Batteries have long been used to power electrical devices like table lamps, remote control systems, torches, etc. With the growing use of solar panels, batteries have become all the more important. Solar photovoltaics harness the Sun’s energy to create chemical energy, and this chemical energy must be stored in batteries.
Table of Contents
Some Popular Types Of Solar Batteries
Most of the solar insolation on Earth is not tapped properly. The widespread use of solar batteries has made it possible to tap and utilize solar energy. However, not all solar batteries are the same, and there are different types of solar batteries. And two of the most popular ones have been discussed in this blog post.
Lead Acid Solar Batteries
Lead acid batteries have been used since the early nineteenth century but now solar power is being harnessed using such setups. As the name suggests, these batteries make use of lead and a strong acid to generate an electrochemical reaction.
These setups are quite affordable, and this is one of the biggest reasons why most industries choose these as their first option. Another major advantage of this type of battery is the ease of disposal.
Moreover, if you purchase a sealed battery, you do not have to worry about maintenance as the sealed ones are quite safe and easy to use.
The only major disadvantage of using these batteries is that they are quite bulky. The size is a major impediment as the transportation cost for the battery adds significantly to the overall costs of the user.
Nickel Cadmium Solar Batteries
These are reachable batteries that use nickel oxide or hydroxide and metallic cadmium as the two opposite electrodes. The major advantage of nickel-cadmium batteries over lead-acid batteries is that they are much more compact. The small size makes it easy to transport them.
Another advantage of nickel-cadmium batteries is that they work well in extreme temperatures. The regions that receive high amounts of solar light(tropical countries) are ideal for harnessing solar energy. Hence, the ability of nickel-cadmium solar cells to operate under extreme conditions is a major advantage.
Nickel-cadmium solar batteries only have one major disadvantage, which is the toxicity of cadmium. Breathing high levels of cadmium is known to damage the lungs, and it can even cause death. So, in case of any leakage, cadmium exposure can be lethal to people.
Conclusion
With recent technical advancements, solar cells have improved features like the use of perskovite to reduce the loss of captured energy. Modern solar panels and battery setups are revolutionizing the way in which electricity is produced in industrial establishments and for residential purposes alike.
Apart from the two types of batteries discussed above, there are other types of solar batteries. For instance, there are flow batteries that use water-based electrolytes, there are lithium-ion batteries etc. Each type of solar battery has its own set of pros and cons, so knowing about each type makes a buyer prudent.