What Type of Battery is Best for Energy Storage?

2023-05-09 00:00

Battery energy storage technologies has played an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands.

Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when customers need power most.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the dominant storage technology for large scale plants to help electricity grids ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy.

How exactly does a battery storage system work?

Battery energy storage systems are considerably more advanced than the batteries you keep in your kitchen drawer or insert in your children’s toys. A battery storage system can be charged by electricity generated from renewable energy, like wind and solar power.

Intelligent battery software uses algorithms to coordinate energy production and computerised control systems are used to decide when to keep the energy to provide reserves or release it to the grid. Energy is released from the battery storage system during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing.

Types of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are differentiated by their chemical composition. Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are the two most popular types.

Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries have been around for many years. They take longer to charge and have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion options. They’re also bulkier and heavier. Lead-acid batteries have become more popular for off-grid systems than residential installations.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion varieties are the most common type of solar battery, with Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) being the most popular. NMC batteries have older technology but are more widely used. They provide ample power but are smaller in size. NMC batteries also contain cobalt, which makes them hard to recycle.

LFP batteries are eco-friendly. They have new technology that provides a longer lifespan and better efficiency than NMC varieties.