As is the case with comparing solar panels and inverters, when comparing solar batteries, there are a number of different technical specifications that differentiate one battery from another: power ratings, usable energy capacity, warranties throughput or cycles, start-up power, and the efficiency of the battery. Unlike solar panels and inverters, though, the stated efficiency of each battery is not necessarily directly comparable to the efficiency of other batteries. Here’s why:
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Tesla Battery Day: what you need to know
It’s rare that very technical demonstrations of technology and supply chain advancements manage to jump beyond industry and into the public consciousness. But as with all things Tesla, the announcement of the company’s Battery Day was met with significant hype beyond just the storage and electric vehicle industries, and with good reason: teasers in anticipation of the event seemed to indicate that Tesla had discovered a breakthrough in energy storage manufacturing that would reduce the price of batteries to the point that they could begin to produce and commercialize a truly affordable electric vehicle.
Continue readingLithium-ion vs. lead acid batteries
If you’re considering a home energy storage option, there are several types of batteries to choose from. In this article, we’ll compare two of the most common battery options paired with solar installations: lithium-ion and lead acid.
Continue readingThe SunPower Equinox Storage complete review
SunPower has always been known for its top-tier solar panels – now, they’re branching into the storage space. In 2019, the company launched their first home solar battery: the Equinox Storage system. This battery and software solution, when paired with a SunPower Equinox solar panel system, enables you to keep your lights on during power outages and manage your home’s electricity use.
Continue readingThe Electriq Power PowerPod home battery complete review
Electriq Power is a San Leandro, California-based energy storage company that designs and engineers its storage systems in the United States. Electriq’s flagship product, the PowerPod, includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, home energy management system, and an energy meter. In addition to offering backup power, the PowerPod System includes a smart home energy software, known as Electriq View, to manage your home’s electricity use and optimize energy efficiency.
Continue readingSaltwater batteries: what you need to know
Lithium-ion batteries dominate the energy storage market with their proven technology and continuously falling costs. Lithium-ion isn’t the only storage technology available, however: saltwater batteries are another option that has been around in some form for years now, and have the potential to impact the energy storage landscape in a big way in the coming years.
Continue readingAC vs. DC solar battery coupling: what you need to know
Solar batteries are becoming popular additions to solar energy projects of all scales. When it comes to the way your solar panels, batteries, and inverters are all wired together on your property, there are two main options: alternating current (AC) coupling and direct current (DC) coupling. Both AC and DC coupling have advantages and drawbacks that are dependent on the specifics of your solar plus storage installation.
Continue readingCEO’s note: Why I’m excited about the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide
We are very excited to release a brand-new online tool for the solar industry: the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide – a first of its kind tool to allow consumers to research, compare and evaluate the price and quality of solar panels, inverters and batteries. To introduce you to our new product, I would like to give you some context for why we built the Buyer’s Guide and describe how we anticipate solar shoppers and industry stakeholders alike to use it.
Continue readingAnnouncing the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide
We at EnergySage are very excited to introduce to you our newest online, educational tool: the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide. Launched earlier this month, the Buyer’s Guide is a first-of-its-kind educational tool for researching and comparing different solar equipment. As a part of the product release announcement, we want to provide an explanation of what the Buyer’s Guide is, describe how you can use it, and offer some ways you might find it useful.
Continue readingDeep cycle batteries overview: what you need to know
You are probably already familiar with a range of batteries–from the AAAs in your TV remote to the larger battery under the hood of your car that you hopefully rarely think about. Just as different types of batteries are most useful for different types of applications in your home, there is one type of battery that is ideal for being paired with solar energy systems: deep cycle batteries.
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