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Generally, a battery can be connected to a solar module but with the help of a solar charge controller, which enables the batteries with a different voltage to work with solar panels that also have a different voltage. A solar charge controller could either be a PWM controller or an MPPT controller. Pulse Width Modulation or PWM controllers function as a switch that connects a solar array to a battery. It's simply flicked on during the process, wherein the voltage of the solar panel is reduced to a level similar to that of the battery's and slowly lowers the amount of power generated as the batteries get closer to being fully charged. Maximum Power Point Tracking or MPPT is usually considered as the more efficient type. It works like a conventional DC-DC controller by dropping the panel's voltage to match the battery and increasing the current at the same time. It then monitors the maximum power point of the panel then adjusts the input voltage of the DC-DC converter for optimum use of energy.
Contrary to most assumptions, connection a solar panel to a lithium battery or LiFEPO4 is easy and takes only a few steps. First, connect your battery and solar controller. Never attach the solar panel first since this may damage your module. When connecting a battery to a solar charge controller, it's important to use the appropriate fuse and pay attention to the polarity. Remember that plus connects to plus clamps and minus to minus. When you have successfully connected the controller to the battery, the controller will display the battery voltage. Now you can connect the panel.
Also, note that every controller has a maximum input voltage. For example, 100V controllers are suitable for connecting a maximum of two solar panels in series while a 150V controller can connect up to three. Finally, you can plug in the portable appliance that has the same voltage as the battery or an inverter if you need to charge larger household appliances. Those who want a little extra convenience can also attach an external display to the connector. This will show you a lot of useful metrics such as the battery voltage, voltage of solar panels, and the electric current supplied by the solar panels.
While lead-acid batteries cost less and used to dominate the battery market before, the best lithium battery for solar application is the Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFEPO4. Built with newer technology, these batteries last longer, require minimal maintenance and can be put through deeper cycles. Lithium batteries can handle discharges of up to 80% or more for higher usable capacity, compared to lead-acid batteries which should only be run to 50% depth of discharge. LiFEPO4 can be a lot pricier than lead-acid batteries, but are extra efficient, meaning you can spend less kilowatt-hour of capacity over the lifespan of the battery. On average, lead-acid batteries need to be replaced thrice over a 10-year period, which is already the entire lifespan of a single lithium battery. Despite this, you should still keep in mind that your battery performance may be affected by a lot of factors including discharge depth, temperature, system design, and maintenance.
Solar-powered lithium batteries last between 5 to 15 years with proper care and usage. Usually, usage is the first thing that determines the lifespan of a battery. Fortunately, most solar batteries are deep-cycle batteries that allow them to discharge up to 80% of their stored energy before needing a recharge. One way to extend your battery's lifespan is to follow the manufacturer's recommended depth of discharge of DoD. DoD is the percentage of your battery's stored energy that you use. Another thing, when storing your battery, considering the temperature of your storage system is crucial as well since battery units are recommended to be kept at an optimal temperature to maximise both its life and efficiency.
Get to know more about the best LiFEPO4 and solar panels available online at Outbax. Specialising in camping equipment, portable power sources, and leisure items, we have an entire range of everything you need to power your next outdoor adventure. Check out our batteries, solar panel types like flexible solar panels, solar blankets, and solar shingles. We also have inverter generators, power stations, and even solar panel accessories for sale. Outbax is like your one-stop shop for all your camping essentials plus, we have a team of experts to assist you from choosing the best product up to maintenance questions after your purchase.