Everyone is talking about solar power and how to save money on electricity. It is no longer a secret that solar energy is becoming more and more affordable, which means more and more people are starting to investigate the option of going solar.
However, if you have decided that going solar is the right choice for you and your family, how do you actually go about storing the energy that you produce?
Fortunately, there are several ways to store solar energy at home. One of the simplest and most effective methods is to use a solar battery. Here we will discuss the various types of solar batteries available and recommend which one is right for you.
How Do Solar Batteries Work?
Solar batteries are devices that allow you to store solar energy that is produced by solar panels attached to the roof of your home. When you install a solar battery system, you will need to decide how much power you need and how much space you have to play with. Once you have chosen the size of the system, you can go online and compare various offers from different solar battery manufacturers. You should buy from a well-trusted company with a good standing record.
The most basic form of a solar battery is the lead acid battery. This type of battery is both flexible and robust, which makes it ideal for use in residential solar installations. It is also the most common type of solar battery used in Australia and many other parts of the world. If you live in a region where winters are long and cold, you may want to consider an ice cube tray with a thermostat control so that you can easily add or remove ice as required.
Which Type Of Solar Battery Should I Get?
The first step is to decide how much power you need. This will depend on many factors, such as whether you use a regular or a premium rate plan with your electricity provider, how much power you actually produce, and how much power you need for your home appliances. A quick internet search will give you a good idea of what type of solar battery system you need. For instance, if your power usage is fairly minimal and you only need a few hundred watts to serve your needs, you may want to go for a Pelican® 12V 5000mAh battery. This is a great choice because not only will it store plenty of energy, but it also has a fairly high energy density. This means it can store more energy for less volume. The Pelican® 12V 5000mAh battery does not need to be plugged into the wall every night, so you can operate your home appliances while still generating electricity.
When Do I Need To Recharge My Solar Battery?
Once you have acquired the essentials, it’s time to move on to the next step which is to decide when you need to recharge your solar battery. The general rule of thumb is to charge your battery every three to four months, depending on the amount of power it has. If you live in a region where winters are cold and long, you may want to consider recharging your battery annually or every other year. The best thing about this type of battery is that it can be recharged pretty much anywhere. You are not limited to certain hours or days of the week when you can recharge your battery. Whenever and wherever you have access to electricity will be a sufficient amount of energy to charge your battery.
Lithium batteries are also a popular choice among homeowners who store solar energy. Just like the lead acid battery, the lithium battery is also flexible and robust. However, it does require more maintenance and charging attention. If you are looking to store energy for use at a later date, you may want to consider investing in a lithium battery.
Do I Need To Vent My Solar Battery?
Most residential solar batteries come with built-in vents to release any built-up gases that may accumulate inside the battery during long periods of non-use. The advantage of this is that you do not have to provide much in the way of ventilation for the battery to function properly. If you live in a region where it gets hot and humid during the summer, you may want to consider removing some of the ventilation holes so that the battery does not become overly inflated. This could cause damage to your home should the gas accumulate in sufficient quantities.
How Do I Take Care Of My Solar Battery?
Just like any other type of battery, the solar battery needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. To start with, you should clean the interior of the battery on a regular basis using a brush and warm water. You should also ensure that the exterior of the battery is free of dirt, oil, and water. If you store your solar battery outside, this is where you will need to focus most of your attention. Exposure to the elements is unavoidable, and if you want to store energy for a long time, you may want to invest in a waterproof external battery container. This will protect your battery from the elements and enable you to store energy for longer periods of time.
Other than storing energy in a battery, you should also try to avoid letting the battery get too hot. The best way to do this is by keeping the internal temperature of your battery at or below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also want to invest in a reliable and effective cooling device for your battery. Just installing a regular ceiling fan will help dissipate excessive heat and maintain the proper temperature for your battery. If you store your battery for long periods of time, you may also want to consider installing a fan that can change directions to provide better air flow.
While there are many different ways to store solar energy at home, these tips should get you started. Remember to check with your local electricity provider to see if they offer any rebates or discounts for installing solar energy storage. Doing so could mean not only are you helping the environment, but you may also be earning yourself some cash.