Batteries
used in household energy storage are usually made from one of three chemical
components: lead-acid, lithium-ion and brine. In most cases, lead-acid
batteries are the best choice for solar panel systems, although other battery
types can be more affordable.
Lead-acid
batteries are a tried-and-tested technology that has been used in off-grid
energy systems for decades. They have a relatively short life expectancy and a
low DOD compared to other battery types, and are one of the cheapest options
currently on the market for home energy storage. Lead acid may be a good choice
for homeowners who want to power off and need to install a large amount of
energy storage.
2 Lithium ion Battery
Most
new home energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion chemistry, take some
form. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more compact than lead-acid
batteries. Compared with lead-acid batteries, their DOD longer life and longer
life expectancy. However, lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than
lead-acid batteries.
3 Saltwater Battery
New
home energy storage industry is salt water batteries. Unlike other home energy
storage options, brine batteries do not contain heavy metals and rely instead
on brine electrolytes. Although batteries using heavy metals (including
lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries) require special handling, the
saltwater cells can be easily recycled. However, as a new technology, salt
water batteries are relatively untested. In 2017, Aquion, a manufacturer of
home solar cells, applied for bankruptcy.