| Photovoltaics: PV Solar Systems |
The
Battery as Energy Storage for Stand-Alone Solar Systems
Alternative Energy for Green Homes
and Businesses
|
News
of
Renewable & Alternative Energy Join our email list here. Renewable Energy Directory
|
For
off-grid or stand-alone solar systems, a battery bank is used to provide energy
storage. Batteries
are rated in terms of their voltage and Amp-hours (Ah). Taken together,
these give an indication of how much energy a battery can store. The
most common type of battery is the lead-acid battery (with a small
quantity of antimony to reduce self-discharge). Nickel-cadmium batteries
are also suitable and have the advantage that they cannot be overcharged
or discharged, but they are considerably more expensive. Batteries
for solar applications are often called deep cycle batteries, meaning they
are designed to be discharged down to 50% or more without damage. This is
so that they can supply power over a long period of time--in contrast to a
car battery, for example, which is usually only discharged down 3% to 5
%. Using
car or truck batteries for a solar application will work, but the car
batteries will probably not last as long and the system performance will
be compromised. In
general, batteries may either be flooded or sealed. Flooded batteries have
to be filled initially with electrolyte. The acid level also has to be
regularly checked and topped up with distilled water whenever necessary. Batteries last longer
if the voltage is routinely maintained near the upper end of the range.
Many systems also include a generator for backup
power, to keep batteries highly charged, and battery maintenance. It
is to your financial advantage to find ways to keep batteries charged in
order to extend the useful life of your batteries--even if you fire up the
generator occasionally (during a long period of bad weather, for example)
to charge them. Back
to Solar Power Directory For
further information about Renewable
Energy or this area of Texas
contact Terry
Jensen Renewable Energy & Green Services
|
Join our email list here. Green
& Renewable Energy Home |
Copyright © 2008-2009 DFW Green Building and Renewable Energy. All rights reserved.