Why Solar Batteries and Normal Batteries are Different

By Kevin Seok on December 20, 2019 Industry News, Residential Solar Panels

Regardless of the type of battery, their purpose is to produce a chemical reaction that generates electrical current, which is then used to provide usable power. The way that electricity is generated and stored directly affects the amount of electricity that a given type of battery can generate. At Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, Texas, our team of experienced solar panel experts has worked with North Texas homes and business owners for several years to help them take advantage of the benefits of solar energy systems. Incredible benefits.

Unlike ordinary batteries, rechargeable batteries can be charged using technologies that allow the reversal of chemical processes. Powering the battery reverses the chemical reaction and can charge the battery. Once charged, the battery can power devices (such as household appliances) time and time again.

Although the concept of charging a battery and then using it is not new, how to use rechargeable batteries has changed in recent years. Although rechargeable batteries have long been used in everyday devices such as automobiles, these types of batteries have different functions from solar cells.

To help families and business owners better understand why a series of well-maintained solar cells are so important for their solar-based power system, we decided to spend some time researching different ways that these batteries are different.

Understanding Car Batteries

Most of the time, cars run on lead-acid batteries. They are called SLI batteries and are designed to provide a rapid burst of electrical energy, which can be used to start the engine and enable the alternator to provide continuous power to the vehicle. There are two lead dioxide plates immersed in sulfuric acid inside the SLI lead-acid battery. The combination of these elements produces a chemical reaction that produces electrons that vibrate the plate and produce electrical energy for use. There are four popular battery types, which can be divided into wet batteries and VRLA types.

In the wet battery category of batteries, there are SLI batteries and deep batteries (also known as marine batteries). Although SLI batteries are used in cars and other land-based vehicles, the deep battery is designed to provide a longer discharge rate rather than a short burst to meet the needs of water-based vehicles.

VRLA batteries are another type of battery that are sealed from the beginning. In this way, the gas produced by the chemical reaction cannot leak out. There are currently two types of VRLA batteries, called single cells and absorption glass mat batteries. Gel batteries use a gel formula that is safer than traditional liquids, while glass mat batteries use fine fibers to generate electricity.

Why Solar Batteries are so Different

The reason why it is important to understand how these different battery types work is that the batteries used in solar systems are deep cycle batteries. Currently, three types of deep-cycle batteries are generally used for solar energy, including lithium-ion, lead-acid and brine batteries. In most solar systems, lithium-ion batteries are the batteries of choice because they are lighter, have a longer life and are more efficient.

Lithium-ion batteries, like other batteries, generate electricity through chemical reactions, but because lithium is a light metal, current is easier to pass, so it is very suitable for home use. Currently, there are several types of lithium-ion batteries that can be used in solar power systems, so it is important to work with experienced solar professionals to determine which battery is best for your setup.

Ask Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX About Solar Batteries

Although designing a solar system at home is always a good choice, it is never recommended to try ordinary car batteries. The result may be unsatisfactory, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. Conventional car batteries are not designed for long-term discharge, so it is best to consult professionally trained and experienced professionals before making guesses during DIY installation.

At Kosmos Solar, our team has been helping communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas over the years as more and more people convert traditional energy to solar energy. If you have questions about our services, or want to arrange a consultation, please contact us immediately!