Lead-acid Batteries for Solar Energy Storage in Homes Using: a discussion with Maxworld Technologies

By Staff of Maxworld Technologies on November 12, 2022

Lead acid batteries are one of the most often provided product alternatives in residential solar energy storage systems and are typically the most economical. Lead acid batteries have been applied in a lot of off-grid and stand-alone power systems for decades. What are the various lead acid battery types, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each for solar storage at home?

We requested comments from the professional lead acid and lithium-ion battery manufacturer Maxworld Technologies on the various applications of this tried-and-true battery technology.

Q1: What benefits can lead acid batteries offer for use in home energy storage systems?

Since many years ago, lead acid batteries have been used in a great number of applications. The most important characteristics of domestic energy storage applications are tested dependability, tested safety, and reduced initial costs.

Q2: What are some of the biggest disadvantages of lead acid batteries?

The battery’s longevity may be negatively impacted if it is used improperly. In order to ensure proper charging and discharging methods, it is crucial that the installer or manufacturer select the appropriate parameters.

Q3: What are the pros and cons of the various varieties of lead acid batteries?

The three battery types that are most frequently used are gel, flooded, and absorbent glass mat (AGM). The performance of each of these battery types is summarized in the table below, along with a comparison to lithium-ion batteries. Best-case usage situations are represented by the information in the table.

Q4: Which battery chemistries are the main rivals to lead acid batteries? What are their comparative benefits and drawbacks?

Lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) is undoubtedly the material that everyone is talking about right now. Its benefits include being lightweight, small, and able to discharge and charge at a high pace. The drawback of this technology is that it currently lacks long-term reliability and frequently has prohibitive upfront costs.

Other battery technologies, such as saltwater, lithium sulfur, or flow batteries, are very intriguing, but there are currently questions about their cost, long-term viability, industry support, and market acceptance.

Q5: What is the most compelling justification for setting up a lead acid battery storage system?

Dependability and cost.

The only battery types with a history dating back several decades are lead acid batteries. As a sector, we are able to provide very accurate estimates of how these batteries will operate, how long they will last, and how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) the consumer will be able to use.

It makes it logical to select a battery that has been shown to be effective in real-world situations because battery storage systems are often expected to last 5 to 15 years. Then, after 5 to 15 years, you could switch to other batteries that will already have a solid track record by that time.

A lead acid battery storage system has a significantly lower initial cost than any of its rivals, but in 5 to 15 years, other technologies will likely be able to match it. It could be time-switching at that moment.

Q6: How crucial is maintenance in extending the lifespan of lead-acid batteries?

The ideal lead acid battery to choose is one that only needs its terminals cleaned for maintenance. While there are many products on the market that provide this, our Giant Power batteries don’t need any kind of maintenance.

Q7: What other elements affect a lead acid battery bank's lifespan?

The most crucial aspect is how the batteries are used. The number of cycles (full charges/discharges) you get out of the battery depends on how much of a full 100% you actually use. The lifespan can be affected both favorably and unfavorably depending on a number of factors, including internal characteristics like temperature and the time it takes to charge or discharge.

Q8: What is a crucial fact concerning lead acid batteries that many people don't know?

The findings of tests are not necessarily the most reliable source of statistics. They are often an excellent place to start, but they are controlled experiments. Never stop looking for real-world experience. Any battery, whether lead acid or not, will behave differently in a lab compared to your garage. Choose the product with a proven track record in the real world over something that might only seem fantastic in a lab.