Why Solar Batteries and Normal Batteries are Different

Regardless of the type of battery, their purpose is to produce a chemical reaction that creates an electric current which is then used to provide usable power. How electricity is generated and stored has a direct impact on the amount of electricity that can be produced by a given type of battery. At Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX our team of experienced solar panel specialists have spent years working with home and business owners throughout North Texas to help them take advantage of the incredible benefits offered by solar-powered energy systems.

Unlike ordinary batteries, rechargeable batteries can be recharged by taking advantage of technology that allows for a reversal of the chemical process. Applying electricity to the battery reverses the chemical reaction and the battery can be recharged. Once recharged, the battery can then be used to power devices (such as home appliances) again and again.

Although the concept of charging and then re-using a battery is not new or unusual, how rechargeable batteries can be used has changed over recent years. While rechargeable batteries have long been used in an everyday device such as our vehicles, these types of batteries do not function in the same way that solar-powered batteries do.

To help home and business owners get a bettering understanding of why it is so important to have a well-maintained series of solar batteries as part of their solar energy-based power system, we’ve decided to spend some time going over the different ways these batteries are different.

Understanding Car Batteries

Most of the time, cars operate using lead-acid batteries. Known as SLI batteries, they are designed to provide quick bursts of electrical power that can be used to start the engine and get the alternator to a point where it can provide continuous power to the vehicle. SLI lead-acid batteries have two lead-dioxide plates inside them that have been submerged in sulphuric acid. The combination of these elements produces a chemical reaction that generates electrons that vibrate the plates and create electricity for use. There are four popular types of batteries that can be divided into wet cell and VRLA types.

In the wet cell category of batteries, there are SLI batteries and deep cell batteries (also known as marine batteries). While SLI batteries are used for cars and other land-based vehicles, deep cell batteries are designed to provide long discharge rates instead of short bursts to fit the needs of water-based vehicles.

VRLA batteries are a separate type of battery that is sealed right from the start. This way, gasses created by the chemical reactions are unable to leak out. There are currently two types of VRLA batteries known as cell batteries and absorbed glass mat batteries. Gel cell batteries take advantage of a gel formula that is safer than traditional liquids, while glass mat batteries utilize thin fibers to generate electricity.

Why Solar Batteries are so Different

The reason its important to understand how these different battery types work is that the batteries used for solar power systems are deep cycle batteries. Currently, three types of deep cycle batteries are typically used for solar power including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and saltwater batters. In most solar systems, lithium-ion is the battery of choice because they are lighter, has a better lifespan, and increased efficiency.

Lithium-ion batteries generate electricity through a chemical reaction, like other batteries, but because lithium is a lightweight metal, electrical currents pass through more easily, making it an ideal option for at-home use. Currently, there are several types of lithium-ion batteries available for use in solar power systems, and it is important to work with a knowledgeable solar power specialist to decide which battery will work best with your setup.

Ask Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX About Solar Batteries

While designing your solar power system at home is always a great option, it is never recommended to try using a general car battery. The results could be less than ideal, and in some cases, even dangerous if the right precautions aren’t taken. Regular car batteries aren’t designed to long discharges, so it’s always better to ask a professional with training and experience before just making guesses during a DIY installation.

At Kosmos Solar, our team has been helping the communities of the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area for years as more and more people make the change from traditional power to solar energy. If you’ve got questions about our services, or if you want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!