Whatever the autonomous power supply system, which is powered by solar energy, it includes some mandatory components, among them - batteries, or solar panels, an inverter, a discharge and charge controller, and a battery. As you know, solar panels work due to the energy of ultraviolet radiation. Whereas a solar battery is designed to play a slightly different role. The primary task is the accumulation of electricity, as well as its return. The main technical feature of the battery is its capacity. According to this indicator, it is possible to determine what is the maximum period of functioning of the system in standalone mode. In addition to this characteristic, it is also necessary to take into account the service life, the temperature range of operation, as well as the number of discharge and charge cycles. The average battery life can reach 10 years, but this figure will depend on the conditions of use and the type of battery.
Varieties of batteries
If you decide to purchase a battery for a solar battery, then it is best to prefer the most common sealed lead-acid variety. These batteries are manufactured in two different technologies, among them are Gelled Electrolite and Absorptive Glass Mat.
The first technology began to be used in the late fifties of the last century; it consists in adding tetravalent silicon oxide to the electrolyte. This contributes to the fact that the electrolyte passes into a gel state. This technology makes it possible to achieve battery tightness, while gas circulation occurs in an electrolyte that is jelly-like. Another positive feature of gel batteries is the lack of the need to add water during the entire period of operation.
The second technology was developed 20 years later and involves the use of a porous filler separator, which is a fiberglass version. It is impregnated with electrolyte during the production process, turning it into a state devoid of liquid. By dosing the amount of electrolyte, the manufacturer ensures that only small pores are filled, since large ones are intended for gas circulation. Such batteries do not require additional maintenance.
Battery selection by capacity
If you decide to purchase a battery for a solar battery, then the first thing you have to decide is the required capacity. Most often, this value is selected taking into account the average electricity consumption per day. In this case, do not forget about the depth of discharge, which should be 70%. The correct mode of discharge and charge acts as the main condition that extends the life of the product. If you choose a battery for a solar battery, it is important to remember that an excessively large charge current can reduce the amount of electrolyte, which leads to battery failure.
Specialist Tips
When purchasing an external battery with a solar battery, you should take into account that the most widely used are devices whose operating voltage is 12 V. They are used to assemble blocks whose voltage is 24, 48 V, etc. If we consider the main parameters of this unit, then Among them, one can distinguish the discharge current, charge, as well as the working capacity. The battery pack must be designed using a serial connection scheme. In this case, the total operating voltage will be equivalent to the sum of the operating voltages of each of the connected batteries. When connecting the batteries in parallel , the capacitance should be summed, not the voltage. This is due to the fact that the latter indicator will remain unchanged. Before you connect the batteries in parallel, you need to align the voltage on them.
The choice of battery temperature
On sale today is an external battery with a solar battery in a wide range. That is why it is important to take into account the temperature regime, which will be able to withstand the device.
Most often, such products can withstand both high and low temperatures. However, according to professionals, this should not be abused. This is due to the fact that with an increase in temperature by 10 degrees inside the flow of all chemical processes is accelerated by 2 times. Whereas when charging, the temperature difference between the battery and the environment is 15 degrees. This is due to the recombination of oxygen. To cope with the solution to this problem will help the natural blowing of the battery. If you follow all these rules, then you will enlist the long-term operation of the equipment.
When to choose a starter battery?
When a solar battery is chosen to charge a car battery, you may prefer a starter type of equipment. Such a battery is selected if it is possible to operate with good ventilation. It should be noted that feature that consists in losing part of the energy for self-discharge. Car batteries are used when the battery system is operating in harsh conditions and its batteries are constantly discharged. Consumers resort to this decision if it is not possible to charge the equipment at 100%.
When to choose a gel battery?
When a solar battery is selected to charge a car battery, a gel variety may be preferred. It is good if there is no way to constantly maintain the battery. Such devices are selected in the absence of good ventilation, where it is supposed to install. The gel variety can not be called a budget option, the operation will cost more in comparison with car batteries. Among other things, their life is not so long. However, these qualities are compensated by a small self-discharge, in which a less impressive amount of energy is lost.
AGM batteries
If you are considering solar panels for car batteries, you may prefer this type of device. Their service life is somewhat less compared to the above. But among the pluses, one can highlight the lack of gas emission, which makes it possible to mount the device in any place that is not equipped with ventilation. The small size of the battery allows you to operate the device even in rooms whose area is small. You can transport such a battery in a charged state. It will be enough for 500 cycles subject to the conditions of an 80 percent charge level. Charging the battery from the solar battery is very effective. In 9 hours it will be fully restored. Under the condition of undercharging, the battery may work satisfactorily. It is important to consider that the equipment must be operated at a temperature of at least 15 degrees. Lowering this mark does not always indicate poor device performance. Whereas higher temperatures can shorten the useful life.
Sealed Battery Packs
If you are interested in the battery charge from the solar battery, then you can choose sealed insulated varieties of the device. Such batteries are selected if the system power exceeds 500 watts. Among other things, such equipment is required for the smooth operation of the system. The life of such batteries is the longest. Only with the help of them can the cyclic functioning of the solar battery be ensured, which is true even if the cycles are heavy.
Selection Summary
If you decide to choose a solar battery for your phone, you must consider what the operating conditions of the equipment will be. If it is possible to constantly maintain the battery, while the cycles will not be heavy, then you can buy a traditional starter battery. Experts advise to give preference to gel batteries in the case when there is no way to constantly maintain them. Such solutions are used for the most powerful systems. Ensure a long period of operation of the system, which is characterized by impressive power, will be able to only sealed or jellied batteries. If we are talking about backup systems, then they are provided for the use of AGM-batteries.
How to choose a used device?
Before purchasing the described devices, you may consider their scheme. The solar battery, the battery for which you can purchase in the departments of the corresponding goods, is able to work from an alkaline device. As its advantages, it is possible to highlight the possibility of deep recharging without damage to the unit. That is why experts advise to purchase used batteries . Such devices have a fairly long life. This type of battery is rarely used, it indicates that it will be much more difficult to find such a variety. You can make your choice for starter lead-acid batteries. Additionally, one can single out their availability, as well as ubiquity.