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Since the use of solar energy is gaining popularity lately, homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts are gradually switching to the use of solar panels as well. One of the things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your solar panels is to partner them with a reliable solar battery. As we all know, this kind of battery stores energy generated by the solar panels from the sun and makes them available upon demand. This is why they are also referred to as solar panel battery storage or sometimes as solar power banks.
For households, pairing solar panels with solar batteries can help reduce your monthly electricity bills while for outdoor lovers, this kind of camping battery setup will allow them to camp out in off-grid locations with a lesser crowd while still keeping their campsite nicely powered. Of course, if you're opting for this kind of power source, you need to use a solar charge controller too. This is to make sure that the energy that goes into your battery is regulated. However, while solar batteries are great, some are still hesitant to go for them because of the price. It's common knowledge that these batteries can be pricey, especially if you're using them for residential applications such as the Tesla Powerwall series which start at around $8,500.
How Much Are Solar Batteries?
In 2022, solar power batteries for homes fall at an average of $7,000 to $14,000. On top of this, you're likely to pay for installation costs too. If you're after portable batteries, you can go for solar lithium batteries, such as LiFePO4. Lithium solar panel battery prices start somewhere around $1,000 and above depending on the capacity and additional features. These batteries also work well compared to their lead-acid counterparts because of their integrated battery management system (BMS), increased efficiency, and safe, incombustible structure.
If you want an idea of how much a solar panel battery will cost you, it will be helpful to know the factors that affect its price first. Number one of these is your battery's manufacturer. The more well-known your power pack's brand is, the more likely it is to retail at a higher price. This is also because different brands have different manufacturing processes and additional services. Your battery's chemistry also plays a huge role in pricing. If you want the best and safest one, better opt for lithium iron phosphate batteries or LiFePO4. Yes, these are more expensive and there are other cheaper alternatives but when it comes to long term quality, you'll actually be saving more if you invest in a good battery in the first place. It will save you from having to buy a new one every few years and reduces safety risks and appliance damage as well.
Of course, the number of batteries you need to install is another determining factor. Most of the time, power outages would require at least two solar power batteries to cover your energy needs and provide a bit of backup for some circuits too. Make sure that you have an accurate idea of how many solar panels you will need for the type of setup you're planning to install. You can have a good estimate of this by determining how many kWh of energy you usually use and comparing it against the capacity of the battery you're eyeing. Also, take note of how long you'll be running each appliance and which ones you'll be powering simultaneously.
Can I Use a Car Battery For Solar Panel?
Using car batteries for your solar panels is possible, but not recommended. The main issue here is that car batteries are not made for deep discharges. Often, they can be discharged up to 50% only, which is definitely not enough to power your electronic devices. These have a shorter lifespan too, and would not make a good long-term investment. Additionally, car batteries fall under the Start Light Ignite (SLI) category, meaning they provide short concentrated bursts of power suited for kickstarting engines instead of powering equipment for an extended period of time. Lithium batteries will still fare better, especially if they are lithium deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are designed to supply stable power even at 80% discharge level, perfect for use as an off-grid battery.
More from Outbax
If you really want to opt for solar panel batteries and save a bit at the same time, try getting your power pack from Outbax. We have some of the most affordable and best solar batteries in Australia. Just browse through our lithium battery range and choose among our standard LiFePO4, 12V lithium batteries, and even slimline lithium batteries. You can even get your solar panels here! We also have a variety of them available—RV solar panels, portable solar panels, fixed solar panels, and even solar panel kits for a little convenience during installation. Our solar kits usually come with solar panel accessories such as solar regulators, mounting brackets, or cables. Sounds awesome? Wait until you explore more of Outbax's camping gear. We have inverter generators and even air mattresses to keep you comfy outdoors too!