Energy, as we know, cannot be created nor destroyed but can be converted from one form to another. Of all the forms of energy, electrical energy is widely popular because of its wide versatility and ease of conversion to other forms of energy.
Its major drawback, however, is that it must be utilized once generated. This, therefore, gave rise to the development of energy storage systems. Some other factors that led to this development are rising crude oil prices and worldwide awareness of environmental issues.
Solar systems comprise of devices and equipment that work together to convert radiant energy from the Sun to electrical energy and control its storage and distribution.
The battery stands out as one of the key components of solar systems. Other components are the Charge Controller, Solar Panels, Batteries, Inverters etc.
An electric battery is a device that converts the chemical energy contained in its active materials directly into electrical energy by means of an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction.
Other energy storage devices/means are:
- A wind-up clock which stores potential energy (mechanical energy, in spring tension)
- A hydroelectric dam stores energy in a reservoir as gravitational potential energy.
- Fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline which stores ancient energy derived from sunlight by organisms that later died became buried and over time were then converted into these fuels.
- Food which stores energy in chemical form.
The battery is one of the most attractive energy storage systems because of its high efficiency and low pollution.
There are several kinds of batteries currently being used in industry.
- Lead-acid battery
- Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery
- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery
- Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Battery.
Some advantages of using a battery as a means of energy storage are;
- A high working cell voltage
- Low pollution
- Low self–discharge rate.
- High power density, and
- High energy conversion efficiencies.
Batteries also have a wide application. Some common applications are its usage in portable utilities, hybrid electric vehicles, and industrial application.
Batteries can either be rechargeable or non-rechargeable.
Rechargeable batteries have a lower total cost of use and environmental impact than disposable batteries. They have an initial high cost but can be recharged very cheaply and used many times. These batteries are used in both high and low drain applications.
Solar systems make use of rechargeable batteries for storage of the electrical energy generated from the solar panels. They ensure electric power is available for use when there is no more sunlight.
Some popular brands of batteries are Sukam, Luminous, Bluegate etc.
The overall lifespan of any solar system is dependent on the level of maintenance of your bank of batteries.
