Solar bundle vs standalone
Are you looking to install solar panels and a battery together or install the battery at a later date? Many retailers and providers offer bundled packages that can reduce the total cost of your solar battery setup.
However, batteries can easily be installed at a later date. If you may potentially get solar batteries in the future, you can set aside space for these additions now in order to streamline installation.
Outdoor or indoor solar battery installation?
Where your battery can be installed will be determined by the type of battery you choose, the available space, and the presence of electrical connections. Some solar batteries are designed to be installed inside while others may be rated for outdoor use. Outdoor solar batteries will generally come with a weatherproof enclosure to protect them from the elements.
Here are some quick tips for your solar battery setup:
Type of solar battery
There are three primary varieties of solar batteries available for residential installation. We’ve touched on how they work and their efficiency in a previous blog. Let’s now take a look at some of the physical attributes that may affect battery choice and solar battery installation cost.
Lead acid solar batteries
WLead acid batteries are bulkier and heavier than their lithium-ion and flow counterparts, and generally have to be installed on the ground. Ventilation is also an important factor as some lead acid batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging. For that reason, lead-acid batteries are usually installed outside or in garages/storage areas. Lead acid units are popular with off-grid systems.
Lithium-ion solar batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are compact and lightweight, able to be mounted onto walls without difficulty. While they are more expensive than lead acid varieties, the smaller size and ease of installation make them a popular choice. This is especially true if you are considering adding multiple solar battery modules.
Lithium-ion solar battery installation is usually performed in a well-ventilated garage or utility room in order to maintain proper airflow and temperature regulation.
Flow solar batteries
Flow batteries are one of the newest developments in residential solar storage. Featuring a compact and modular design, flow batteries can be scaled to meet a wide variety of energy needs. Flow batteries operate in temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for hotter parts of Australia. However, they are still quite expensive and fairly heavy, which limits viability.
Solar battery installation
Once you’ve assessed the types of batteries and chosen a suitable space for installation, it’s time to get your system set up. When performed by reliable and approved solar installers, such as the CEC-approved Solar System, battery installation should take approximately 1-2 days.
The solar battery installation cost varies from installer to installer and will depend on a variety of factors including the size of the installation. The highly-trained assessors at Solar System can provide you with a quote as part of your free no-obligation assessment.
For more information, reach out to the friendly Solar System team on 1800 975 270 or email us at [email protected].