Solar Battery Options in Canada

There are primarily 2 types of battery currently used for backup battery systems in Canada. These are lead-acid batteries and Lithium-ion batteries. Below is everything you need to know about your choices:

Lead-acid battery: Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest and most established types of rechargeable batteries, widely used in solar energy storage. These batteries consist of lead dioxide and sponge lead plates submerged in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. They are known for their reliability, affordability, and ability to deliver high surge currents, making them suitable for applications requiring large amounts of power over short periods.

However, lead-acid batteries have several drawbacks, including a relatively low energy density, meaning they store less energy for their weight compared to newer technologies like lithium. They also require regular maintenance, such as topping up the electrolyte levels, and have a shorter lifespan, typically around 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. They also have 40% less efficiency in cold weather.

Additionally, lead-acid batteries are heavy and bulky, which can be a limitation in applications where space and weight are critical factors. However, for all its drawbacks, Lead-acid battery offers more affordability compared to the alternatives.

Lithium-ion battery: Lithium-ion batteries represent a more modern and advanced technology, increasingly favored for solar energy storage due to their high energy density and long lifespan. These batteries use lithium compounds as the electrode material and a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent as the electrolyte.

Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, compact, and capable of holding a charge for extended periods, with minimal energy loss when not in use. They also require little to no maintenance, and their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, making them a cost-effective option over the long term despite their higher initial cost.

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have a high cycle efficiency, meaning they can be charged and discharged many times without significant degradation. However, they are more expensive upfront compared to lead-acid batteries, and their performance can be affected by extreme temperatures, requiring appropriate thermal management systems in some climates or risk losing 10% efficiency. Despite these challenges, the advantages of lithium-ion batteries make them an increasingly popular choice for solar energy storage solutions.

Benefits of Solar Panels + Battery Storage

Solar panels allow homeowners to generate clean energy without relying solely on grid electricity. When paired with battery storage, solar panels provide even greater benefits, some of which we have listed below:

Backup power

Regions in Ontario and Quebec among others have been known for power outages lasting hours at a time forcing businesses and homeowners to rely on backup generators and fossil fuels. With a solar battery, you can maintain power during grid outages which can be used to power critical loads like medical equipment, refrigerators, etc.

Energy Independence

Harnessing solar energy with solar panels without a solar battery still gives you reliance on grid electricity and without the grid, you still suffer blackout. With a solar battery, however, you can reduce and even eliminate reliance on the grid and the utility company. Your excess energy can be stored in the battery for use when your solar panel isn’t generating energy.

Cost Saving

Solar batteries can help you save costs in several ways. These include:

• Helping you avoid peak electricity rates
• Eliminating the need for backup generators and gas bills
• Reducing electricity bills
• Maximizing solar investment

These all can lead to significant long-term savings for solar customers.

Environmental Impact

Nuclear and gas/oil are often the major sources of grid electricity generation. This means that the more you rely on utility, the more environmental degradation occurs. With solar panels and batteries, you can contribute to a decreased carbon footprint and a cleaner environment.