With the requirement for energy growing by leaps and bounds in all aspects of life, it is wise to save energy for the future, instead of wasting away the excess. This is where a
residential energy storage battery comes into the picture. When attached to the
grid-based system, the battery stores sustainable energy and supplies it during the times when you cannot gain access to solar power or other sustainable energy resources, such as on cloudy days or after the sunset. In case there is a power outage, the battery ensures that you can charge your devices and carry out other daily activities without any interruptions.
Types of Residential Batteries: Lead Vs Lithium
Lead is the good old choice for
storage batteries, mostly because of its low cost and long shelf life. They require proper maintenance to ensure option functioning. However, with the arrival of modern
lithium batteries, the old choices are not so popular anymore. Now you can have hassle-free energy storage for your home, within a compact model. The lithium ones trade on the expensive side, but their benefits are numerous. Lithium-ion batteries offer more depth of discharge as compared to lead-acid batteries, and they have a longer lifespan too.
What battery storage capacity do I need to run my home?
This will depend on a number of factors including whether or not you have
solar panels, and the generation capacity of those solar panels. If you are generating 4kW but the battery can only store 2kW and you’re using 1kW in your home then 1kW will still be exported to the grid, losing free energy. It also depends on whether you are trying to go off grid and if you also want back-up in the event of a power cut. Last but not least the choice also depends on how much you want to invest in an energy storage battery and how quickly you want it to pay for itself.
Do You Need Energy Storage at All?
Energy storage systems can be beneficial for both
small and large solar PV systems. The energy that remains unused throughout the day will be reserved in the storage battery. This is an economical solution to cut down your energy bills and to go grid-independent.
For homes with larger solar panels, having an energy storage system is a must. The large panels often harness more energy than what is required during the day. The battery will store the excess energy for future use so that it doesn’t go to waste. This is a small step you can take towards embracing the power of green energy.
Conclusion: