Table of Contents
Introduction to Residential Storage Batteries
Household batteries are composed of batteries and related components. As a household energy storage device, they can facilitate the storage of excess electricity for subsequent use by users.
The battery energy storage system can maximize the optimization of power consumption during use, thus ensuring efficient operation. It can also respond very quickly and maintain operation during power outages.
The energy trend used by society is transitioning towards renewable energy, and solar storage batteries stand out among many types of storage batteries. Previously, batteries were mainly used in off grid solar systems.
With the advancement of lithium battery technology, people have become more interested in applications such as storing excess energy and ensuring supply in adverse weather conditions, and there is also a demand for more independent ways to obtain energy.
Benefits of Residential Storage Batteries
Energy Independence:
Residential storage batteries store unused solar energy during the day and release it to meet electricity supply during nighttime or when there is insufficient sunlight or adverse weather conditions.
This is not only an economic benefit decision, but also based on the protection and full utilization of the environment.
At the same time, this can help depositors reduce their dependence on the power grid, especially for users who have expensive electricity bills or find it difficult to avoid peak electricity consumption periods.
Cost Savings:
The residential storage batteries first receives energy from different situations for conversion and storage, which may come from the grid connected to the grid or from the solar panels you install. If your region charges higher fees during peak electricity usage periods, you can store energy through batteries and use it at night.
If equipped with solar panels, it can save more electricity costs because initially stored during the day is free electricity converted from natural energy.
Reducing costs will also be reflected in using it to charge electric vehicles. Compared to the constantly rising fuel costs of gasoline vehicles, the wide applicability of household batteries is truly wonderful.
Backup Power:
The stored capacity is the guarantee of battery life. With residential storage batteries，there is no need to worry about power outages or energy depletion in extreme weather. And it responds very quickly, making it a very reliable companion.
The use of renewable environmental resources such as electricity and solar energy is also a backup force. It can reduce emissions and rely on non renewable resources such as coal, which is very environmentally friendly.
Types of Residential Storage Batteries
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium ion batteries are currently the most mainstream type of battery used in the market and are developing rapidly.
Advantages
It can achieve thousands of charge and discharge cycles.
2. It can discharge a large amount (up to 80-90% of the total capacity).
3. It is suitable for various ambient temperatures, which is a very important and ideal feature.
4. Long lifespan, almost sustainable for over 10 years under normal use. And its cycle life, that is, the total number of charging/discharging cycles
Lithium ion batteries can typically run thousands of cycles and perform exceptionally well.
Shortcoming
1. The problem of replacing large lithium batteries after their lifespan is exhausted, but large batteries all suffer from this problem. We will design a full line plan during installation, so there is no need to worry.
2. Household battery rarely experience fires and thermal runaway. However, for safety reasons, lithium batteries must only be installed in specific locations; Usually installed near solar inverters.
3. They need to be recycled and undergo pollution-free treatment. With the development of the market and the standardization of the industry, these will be arranged more comprehensively.
Lead-acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries have traditionally been used in off grid power systems, but they are currently not widely used.
Traditional lead-acid batteries are mainly used in automobiles, but they can also be applied to larger energy storage systems. This battery technology is already very mature and has been practically applied in home energy storage systems.
However, in recent years, attempts have been made to improve the performance of lead-acid batteries, but no breakthrough has been made compared to the advantages of lithium-ion batteries. And with the continuous development of new battery technologies, its market share is gradually being divided.
Advantage
They are relatively cheap in price.
2. Due to a sufficiently mature market process, there is a complete warranty and recovery process.
Shortcoming
1. It is bulky and requires more space for installation and placement than equivalent lithium-ion batteries.
2. It is sensitive to high ambient temperatures, which can affect its applicable regional environment and shorten its service life in high-temperature environments.
3. Slow charging cycle.
4. Regular maintenance is required.
It can be compared that lithium batteries have advantages such as relatively small space requirements, size advantages, low maintenance costs for battery health, and longer warranty periods during after-sales service.
At the same time, 24v lithium battery and 12v lithium ion battery are two types of lithium battery models that are particularly popular among residential users or outdoor users.
Other Emerging Technologies
Liquid flow batteries are generally used for larger energy storage applications, such as large-scale commercial and utility scale applications. It is one of the most ideal lithium ion alternatives.
Although it has not yet become popular as a household battery, the high safety of flow batteries makes them have potential in some specific household energy storage devices.
Considering the manufacturing cost and system difficulty, further technical support is needed for the popularization of flow batteries in the field of household energy storage.
Advantage
1. Excellent discharge depth (DoD).
The meaning of discharge depth is the amount of energy that can be safely used without accelerating battery degradation. It can discharge up to 100% of its capacity.
Most batteries need to maintain a certain level of charge to avoid damage. Lithium batteries can be safely discharged to around 80-90%. Lead acid batteries can usually discharge up to around 50-60%, while flow batteries perform well on this standard with no residual discharge and no power consumption over time.
2. It operates well in high ambient temperatures and has no fire hazards.
3. Relatively easy to recycle.
4. Its service life can last for more than 10 years.
Shortcoming
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, they are relatively expensive.
2. It cannot tolerate cold well (below 15 ° C).
3. It requires regular maintenance and warranty, which may result in temporary suspension of service.
Should You Purchase A Household Battery?
We can analyze and measure whether it is suitable for our own situation based on its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
There is still debate about whether the battery system will be cost-effective. Its high upfront cost and long investment return period mean that it is not a good investment project with short frequency, fast response, and high returns.
But as the electricity price of solar power grid (the score obtained by inputting excess solar energy into the grid) decreases, it actually begins to benefit the battery. For many people, expecting profits is not the main factor in purchasing batteries. There are many reasons why households invest in battery storage, from better and more economical ways of use to backup power sources in special situations.
Our clients will consider independent energy and freedom of use as reasonable factors. Batteries can significantly help reduce household energy dependence and accelerate the transition and development towards renewable energy power systems.
Disadvantage
As mentioned earlier, its investment cost may be relatively high in the early stage and there may be some complexity, such as the need for additional monitoring equipment to observe and use. At the same time, it will have certain environmental requirements and basically needs to be installed in an area that avoids direct sunlight.
What Size and Type of Battery Should You Purchase?
Before continuing to learn more, you should have some understanding of some basic concepts. The battery capacity is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), and most batteries are modular and can be combined, so satisfactory battery capacity designs can usually be obtained based on demand.
It is worth noting that the term used in lead-acid batteries is ampere hours (Ah), which is now largely replaced by kWh and has become a modern industry standard.
1. Understand the daily electricity consumption of households
The first thing you should know is how much electricity your household consumes in kilowatt hours on average within 24 hours, which will be easily calculated when purchasing.
Generally speaking, an ordinary household consumes approximately 20-30 kilowatt hours of electricity per day.
2. Consider the influence of seasonal temperature
In summer or winter, the average household’s electricity consumption may be higher or lower. This not only depends on the season, but more precisely on the climate and temperature of your location.
Another factor to consider is the electricity consumption during peak hours, which is usually the time when the electricity bill is highest, and the cost depends on the local power supply bureau.
Home Power Supply Mode
There are four main power supply methods to choose from in your home.
Grid connection (without solar energy)
This is the most primitive and basic setting, and the electricity used in your home comes from the main power grid. There is no solar cell equipment at home.
Grid connected solar energy (without battery)
It is currently a typical household configuration with solar panels in development. There is no home battery backup without solar in this system，and the working setting of the solar panel is to provide power during the day. Families usually use this type of electricity first, and seek help from the grid for additional electricity needed during days with insufficient sunlight, nighttime, and high electricity consumption.
Grid connected solar energy battery (also known as “hybrid” system)
This group includes solar panels, BESS, hybrid inverters (or possibly multiple inverters), and connections to the main grid. Solar panels provide electricity during the day, and households usually use solar energy first. The unused energy is used to charge the battery and store it.
During periods of high electricity consumption, or during extreme weather, nighttime, and days with insufficient sunlight, households obtain electricity from energy storage systems. Smart solar savings will help you have a better daily life.
Off grid
This type is not connected to the national power grid system and is usually used in remote areas where it is not possible to connect to the grid or installation costs are too high.
All of your household’s electricity comes from solar panels or other types of energy such as wind power. Batteries are the main power source and are only used at night and on days with insufficient sunlight. The last backup equipment is usually a diesel generator.
It is usually much more complex and expensive than grid connected systems, and also requires more solar energy storage, which requires battery capacity. It needs an inverter that can withstand high loads, as all usage relies on it, so peak demand needs to be considered. Houses that adopt off grid systems need to be equipped with high-quality energy-saving loads and undergo long-term management and maintenance.
Installation and Integration
Sizing and Capacity:
Regardless of the type of energy storage system, many factors need to be considered when determining components and selecting their sizes.
When designing a plan, the required size should be determined based on the homeowner’s energy needs and storage capacity, taking into account the size of the house, the household’s energy usage, and the average daily production of renewable energy in the local environment.
Installation Process:
The next step is to select the type of battery to be installed. This requires consideration of factors such as your budget, the expected lifespan of the ideal battery type, and maintenance needs. After determining the battery type, prepare the installation site. This will involve the size of the battery casing, preparation of electrical connections, and ensuring that there are no potential hazards during construction.
Integration with Renewable Energy Systems:
The final step in the installation process is to connect it to the power system. This involves installing a battery inverter that is compatible with home solar battery bank, which converts the DC stored in the battery into AC power that can be used in the household power system.
You can contact us to obtain design proposals and related quotations. At the same time, it is necessary to determine whether the price includes the cost of inverters and additional electrical work.
Financial Incentives and Considerations
Federal and State Incentives:
Some government subsidies or planning policies can provide certain economic compensation to some families in this regard.
However, it should be noted that it complies with policy terms, such as the Small Technology Certificate (STC) economic incentives for solar panel systems, which only apply to installed solar panels and not to batteries.
The government will also have some relevant loan plans for you to choose from.This also varies depending on your location and can be accessed on the local government website. These policy plans will be frequently revised, so it is also necessary to determine their timeliness and be sure to keep an eye on the available content in your region in real time.
Return on Investment:
The value it adds to energy storage systems is like a diamond that is forever passed down. Its return on investment is clearly a long-term feedback process, but once equipped, it is also a product that is regularly and frequently used, without considering depreciation.
At the same time, it will also provide more convenience in daily life.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular Maintenance:
No matter what type of battery, there will be a certain degree of wear and tear during use, which is inevitable, so regular maintenance and inspection are required.
These service terms will also be equipped during cooperation.
Warranty and Service Plans:
In principle, most types of solar cells can be used for 10 years or even longer without being affected by extreme temperatures during normal use. The most basic service is that the warranty period of the battery will be as long as its service life, which helps to improve the user experience for our customers. The warranty period for most models is 10 years.
Many consumers on websites have indicated that so far, most household battery have a good user experience, and some battery failure issues have been perfectly resolved by suppliers. The performance of the battery is expected.
If there is anything else you want to know, feel free to contact us at any time.
Conclusion
The main advantage of household battery is that they are products that are in line with market development and will not be phased out. At the same time, it is convenient for your life, reduces dependence on the power grid, and can also save you more electricity bills. It is a product that is used for a long time, and its energy storage and utilization are also very efficient.
This investment is very worthwhile.
