Solar panel systems and solar industry is one of the most rapidly growing industry, and according to TIME magazine solar power generation would boost 16 times by 2040, and the global value of the market will soar to 422 billion USD by 2022 an estimate by statista.
A stadium powered completely by solar cells in Taiwan. via landmarkdividend
In our previous SUAOKI blog, we explained how you could use a solar cell to directly run your appliances without the need for installing a battery bank. However, in general, it is not a good idea to run a solar panel system without an energy storage system in the form of battery banks. If you are wondering why? Here is your answer: as sunshine and its intensity changes throughout the day, affected by clouds hovering around, solar panels can instantaneously change the generated power and voltage by significant margins. This uncertainty inflowing energy is not safe for your electrical devices, as you always run the risk of damaging them, and of course, we don’t want to burn our appliances, right? So, although you can run your devices directly from a solar PV cell, it is not recommended to do so. The solution is to install solar batteries! yes, we know they are expensive, but they are your solution for safe, stable and round the clock energy supply even when the sun is down.
Solar-powered home. via patch
Is a solar battery worth the investment?
Panda shaped solar farm in China. via electric
Although your decision to include a solar battery pack to your PV system drastically depends on how and for what will you use the renewable energy system for and how your budget, however, for the long run and the safety of your appliance, it is strongly advised to install a battery bank to your system.
Solar power system without a solar battery
A solar system without solar battery provides energy that is directly dependent on the available radiation of the sun at any given time in a day. On a cloudy day, because of the continuously changing radiation of the sun, the voltage of the generated electricity from PV cells alters drastically which may lead to damaging your appliance (and then, of course, you have to spend extra $$ to fix them or buy new ones).
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Another the disadvantage of a system without solar battery is that you can only receive free energy during the daytime. You have to rely on the local grid for night-time electric power needs and for days when there is no sunlight, which is another limitation if you are planning to go off the grid.
Solar power system with a solar battery
Average solar consumption day. via energysage
Besides, solar battery banks give you constant voltage and current. The stable supply of power from the storage battery bank is reliable and safe for your appliances. With a solar power battery system, you will have peace of mind that you are not going to run out of power, and it will also come handy as backup power if there is a power outage in your area.
Conclusion
So if you just want to use your solar-generated electricity occasionally and as a secondary option, for example, to power up some of your electrical devices on your boat or yacht, or use it at your home to run some machines for a couple of hours during the daytime only, etc. then you do not necessarily need storage batteries. In this case, you can use the energy from the solar panels directly but with an addition of a regulator to control the amount of voltage and the current flowing to your devices.
On the other hand, if you want to get off the grid entirely, and do not want to risk your appliance being damaged by the fluctuating voltages, then you definitely need storage batteries. However, you have to have A significant budget to be able to afford a solar battery bank.
A solar farm on a lake. via HuffingtonPost
If you still have any questions, please do leave us a comment below and we will help you with your queries.