Solar batteries have become a popular addition to both on-grid and off-grid solar power systems in recent years. As these batteries become more affordable, reliable, and efficient, more and more people are finding out the benefits of adding them to their solar setup. But how do you know if you really need solar batteries? How many batteries would you need to add to your system? Which type of battery is best? Keep reading to learn more about solar batteries and how to add an Victron AGM battery to your system.

 

Are Solar Batteries Required?

Let’s start with a basic (but very important) question: Do you actually need to add a solar battery to your system? Well, that depends on what type of system you have. If you have an off-grid system, then yes, you definitely need a backup power source, and solar batteries are much more reliable and sustainable than a generator alone. Without backup power, you’ll only have electricity in your home when the sun is shining.

 

If you have a solar power system tied to a city electrical grid, then the answer is no, you don’t need solar batteries—but you might want them anyways. Adding batteries to a grid-tied system reduces your dependence on the grid, allows you to take advantage of peak shaving to further reduce your electricity costs, and allows you to keep the lights on in the event of a power outage.

victron agm deep cycle battery

What Types of Solar Batteries Are There?

There are several types of solar batteries out there, and if you’re new to the solar game, you might have a hard time navigating the different types and determining which is best for you. Here’s a quick breakdown that might help:

 

  • Flooded lead acid – These are the cheapest option, but they also require the most maintenance. You’ll need to keep topping off their fluid levels monthly, and ensure that they’re well ventilated since they produce gases.
  • Sealed lead acid – This includes both absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel batteries. They’re more expensive than flooded batteries, but have a longer lifecycle and are still relatively inexpensive. They do charge slowly though, and typically don’t have the highest efficiency.
  • Lithium iron phosphate – While more expensive than the other two options, lithium iron phosphate batteries have zero maintenance and a very long lifespan. They’re lightweight, compact, and recharge quickly. Additionally, they have a higher depth of discharge, which means you can get more power out of each battery.

 

While this is not a comprehensive breakdown, hopefully it can give you an idea of how these battery types differ.

 

How to Add a Battery to Your System

Adding a solar battery to your solar power system is relatively simple, especially if you’re including those batteries in your initial system design. When included at the same time the rest of the equipment is installed, your batteries can be easily hooked up to a compatible inverter for optimum efficiency. If you’re upgrading and adding an AGM deep cycle battery to your existing system, we recommend you contact our solar experts at The PowerStore, Inc., for assistance in making the upgrade.