Xando Energy

What Are Solar Batteries and How Do They Work?

September 28, 2023

At Xando Energy, we use solar batteries to store excess energy for your home to utilize when the sun is not shining. Solar batteries contribute to efficient energy use and can be included in the solar panel installation process completed by our solar company. Here is more information about solar batteries and how they work as a backup energy system:

What Are Solar Energy Batteries?

Solar batteries or solar energy storage systems are devices designed to store excess electricity generated by solar panels for your home to use later. You can think of them as rechargeable batteries for your home or business. They store solar energy when the sun is shining and release it when needed. Your home or business may need this at night or on cloudy days.

The general goal of solar batteries is to increase the self-consumption of the solar energy your panels produce. By storing surplus energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and increase energy independence. This can save money and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

Here are some key elements to how solar batteries work:

Solar Panel Generation

We install solar panels on your property, typically on the roof or ground, where they capture sunlight. They then convert the sunlight into electricity through a process referred to as photovoltaic effect. During sunny days, your solar panels generate abundant electricity that can be used or stored.

Energy Storage

The excess electricity generated by your solar panels is directed to the solar battery storage system. These batteries come in various types, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and other types of batteries. They can store the excess energy as chemical energy.

Inverter Conversion

The stored chemical energy in the battery is typically found in the form of direct current (DC). Most household appliances and the electrical grid use alternating current (AC), so a solar inverter is responsible for converting the DC electricity from the battery into AC electricity. This makes it compatible with your home’s electrical system.

Energy Usage

When your home's energy demand exceeds the amount generated by your solar panels, like at night or on cloudy days, the inverter switches to drawing electricity from the solar battery. Your home can continue to have a stable and reliable power supply, even when solar production is low.

Grid Interaction

Solar battery systems are sometimes designed to interact with the electrical grid. If your battery is fully charged and your solar panels generate excess energy, you can often sell this excess electricity back to the grid. This may earn you credits or income in some areas.

Why Choose a Solar Battery?

There are several reasons we might suggest installing a solar battery along with your solar panels, including the following:

Energy Independence & Grid Stability

Solar batteries enable you to rely less on the grid and use more of the clean energy you generate. This can increase your energy independence. Solar batteries can also provide backup power during grid outages. This helps keep your needed appliances running and can give you safety and comfort.

Environmental Impact

Solar batteries may contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing the need for fossil fuel-based power plants. This reduction can potentially decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Battery charge and usage levels can also be tracked and monitored, allowing you to better manage the energy efficiency of your home.

Financial Savings & Long-term Investment

Using stored solar energy during peak rate periods and selling excess electricity back to the grid may reduce your electricity bills and potentially earn income. Solar batteries also have a long lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 20 years. This makes them a valuable long-term investment for homeowners and businesses.

Ask Our Solar Company About Solar Batteries Today

Solar batteries gather and store excess energy for you to use when the sun is not shining. Our team can help you understand the functions and benefits of solar energy, panels, and batteries. At Xando Energy, we can install solar panels and batteries to help increase your energy independence. Contact us today to set up an initial consultation.

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