What Size Solar Battery Does My Business Need?

Solar energy has emerged as a practical and environmentally responsible choice for supplying electricity to commercial activities in a time when sustainability and environmental awareness are at the forefront of company decisions. The regular use of solar batteries in conjunction with solar panels is a well-known strategy.

For usage at night or on overcast days, these batteries store the extra solar energy that is produced throughout the day. Choosing the ideal solar battery size for your company can be challenging, though.

Large Solar Batteries vs Small Solar Batteries

Large solar batteries and small solar batteries ability to store energy would be decides on where you would like to use them.

A larger system can contain hundreds of kWh or more, whereas smaller commercial battery systems can only store about 10kWh (kilowatt hours, the unit of measurement for energy capacity).

Considering that many modern battery systems are modular, you can start with a lower capacity and expand to it as necessary.

Small solar batteries are better suitable for businesses with lower energy needs or as an affordable starting point into solar battery storage.

What Determines the Size of Your Solar Battery?

Several key factors influence the size of the solar battery your business needs:

Business Size

The size of your business plays a significant role in determining the size of your solar battery. Larger businesses with more extensive energy demands will naturally require larger batteries to sustain their operations during non-sunlight hours.

Consider the square footage of your commercial space and the number of electrical appliances and machines you use.

Energy Usage

Understanding your business's energy consumption is crucial. This involves calculating the daily energy requirements of your equipment, lighting, HVAC systems, and other electrical loads. Analysing your energy bills can provide valuable insights into your energy usage patterns, helping you size your solar battery appropriately.

What you want the battery to do

The use case for the battery is really key.  Increasing the use of any onsite renewable energy generation is one use case, and the battery size can be modelled to increase this.  Note that you will lose any revenue associated with exporting any excess electricity to the grid for this use case.  Other use cases can include providing backup power in the event of a power cut – consideration needs to be made for the likely maximum power required, consumption of electricity and the time period you will need that level of power for.

A larger battery might be required in places with less sunlight to give a constant power source.

What's The Typical Lifespan of a Solar Battery?

When choosing a solar battery, longevity is an important factor to consider. Solar batteries on average last 10 to 15 years.

Your battery will last longer if you use it correctly, follow manufacture instructions and take care of the battery. When analysing the costs of installing solar batteries, you need to add the expense of replacement to your final figures.

Can Solar Batteries Be Used to Charge an Electric Car?

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) may be charged using solar batteries. For companies wishing to fully incorporate renewable energy sources, this is a viable choice

You may operate your electric cars on renewable energy while reducing your running costs and carbon footprint by connecting your solar battery to your EV charging station.

What Are the Different Types of Solar Batteries Available?

There are different types of solar batteries, and each has particular qualities:

Lead Acid Batteries

One of the oldest and most economical battery kinds is lead-acid. They have a shorter lifespan than other options and are better suited for smaller-scale applications.

Saltwater Batteries

Like any energy reserve, saltwater batteries store electricity for later use. This battery differs from lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries on the market due to its unusual chemistry.

These batteries capture, store, and discharge energy using a liquid saltwater solution.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These charge in less time and take longer to discharge. They do have a higher energy density, no memory effect and will lose virtually no charge when they aren’t in use.

The ideal size of solar battery for your business must be decided after carefully analysing your energy needs, business size, and solar potential. Your choice could significantly affect your energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term operational expenses. Speaking with solar energy experts and doing a full energy audit will help you make a more informed decision. This choice should be consistent with both your environmental and business objectives. Utilising solar energy and energy storage is an investment in the future of both your company and sustainability.