factors, including the size of your system, your energy usage patterns, and your overall budget. We recommend that you use a Lithium battery with your solar power system.
