The Top 5 Practical Questions We Get Asked About Battery ...

06 Jan.,2025

 

The Top 5 Practical Questions We Get Asked About Battery ...

As interests for renewable energy solutions continues to grow, battery storage has become a popular topic in the energy sector. As covered in part 1, by combining solar with batteries, businesses can enhance their energy efficiency, reduce reliance on the grid, and optimise their energy usage.
In this article, we're diving deeper into the world of battery storage by addressing the top 5 practical questions we frequently encounter.

1. How Does Commercial Battery Storage Work?

Commercial battery storage takes electrical energy from the grid or solar panels and stores it as chemical energy in batteries. This stored energy can be discharged back into the electrical system when required, providing businesses with greater flexibility and control over their energy usage.

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Essentially, the battery is connected to the facility's switchboard. The power from the switchboard, whether from solar panels or the grid, is directed to the battery inverter, which converts it to DC power for storage in the battery cells. When the energy is needed, the process is reversed, and the DC power is converted back to AC power before being fed back into the switchboard to power the facility.


2. What is the lifespan of a commercial battery?

The lifespan of commercial batteries depends on various factors, such as battery chemistry, usage patterns, and maintenance practices. Generally, lithium-ion batteries can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Their longevity is attributed to efficient cycling, averaging up to 10,000 lifetime cycles. In contrast, lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting between 500 to 1,200 cycles.

Battery warranties are often indicative of their expected lifespan, as they typically specify the number of cycles and calendar years. Lithium-ion batteries usually come with a 10-year warranty. In our experience, it is advisable to plan for a battery changeover around the 12th year. This approach allows for an additional two to three years of use after the manufacturer's warranty coverage before replacement is necessary.

3. What Configuration of Commercial Battery Storage Should Suit My Needs?

The versatility of commercial battery storage is evident in its various configurations, tailored to suit different energy needs. Four common configurations are:

  • Simple battery storage: This is the most basic configuration for connecting a battery to your site. The battery will charge using your site's electrical supply (grid energy) during off-peak or low-rate times and discharge through peak or high-rate times.
  • Hybrid Systems: These systems combine solar panels and battery storage with the grid, creating a dynamic synergy. During periods of ample sunlight, excess energy is stored in the batteries, ready to be tapped into during nighttime loads or peak demand periods.
  • Backup Capability: Battery storage can serve as an emergency power source during grid outages, ensuring critical operations continue uninterrupted. This capability is especially valuable for businesses where even momentary power disruptions can result in significant financial losses.
  • Off-Grid Systems: Off-grid configurations are deployed in locations where connecting to the main electrical grid is either impractical or cost-prohibitive. Commercial entities, particularly in remote areas, can rely entirely on battery storage or a combination of renewable energy sources, such as solar and bio-diesel or waste-to-energy generators, to deliver 100% of their energy consumption.

4. How Much Space Will I Need for Battery System?

When considering commercial battery storage systems, space is a crucial factor to take into account. Generally, a commercial battery has a compact design resembling a tall fridge. For instance, a 100-kilowatt-hour storage capacity would occupy a space of approximately two meters in height, one meter in width, and one meter in depth.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in commercial applications, offer several advantages contributing to their space efficiency. These batteries have a wide temperature operating range, typically between 0°C to 38°C, making them suitable for outdoor installations.

Moreover, lithium-ion systems are more energy-dense than lead-acid batteries. Energy density refers to the amount of energy (measured in kilowatt-hours) that a battery can store per unit of weight. So, a battery with a higher energy density&#;able to store more energy per unit of weight&#;will occupy less space while delivering the same or even greater energy storage capacity, making them ideal for commercial setups with limited space availability.

5. What Risks Need to Be Minimised?

As with any technology, there are various safety considerations that should not be overlooked. The following risks should be addressed when considering a battery storage system:


  • Weather Damages: Outdoor installations are susceptible to harsh weather conditions like hail, flooding, heatwaves, or fire. Proper design and testing are necessary to ensure batteries can withstand such elements. For example, additional cooling measures may be necessary if your site is located in hotter climates.
  • Overheating: Batteries being a lithium chemistry, typically can burn very hot and very long during charging and discharging processes. If they also misbehave electrically, it could cause issues on the site in terms of breakers tripping or harmonics or things not happening the way they should. Proper ventilation, thermal management systems, and monitoring of battery temperature can prevent overheating and ensure safe operation.
  • Overcharging: Overcharging can lead to battery degradation, reduced lifespan, and safety hazards. Implementing battery management systems with overcharge protection and following manufacturer guidelines for charging can prevent overcharging incidents.

So, Are Solar Batteries Right for You Now?

Commercial battery storage systems offer businesses a range of benefits, including energy optimisation, enhanced reliability, and reduced costs.

By capturing and storing excess solar energy, businesses can increase their energy independence and contribute to a more sustainable future. However, it's crucial for businesses to understand how commercial battery storage works, consider the lifespan of batteries and mitigate potential risks associated with storage.

By following proper guidelines for safe storage and maintenance, businesses can maximise the benefits of commercial battery storage and make informed decisions regarding the adoption of solar batteries.

The rise of solar module OEM and what it means ...

Over the past several years, multiple solar module manufacturers have shifted toward using original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make their modules (commonly called solar panels). The trend follows suit with manufacturers in many other industries from consumer electronics to apparel, who leverage the expertise of specialty manufacturers to maintain quality while the brand often focuses on service.

What is OEM?

An OEM is essentially a manufacturer that specializes in making specific products on behalf of brands. In the case of solar module companies, primary manufacturers are outsourcing the production of their solar panels to OEMs. 

The manufacturer still brands the product as its own, and ideally, monitors the manufacturing process to ensure the OEM maintains the level of quality that customers expect from the brand.

Are OEM solar modules right for your home?

For homeowners deciding to invest in a solar panel system, the use of OEMs raises some important questions. Does outsourcing the manufacturing impact the quality of the product or the service you can expect? And what factors should you consider as you evaluate different brands?

&#;As a homeowner, you want to know not only that the product you&#;re getting is the best, but that the brand and warranty that stands behind it is just as good,&#; says David Lopez, Group Sales Manager for Panasonic&#;s Western Territory.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit OEM commercial solar battery storage systems company.

That&#;s because solar panels are a long-term investment. Ideally, they last for decades with minimal maintenance and performance degradation. A little research into the warranty that your manufacturer provides, as well as the technology and quality control, can give you a lot of reassurance as you embark on your solar journey.

What does OEM mean for solar module companies?

The use of OEMs has been common across manufacturing by large, well-known for years. For instance, your iPhone is made by an OEM. Most likely, so are your TV, laptop, car stereo, air conditioner, and many other appliances .

Keeps costs low

Solar panel companies, including Panasonic, see several benefits from this strategy, and many positive effects for customers. Most notably, it can enable manufacturers to reduce their own costs as the OEM solar module manufacturers benefit from economies of scale in operating its factories, purchasing materials and hiring labor.

That allows the solar panel companies to keep costs to homeowners affordable, while still maintaining a high quality.

Speeds up the evolution of solar technology 

Lopez notes that outsourcing manufacturing offers other advantages that benefit manufacturers and homeowners alike. For example, by utilizing multiple OEMs, manufacturers can ensure that their products stay on the cutting edge of innovation. They don&#;t need to worry about a single factory becoming outdated&#;instead, they can leverage updates and innovations offered by their OEM partners.

OEM partnerships can also help manufacturers bring new products to market more quickly. &#;Without waiting, we can select the OEM that complies with our high quality standards, while also producing the latest and greatest technology,&#; Lopez says. Consumers end up with better solar panels that reflect the most recent developments in the industry as a result.

What&#;s more, by using OEMs, manufacturers can refocus on customer service and installer programs, providing an even higher level of care and guidance throughout the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the product.

What does OEM mean for homeowners?

Given that many solar panel manufacturers use OEMs, homeowners should do their homework on the solar panel brand. For leading brands like Panasonic, adopting this strategy allows them to focus on provide not only the best customer experience possible, but also a solar panel product that can keep up with the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. 

Evaluate these four factors to determine the quality of the product and service you&#;re purchasing:

Quality control

Evaluate what the manufacturer does to control the quality of its solar modules, whether they&#;re made by an OEM or not. Mukesh Sethi, Director of Panasonic&#;s Solar and Energy Storage Division, notes that Panasonic has its own extensive quality control program. &#;Before we choose an OEM partner, we&#;ve done extensive testing in-house,&#; he says.

That includes testing panel performance at ultra-high and low-temperatures to ensure they work, no matter the weather. Once you know that your solar module manufacturer requires its panels to meet stringent quality control standards, you know they&#;re prioritizing product quality&#;and they demand their OEMs to do the same.

Technology

Consider the history of the brand and whether the company has a legacy of innovative technology. Panasonic&#;s new EverVolt&#; solar panels, for instance, offer a low-temperature coefficient and higher module efficiency than many other products on the market. As a result, they produce more electricity to the home. &#;We know the OEM partners we&#;ve selected have the same commitment to quality, technology and great performance for our residential customers,&#; Sethi says.

Panasonic has also improved power output over time. EverVolt's low 8% degradation rate guarantees power output of at least 92% after 25 years&#;higher than the industry average and better than the 90.76% rate of their previous panels.

Customer service

A high-quality brand is going to stand behind its product. And the way companies do that is through their warranties. As you shop for solar panels, consider the warranties that companies provide &#; as well as their track record. For instance, Panasonic provides a 25-year warranty on performance, product and components, and labor when installed by an authorized installer.

&#;A solid warranty that you can trust shows a commitment to maintaining relationships with installers and homeowners, and to stand behind product quality over the long term,&#; Sethi says.

Not only is the Panasonic warranty one of the strongest warranties available, but the company has been in business for more than 100 years. That&#;s important because you want to be sure that if you do have an issue down the line, the company is around to address it. A Panasonic OEM model assures continued service and support of these warranties for the life of your solar panel system.

Choose a solar module company you can trust 

Shifting toward a solar-powered home is an exciting move and one that requires an investment of money and time. Of course, you want the products and the company behind them to be as high of quality as possible. Take the time to research who makes your solar panels, how they work with their OEMs, and the technology, warranties, quality, and service they&#;re able to provide. You&#;ll end up with better solar products and an easier transition to solar power as a result.  

Contact us to discuss your requirements of OEM 3 phase residential inverter manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.