While switching to clean energy sources like solar power is an important step towards environmental preservation, it is not necessarily pocket friendly. Instead, installing solar PV panels requires a considerable investment, and the same goes for solar batteries. As a result, most people purchase the cheapest battery they can find.
But is that ever the right decision? Well, not really, because there’s a lot more you need to consider apart from solar battery price. This is crucial as you can otherwise end up with a solar battery that malfunctions within months or requires constant repairs. So, it is essential to be thorough, and here’s everything you must evaluate besides the solar battery price:
Image Courtesy: Luminous
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Solar Battery Technology
At present, solar batteries are classified based on their technology, which also affects the solar battery price. The three main options available in the market include flat-plate, tubular, and GEL technology. While flat-plate technology is not a popular option, GEL and tubular batteries are preferred by many. And out of the two, tubular solar batteries are considered more efficient, effective, and high quality. However, the choice largely depends on your unique power requirements and budget.
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The Capacity of the Solar Battery
A solar battery’s capacity is measured in Ampere Hour (Ah), and it determines the amount of power the battery can store. The capacity can be as low as 20 Ah or as high as 200 Ah; however, it largely depends on how much battery backup you require. Plus, you also need to consider the type of panels and inverter that the plant is using, as this will help avoid performance issues. You should also know that the higher the capacity, the higher the solar battery price.
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High-Temperature Performance
When buying a solar battery, it is crucial to choose one with high-temperature performance to avoid overheating, short circuits, and other safety hazards. This is all the more important if you live in India, as the summer months can get quite hot. Additionally, this feature also enhances battery life and performance; therefore, make sure that you invest in a solar battery that is suitable for extreme weather conditions.
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Low Maintenance Requirements
Like all other solar components, even solar batteries require some maintenance. However, since the process can be a bit tedious, it is ideal to buy a battery that requires low maintenance. The best way to determine this is to consider its topping frequency, which should at least be 8 to 10 months. This is an important factor to keep in mind apart from the solar battery price, especially if you don’t want to experience the hassles of battery maintenance.
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Extended Discharge Cycles
All solar batteries go through a discharge and self-discharge cycle to function efficiently. While the Depth of Discharge (DoD) varies from one solar battery to another, it is vital to choose one with long discharge cycles. This will ensure that your battery’s capacity is utilized properly, which will result in prolonged usage. Thus, you must ensure that the battery has a higher Depth of Discharge (DoD) when comparing solar battery prices.
Although this covers the main factors that you need to consider when purchasing a solar battery, it is also essential to evaluate safety features, purity, high corrosion resistance, and a compact design. Also, make sure you choose a battery with an extended warranty duration of at least 24 months so that you are covered against manufacturing defects. This does affect the solar battery price and is provided by manufacturers.
Lastly, it is best to purchase solar batteries from reliable and well-known brands like Luminous. You can visit their website to explore their range of high-performance and superior quality solar batteries. Even better, the solar battery prices are quite affordable, so be sure to check them out!
