Solar battery storage captures surplus PV energy for use after sunset, during grid outages or when site demand exceeds solar production. It can be configured as an on-grid self-consumption system, a hybrid solar-storage system or an off-grid battery bank.
Solar battery storage architectures
On-grid solar self-consumption
An on-grid system charges from solar or the grid and discharges to reduce imported electricity. It may also support export limits, demand control or time-of-use optimisation.
Hybrid solar and battery storage
A hybrid system can operate with solar, grid and battery together. It may provide backup for selected loads, reduce diesel consumption or stabilise a weak grid. The inverter, transfer arrangement and battery voltage window need to be designed together.
Off-grid solar battery bank
Off-grid systems require enough battery autonomy for cloudy periods and a charging source sized for the worst seasonal conditions. Generator integration, load priority, reserve capacity and remote monitoring should be included in the scope.
Solar battery options
- 12 V gel solar batteries for daily cycling and off-grid storage.
- 2 V gel battery banks for larger solar and telecom systems.
- Wall-mounted energy storage for compact commercial or residential-style installations.
- Modular stacked LiFePO4 storage for expandable solar systems.
- High-voltage battery systems for compatible hybrid inverters and larger loads.
How to calculate solar battery capacity
Start with the load that will be supported and the desired hours of autonomy. Account for depth of discharge, round-trip efficiency, inverter losses, temperature and end-of-life capacity. Required nominal battery energy is therefore larger than the useful AC energy required by the load.
- Daily consumption in kWh
- Daytime solar generation and evening load
- Required backup hours or days of autonomy
- Inverter and MPPT voltage window
- Minimum and maximum operating temperature
- Grid export or import limitation
- Generator or diesel-hybrid operating strategy
Gel versus lithium solar batteries
Gel batteries can be suitable where standby or moderate cycling dominates and the system is correctly sized. Lithium LFP systems can provide higher usable capacity, lower routine maintenance and integrated BMS monitoring for daily cycling. Compare lifecycle cost, temperature, service access and inverter compatibility.
Request a solar battery storage specification
Frequently asked questions
Can I add batteries to an existing solar system?
It depends on the inverter, DC voltage, communication protocol and whether the system is AC- or DC-coupled. Provide the inverter model and existing array details for a feasibility review.
How many hours will a solar battery last?
Runtime equals usable energy divided by the supported load and includes efficiency and derating losses. Specify the load profile and desired backup duration rather than only the battery kWh rating.