There are four main types of batteries used to store solar energy — lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow batteries, and nickel cadmium. Let’s deep dive into each of them. 1. Lead-acid: This type is the oldest solar battery type. Thanks to its long history, it has been developed alongside clean energy resources.
The residential solar battery market is dominated by lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Manufacturers heavily used lead-acid for the first few decades of residential solar adoption. However, lithium-ion has quickly become the new standard for modern solar systems.
Lead-acid solar batteries come in two different types. Sealed lead acid batteries are designed in a way that they reduce the release of toxic gas into the atmosphere, during their charging process. The second lead-acid battery type is flooded lead acid battery. This is like the bigger version of a traditional car battery.
Additional battery types, including nickel-cadmium and flow batteries, are primarily used in commercial applications. You’ll rarely see them in home solar setups, but the technology may improve and decrease in price in the coming years to make them more suitable for use in smaller systems. Lithium-ion is currently the gold standard for solar power.
Most new solar installs and all-in-one units — like EcoFlow’s solar generators — utilize lithium-ion technology. Additional battery types, including nickel-cadmium and flow batteries, are primarily used in commercial applications.
When you choose a solar battery, in addition to the battery features we will soon mention, you also need to consider: Geography and climate: Where you live. Energy production: What type of a solar rooftop system you have. Energy consumption: How much energy you consume. Lifestyle: What your budget and priorities are.