All in One Solar Battery System
In standard solar power setups, any energy you produce that your home doesn’t consume is sold back to the grid. With solar plus storage, that excess energy gets stored in the battery.
This means your home can continue to receive power after the sun goes down—even if the grid is offline during a blackout. That’s a lot of peace of mind!
Solar Panels
With battery storage, your solar system can produce and store energy for times when you can’t use it, such as at night, on cloudy days, or during a power outage. Battery storage will allow you to capture and use more of the energy your solar panels create and decrease your reliance on fossil fuels.
You can also choose the type of batteries that are best for your home. There are four main types: lead-acid, lithium ion, nickel cadmium and flow batteries. Lead-acid batteries are a cost-effective option that have been in use for decades, but they have a low depth of discharge (DoD) and shorter lifespans. Lithium ion batteries are the most common form of solar battery on the market today. They are lightweight, high-performing and long-lasting.
If you’re interested in adding a solar battery to your existing or new solar panel system, you’ll need to work with a trusted and qualified installer. The installer will determine how much storage capacity you need, which batteries are compatible with your solar array and can help you file any necessary permits or incentive forms to maximize your benefits.
A good option for a hybrid solar battery is the LG Chem PWRcell. This battery is compact, easy to install and has an industry-leading round-trip efficiency of 95%. It also uses LG’s innovative liquid cooling to prevent overheating, extending the life of the battery.
Inverter
A solar battery system needs an inverter to transform the battery’s direct current (DC) into 230-volt AC electricity for use in your all in one solar battery system home. It also combines the solar and battery power into one unit that’s connected to your switchboard.
The inverter uses circuits to open and close a series of transistors in the same way that a switch operates. This gives the output a smooth sine wave, which is essential for safe operation of appliances. It’s important to match the “voltage-wise” of the inverter with the voltage of your battery bank.
Many hybrid inverters have Maximum Power Point Tracking technology built in, which makes sure your solar panels are always producing the most energy possible. These inverters can also be fitted with solar power monitoring software, which will allow you to see exactly how much energy your system is generating and using.
Some hybrid inverters also have integrated MPPT solar chargers, which save space. These units are a bit more expensive than regular hybrid inverters, but they’re still worth considering if you’re short on space.
It’s important to know how much energy your household or business will consume from day to day so you can size the battery system accordingly. Our free solar and storage calculator can help you quickly estimate your electricity usage so you can choose the optimum battery capacity for your needs.
Battery
The battery is the most important component in a solar energy storage system. There are different types of batteries, but the most common used in home solar systems are lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries are more power-dense, less bulky, and have a higher Depth of Discharge than lead-acid batteries. There are two main types of lithium-ion batteries used in home solar power storage: NMC, or nickel-magnesium-cobalt, and LFP, or lithium-iron-phosphate.
A solar battery storage system is a great way to reduce your electricity bills by providing you with energy at night, when prices are highest, and during utility power outages. A solar battery storage system also gives you more control over your electricity usage, reducing the amount of energy that goes to waste when you are not using it.
Typically, solar batteries are DC-coupled, which means they get charged directly from the solar panels via high-voltage direct current (DC). A battery inverter then converts this to AC electricity, which is what most homes use. This is the most efficient method of charging a battery, but it involves running high-voltage DC through your home, and requires all in one solar battery system specialized electrical work. Other batteries, like Sonnen Evo and SonnenCore+, are alternating current (AC)-coupled, which is easier and safer to install. These batteries can also be retroactively connected to existing solar systems.
Charger
A solar battery system needs a charger that controls the charging and discharging of the batteries. This is a key component of the whole energy storage system as it ensures that the batteries are not overcharged, which can significantly shorten their lifespan. Charge controllers may be separate components or built into the solar batteries themselves. There are also a number of different types of chargers, including MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM.
Many solar companies offer a range of energy storage systems that can be integrated into new or existing solar panels. For example, SunPower offers its innovative Solar+Battery solution called the SunVault which is an alternating current or AC-coupled battery available in 10 and 20 kWh sizes. SonnenEvo and SonnenCore+ are more standard battery systems, offering options of up to 30 kWh of capacity.
Solar-plus-storage gives you more energy self-sufficiency, which can help protect your pocket from future utility rate increases. It also helps you sell back excess electricity to your local grid when rates are low, which can earn you additional income and even pay for your solar panel system in the long run.
Generac PWRcell is a leading all-in-one solar battery system that includes an inverter, three battery modules and a cabinet. It is available with a variety of system capacities and backed by an extensive warranty. Contact a Green Home Systems installer to learn more and request a quote.