The power source for your home is an essential factor in your overall quality of life, as it enables everything from heating and air conditioning to lighting and television. With the rising financial costs and environmental impact of traditional energy sources today, a strategic move is to consider switching to solar energy to power your home. Of all the continents, Australia receives the largest amount of solar radiation per year, which makes it an ideal place to reap the benefits of using solar energy. There are several types of solar batteries currently available for sale, which can make choosing the right one for your home a difficult task. Generally speaking, all solar batteries are designed to store solar energy generated during the day. That stored solar energy can then be used to power your home and help you save on your electric bill as well. Each type of solar battery works to store energy in a unique way, however, so it’s important to understand the differences. Here is an overview of four types of solar batteries available today, each one with its own performance traits to review.
1. Lead-acid Batteries
Originally invented in 1857, lead-acid batteries utilise the earliest technology for rechargeable batteries. For decades, they have served as a dependable option for storing solar energy. However, the booming popularity and development of solar battery technology today has led to new technologies that offer lower costs, improved charging capabilities, lighter designs and longer life durations than lead-acid batteries. While they can be relatively inexpensive, lead-acid batteries provide less energy than others and again do not last as long. As it’s often said, what you give is what you get in this case.
2. Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the leading solar batteries in Australia right now and for good reason. This technology has evolved rapidly thanks to advancements made by electric car manufacturers. The leader of lithium-ion batteries for home solar energy needs is the powerful Tesla Powerwall Australia, which has a high energy density (it can hold a lot of power for its size) and is easy to install for quick returns on your investment. Speaking of cost, the Tesla Powerwall is one of the least expensive lithium-ion batteries on the market for solar energy storage. Here are some other advantages of Tesla Powerwall’s lithium-ion battery that make it the best option for most homeowners:
- Typically lasts for 10 years or more with average use.
- Safely operates in a variety of ambient temperatures.
- Requires less maintenance than other types of solar batteries.
- Stores energy with extreme efficiency.
- Requires charging less frequently than other types of solar batteries.
3. Flow Batteries
Named for the fluid solution such as zinc bromide inside them, flow batteries are relatively new to the solar battery market. There are not many companies that offer flow batteries for homes, as further research is required to develop these batteries into a more reliable option for homeowners. Due to their recent deployment, these batteries are expensive compared to lithium-ion batteries, and their complex setup tends to require maintenance more regularly. The fluids inside certain flow batteries can also be toxic, making safety a concern.
4. Hydrogen Batteries
Hydrogen batteries are another newcomer in the solar battery industry and come with high price tags to reflect that. The cost has severely limited the expansion of this technology overall. In order to work, hydrogen batteries must separate pure hydrogen from other elements that it is naturally combined with like oxygen. This separation process has a large energy requirement of its own, which limits how much energy the battery can actually provide to your home. Ideally, batteries should store and discharge energy with the least amount of loss possible. Safety can become another worry, as hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that can cause fires and explosions. Whether you are looking to improve your bottom line, the environment, your level of independence or all of the above, powering your home with a solar battery can help you achieve it. There are several options out there to choose from, but the ideal solar battery for your home should be one that will help you win both now and into the forseeable future, just like the Tesla Powerwall.