Types of solar batteries

The two main types of battery technologies that are installed with residential solar systems are:

• Lead acid batteries
• Lithium ion batteries

Each battery has its own and special technology, and has a solar advantage to offer.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are the most commonly used and true technology of the solar battery world. These deep-cycle batteries have been used to store energy for a long time - since the 1859, and they’ve been popular because of their high reliability. There are two main types of lead acid batteries: flooded lead acid batteries and sealed lead acid batteries. 

Pros:

Lead acid batteries have a long life time since they’re based on a mature technology. They are the cheapest energy storage option, making them the most cost effective. Plus, because the technology has been around for years, they can be easily disposed of and recycled.

Cons:

Although flooded lead acid batteries are characterized by deep cycles and long lifetimes, but they still require ventilation and monitoring for the level of water in the electrolyte. Flooded lead acid batteries have a low depth of discharge (DoD), so they need to be charged more often.

Lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries are the modest energy storage technology. The development of solar vehicles enhanced the manufacturing of a new energy storage solution.

Pros    

Lithium Ion batteries requires fewer maintenance, they also have a higher battery energy density, meaning they can hold more energy in a smaller space than a lead acid battery. Lithium ion batteries have a longer lifespan.

Cons

One of the main disadvantages of Lithium is that this storage energy solution is still more expensive than lead acid batteries.