Solar energy and off-grid living have come a long way from their beginnings with invasive panels and massive battery systems. Battery storage is improving in leaps and bounds, with research in several compositions that will change the way of energy storage that we know.
At Stada Energy, we keep our finger on the pulse of solar energy and its storage. Our Coachella Valley solar experts can help you create an advanced energy system that will provide power for your home for years to come.
Call on the Coachella Valley solar installation team at Stada Energy to build a solar energy system for your home today.
The Future of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the prevalent energy storage choice for solar power at home. This battery model continues to improve and is part of the increasing movement to home-based, off-grid energy.
Lithium-ion batteries use the movement of lithium ions between a porous carbon anode and a li-metal (lithium-metal) cathode. The cathode composition is a big factor in the stability, performance, and lifetime of the battery.
Future lithium-ion batteries may involve a change in the cathode composition. Two of the compositions being explored are a lithium-manganese-cobalt composition and a lithium-iron-phosphate composition. Using different ratios of these chemical combinations can greatly affect the battery’s performance.
Sodium-Sulfur Based Energy Storage
There has been a recent movement toward sodium-sulfur-based batteries. These elements are widely available, environmentally friendly, and cost less than lithium and cobalt.
Researchers are combatting the issues that come along with a sodium-based battery component, as this composition tends to produce needle-like dendrites that grow on the anode. These dendrites can often be the cause of short-circuiting, rapid degradation, fire, and even explosion.
Previously developed sodium-sulfur batteries revealed issues with the sulfur “shuttling” which results in the breaking down of battery components, material loss, and formation of dendrites. Luckily, researchers are working with an electrolyte that can potentially prevent this problem.
Is Hydrogen in the Future?
Researchers and developers are looking into ways that hydrogen can be used in home energy storage. If their advancements take hold, this could make for an even greener energy source.
Thermal Management and Battery Longevity
Thermal management is critical in sustaining your battery’s life and performance. Maintaining a consistent battery temperature will increase their lifetime and efficiency. Air cooling and liquid cooling are the two prevalent approaches to thermal management. As batteries advance, so will the protection of their performance and stability, with thermal management at the forefront of advancements.
Protect Your Home with Energy Storage
Battery storage for your solar energy means that you can protect your home and keep the important things running while there is no power on the grid. Stored solar energy can power your lights, run your HVAC system, and charge your cell phones even during power outages.
As for battery composition advances, your home’s solar system will gain sustainability and become increasingly efficient. Don’t be left behind when it comes to a sustainable, environmentally friendly power. Let the Coachella Valley solar installers at Stada Energy be your source for solar panels, battery, and integration systems for your home.
