Batteries for Solar are a wise investment in energy storage. Without the battery pack, you will not be able to store the energy produced by the system for later use. If you are connected to the grid, then when the utility grid fails, no battery means no backup power. If you live off the grid, your system will not work at all.

The battery is essential to keep the system running.

Choosing the best battery for your solar panel involves many factors in your decision, including battery capacity, power, efficiency, and cost, depending on your needs. To help you make the right choice, let’s review how solar cells work, the different types of batteries available, and our recommendations for the best solar cells in 2022.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

When installing solar cells in a solar panel system, you can store excess solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid. If your panel generates more power than you need, this energy can be reused to charge your battery.

When your solar panels are not generating electricity, you can use the stored energy when you need it. Power is sent back to the grid only when the battery is fully charged, or only taken from the grid when the battery is low.

What Are the Different Types Of Batteries?

Batteries used for energy storage are usually made of lead acid or lithium ion. When choosing the best battery for your solar system, it is important to understand the difference between deep cycle batteries and flooded lead acid, sealed lead acid, and lithium batteries before choosing. The following are some of the differences between lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries have been used for the last 150 years and are among the most common batteries used for off-grid solar setups. These batteries are inexpensive, 99% recyclable, and easy to get rid of at the end of their lifespan.

These are the best batteries for solar if you’re looking for an affordable option but with the following hands-on monitoring:

Flooded lead-acid batteries are designed to handle daily charge cycling. They do emit gas as a byproduct, so they must be ventilated correctly.

FLA batteries are ideal for people who prefer to be hands-on with their system. They’re the most affordable option but require occasional upkeep to work properly.

These batteries need regular maintenance. The plates of every cell in the battery must be submerged in water to function properly (which is why they are called “flooded” batteries). You’ll need to add water every 1 to 3 months to keep the plates submerged. It’s smart to check on them once a month.

Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

If you are unable to perform regular check-ups, the best battery for your solar panels is the sealed lead-acid battery with these advantages:

These batteries are splash-proof and non-hazardous. There are two types of sealed lead-acid batteries with fairly similar characteristics: AGM (absorbent glass mat) and gel.

The sealed battery is an independent system. They do not need to be refilled with water like a battery filled with water. For this reason, they work well in places where there is no full-time job, such as the off-grid holiday cottages you visit once or twice a year.

Sealed batteries perform better in handling temperature. If they are left unused for a long time when you are away, they will not self-discharge quickly.

lithium battery

Lithium batteries are a relatively new technology that was put on the market in the 1970s. They are common in laptops and mobile phones, but recently they have become more and more popular in the field of renewable energy. Lithium batteries are more expensive, but there are several benefits that justify the higher price tag:

Longer lifespan

No maintenance

More efficient power usage

More usable storage capacity (deeper discharges)

No off-gassing/ventilation