Considering solar batteries?
The recent devastating storms which hit Sydney and the NSW coast forced nearly two hundred thousand households and businesses into black-out for up to a week. This destructive situation was a reminder to all Australians of the precarious nature of our 100% reliance on grid power to run our homes and businesses.
In the wake of the storms, as much of NSW is cleaning up, the question in many minds is how do we become less dependent on grid power for 24/7 electricity?
One answer is solar power. It is a constant, charges even on overcast days and the power is free from the sun. However, installing solar panels and solar system alone is not enough. If your system is connected to the grid to feedback your excess power as most solar systems are, they will be fitted with a safety shut-down feature which stops power generation during a time of power outage.
The solution to this issue is to install battery storage to collect the power generated by the solar system for use when the sun isn't shining or the grid is down. A well set up, quality battery storage system could provide power to your essential appliances and lights for the duration of a blackout as well as during the night, plus potentially reducing your electricity bill significantly.
Solar battery storage
When contemplating purchasing and installing solar battery storage it pays to consult the professionals. The difference between an expertly designed, superior grade battery bank, charge controller and wiring, and a sub-standard set-up is vast. As with any solar product, you get what you pay for.
What to think about when considering solar batteries for your solar power system:
- Capacity - the measurement of the maximum energy able to be stored in the battery.
- Voltage - battery bank voltage must match your home or business requirements.
- Amp hour rating - the analysis of the maximum sustained amperage which can be used from the fully charged battery over a designated time (often 20 hours) until the battery is dead.
- Brand - look for reputable, top name brands, with a proven company history of producing long lasting reliable solar batteries and components.
- Cycle life - this measures the number of times a battery can charge and discharge before the capacity reduces - quality solar batteries last longer at peak capacity.
- Battery ratings - steer away from batteries which claim immediate full capacity or very short warm up cycle. A longer lasting battery may take more than one hundred cycles to reach full capacity.
Price of solar batteries
The cost of purchasing solar batteries continues to decrease each year along with most other components of the solar industry. Solar experts say a reduction of up to 20% last year and potentially a further 25% this year.
There are many variables affecting the cost of your solar battery storage including the type of battery (deep cycle, AGM, gel), the size of installation needed to provide sufficient power for your needs, solar regulator used, as well as quality and size of wiring used.
Our team at Moreton Bay Solar Air Electrical advise that you consult the solar professionals when considering solar battery storage to ensure the system will provide your home and family with sufficient power when you need it most.
