The Hack My Solar Podcast

Batteries for Solar Off Grid or Hybrid System OK everyone, we have covered solar panels, a solar array, and charge controllers, so the logical next step is for us to discuss batteries.  Over the lifetime of your system, Batteries will be the most expensive part because the ones that are cost effective when starting a system don't last very long and the ones that last a relatively long time are prohibitively expensive.   Batteries are the center cog of any system because they store the excess energy produces by your source(solar array, generator, or even the grid) and then distribute that energy when generation falls below need. Here are a few things to remember when considering a battery bank: How many days of autonomy do you want?  So if your panels stop producing, how long do you want your battery bank to be able to provide energy to the house? What climate will the batteries be stored in?  Batteries are rated for about 80 degrees, if they are stored at below freezing conditions, you may need 50% more