Solar Batteries & Storage

Solar Batteries & Storage

Battery storage has been used for decades with stand-alone and off-grid power systems. It is set to grow exponentially in popularity for grid-connected solar systems as well.

For commercial premises, batteries are an effective means of not only reducing total electricity consumption but also for ‘peak shaving’. The electricity tariffs for large commercial customers often have extremely high demand charges where spikes in electricity usage increase the electricity cost for the entire billing period. 

There are two types of solar power systems that use batteries: Off-grid/stand alone and hybrid solar systems.

What is an ‘off-grid’ system?

If you are in a remote area or where the cost of having power connected to your property is exorbitant, off-grid (stand-alone) solar power systems with batteries and generator backup are the solution. 

Off-grid solar power systems supply electricity to properties that are not connected to the electricity network/grid. These systems are also referred to as “Remote Area Power Systems” (RAPS) or “Stand-Alone Power Systems” (SAPS).

Essentially off-grid solar power systems are independent mini-power stations that create dependable and reliable electricity that is no different to that supplied by the national electricity grid. Whether it is for a small or large home, farm or weekender; an off-grid solar power system will generate reliable, clean and hassle-free electricity.

Reliability is paramount in off-grid solar power systems!

Installing inferior components or under-sizing a system can have disastrous consequences for off-grid systems. Choosing quality components is important in all solar power system systems, but it is absolutely critical in off-grid systems.

Components of an off-grid system

1. Solar panels – the panels absorb sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity.
2. Inverters – Off-grid systems require two inverters: a battery inverter (eg Selectronic) and a solar inverter (eg Fronius).
3. Battery – Stores energy for use when solar power is not producing, such as at night time or inclement weather.
4. Generator – emergency back-up power supply

Lead Acid batteries are traditionally used for off-grid solar power systems as they are more cost-effective than Lithium-Ion batteries. The trade-off is that they are generally big and heavy and take up a significant amount of space. Wet cell Lead Acid batteries require stringent regular maintenance which can be onerous. Lead Acid batteries are considered to be safer than Lithium-Ion.

Lithium-Ion batteries are rapidly gaining popularity as they have a great advantage of being much lighter and smaller in comparison to Lead Acid batteries. The trade-off is in the pricing where Lithium-Ion is more expensive.