After you’ve decided that you need a solar battery, the next step is choosing the right battery for your home’s electricity needs. In this section, we explore the most important factors to consider when choosing a solar battery.
Depth of Discharge (DoD).
DoD refers to the level a battery discharges before recharging. If you recharge when it hits 10%, that’s a DoD of 90%. Choose a battery with a high DoD.
Round-Trip Efficiency (RTE).
RTE compares the amount of energy stored in a battery to the amount retrieved. An RTE of 75% means you’re only able to use 75% of a battery every time you charge it. Go for high RTE when choosing a solar battery.
Battery Life.
Solar batteries have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Buy a battery with a warranty of 10 years from a reputable manufacturer.
Types of Batteries.
There are several types of batteries to pick from, including lead-acid and lithium-ion. For a high DoD and a long lifespan, choose a Lithium-ion battery.
Battery Capacity.
The amount of energy of a battery is an important factor. Consider your electricity needs, the size of your PV system, etc., when considering battery capacity.