posted on Sep, 30 2015 @ 05:27 PM
So, I am about to embark on a rather large solar project,...well, large for me anyway. The more I research on batteries the more confused I become.
I was hoping to find some folks who have used different batteries for solar energy storage, and their experiences good and bad.
The new tesla batter looked promising, except for the cost. They have 2 available. The 7 kW battery 3500.00, and 10w 5000.00.
The pros for me personally. Compact design, high effency, no maintenance, 10 year warranty with 10 more optional. The cons- the 10kw battery is not
designed for daily use. It's meant to be used like a generator for back up. The 7kw may be too small for what I need, which means I would have to get
2 7kw@ 7000.00 OUCH!
There is the more traditional approach of lead deep cycle batteries. They seem to need a lot of upkeep and monitoring to assure proper functioning,
and I think I would need a virtual boat load of them! I'm not sure of the shelf life and I'm afraid if I need quite a lot, I'll just have to
replace them maybe a couple of times, I'd rather once and done if possible.
More recently I found the nickel or Edison battery. I've heard some say they will last for 100 years, with a simple top off of electrolyte solution.
They are not very efficient after the first 5-7 years, maybe 15% or more loss, but will remain stable after that. That may mean an addition of
batteries or solar panels later on. Not sure how to compensate that. They are more expensive than lead less expensive than tesla.
I believe by the end of the year, a researcher from MIT is about to begin production on a salt water battery. Very environmentally safe, very
efficient. I would be a little afraid to be a Guinea pig, especially when I feel so ill informed on the topic, and I'm afraid to contact the company,
as I don't want to be SOLD a product, I just want the truth and facts so I can make a good decision.
If there's anyone out there that has any real life information, or experience on any option above, or something I haven't heard of yet, I appreciate
your input and dialogue.
Oh...a bit of information, I think I'm looking at 10 kW of solar, and I have about 600 sqft of roof space to work with. Hoping to have this project
completed by this time next year.
Thank you!