Lithium-Ion Batteries
Get More out of Your Solar System with Lithium Ion Batteries
If you aren’t using lithium-ion batteries to store the excess energy that your solar power system is generating, you should be. Whether you are setting up a new solar system or replacing the obsolete batteries on an older one, Current Generation can help you harness the possibilities that lithium-ion phosphate brings to the table.
What You Should Know Regarding Lithium-Ion Batteries
A lithium ion phosphate battery for solar purposes is the ideal mechanism for storing excess power from a solar energy system. In the past, most people have used the other type of deep cycle rechargeable batteries—lead-acid batteries—for solar storage. However, lead-acid batteries have numerous problems that you won’t encounter with a lithium ion battery, including:
- Lead acid batteries don’t have as much usable capacity: Say you have two batteries—a lithium ion and a lead acid—and both are rated to the same number of amp hours. In every case, the lithium-ion battery is going to deliver more usable energy than the lead-acid battery. Lead acid batteries can be damaged if you discharge them to below 50 percent of capacity, and most batteries do best if you keep your discharge closer to 30 percent. With lithium-ion technology, you can easily go all the way to 80 percent discharge (if not lower) without damaging the battery or reducing its lifespan.
- Lead acid batteries are slow to charge: A big problem with lead-acid batteries for solar storage—and one of the big reasons they’ve been displaced by the lithium-ion phosphate battery—is that they are very slow to charge. Lead-acid batteries need to be fully charged to retain optimal lifespan. The problem is that, with solar energy, you don’t have control over how long you can charge the battery. If the battery isn’t fully charged when the sun sets, you either need to rely on the power grid for energy that night or your need to risk damaging your battery.
- Lead acid batteries have limited lifespans: Even if you follow all the rules of lead acid batteries—never discharging them below 50 percent; always giving them a full charge before accessing their power reserves—you will still probably only get between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles. Comparatively, lithium-ion batteries allow for 6,000 to 8,000 charge cycles in most cases.
Tips for Finding the Right Lithium Ion Battery in New Zealand
As you shop for the ideal lithium-ion battery in New Zealand, keep these tips in mind to make sure you find the right solar storage option for your system:
- Consider your power needs:How much battery storage you need will depend on several factors, including the size of your home, your general energy usage habits and your goals. If you have a small house or are just planning to use solar energy on a supplemental basis to reduce your power bills, you can get away with a smaller battery system. If you have a larger house or want to get entirely off-grid, though, you will need a battery setup with a higher kilowatt-hour (kWh) rating.
- Plan to buy multiple batteries—not just one: In all likelihood, a single battery is not going to be enough to achieve what you are hoping to accomplish with your solar energy storage setup. Purchasing a battery box—where you can connect multiple batteries in parallel—is the best way to maximise your energy storage capabilities while also planning for future scalability.
- Invest in a trusted brand: You don’t just want to buy the cheapest batteries on the market. Instead, do some homework and make sure you are purchasing batteries from proven brands.
What Sets Current Generation Apart Regarding Lithium-Ion Batteries
When it comes to finding the ideal lithium ion phosphate battery for solar storage, our team is here to help. We will work with you to put together a system that makes sense for your home, your power needs and your goals. Here are a few reasons to trust us as you partner in this endeavour:
- Our knowledge and background: We have been helping New Zealanders get off the grid since 2005. We have an extensive knowledge of solar power, generators, battery systems and more, honed over nearly a decade and a half in the industry.
- Our products: When you buy a lithium phosphate battery from us, you can expect a quality product. We only stock batteries from proven brands, such as Trojan, Ritar and arguably the premier name in lithium-ion batteries, BYD.
- Our dedication to off-the-grid living: Getting off the grid can mean cutting your living expenses down and reducing your reliance on fallible systems, without sacrificing quality of life. We are passionate about helping customers unlock these possibilities.
Why Current Generation
Simply put, when you choose Current Generation to help you select lithium-ion batteries for your solar system, you get the best service, the best products and the approach best tailored to suit your needs. To get started, contact us today.