Lead acid batteries for solar energy storage are called “deep cycle batteries.” Different types of lead acid batteries include flooded lead acid, which require regular maintenance, and sealed lead acid, which don't require maintenance but cost more.
Here's why many people think lead-acid batteries are a better deal: You get ~20 kWh of capacity for around $5,000 with typical deep-cycle marine-grade or AGM lead-acid batteries, but say, only ~10 kWh for around $4,000 with high-quality lithium ones. But we must look beyond the nominal dollar per kWh. All batteries die.
A bank of sealed lead acid batteries. Instead, they use one of two methods to keep nearly all the water present in the electrolyte inside the battery body—either by adding absorbent fiberglass separators between the positive and negative plates or by turning the electrolyte into a gel.
Lead acid batteries are proven energy storage technology, but they're relatively big and heavy for how much energy they can store. Deep cycle lithium ion batteries are more expensive than nearly all lead acid batteries, but are much more compact and maintenance-free.
PDF version includes complete article with source references.
Get technical specifications, application guides, and ROI analysis tools for containerized microgrid solutions, mobile energy storage containers, and portable power systems.
15 Industrialna Street, Włochy District
Warsaw, Poland 02-492
Sales & General: +48 22 824 4067
Technical Support: +48 607 809 270
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CET
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM CET