Best Battery for Off-Grid Solar in Zimbabwe 2023

Best Battery for Off-Grid Solar in Zimbabwe 2023 - lento Lead acid Batteries is best for solar in zimbabwe. 

Off-grid solar power systems are becoming more and more popular, providing an eco-friendly and reliable energy source to remote locations and houses without access to the traditional power grid. Among the critical components of an off-grid solar system is the battery, which is responsible for storing surplus solar energy generated during the day to power devices and appliances when sunlight is scarce or unavailable. It is essential to select the right battery for an off-grid solar system to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This article will explore the various battery types commonly used in off-grid solar systems and determine which one is best suited for this purpose.

1. Lead-Acid Batteries

For many years, lead-acid batteries were the most common type of battery used in off-grid solar systems. They are reasonably priced and can last up to ten years if properly maintained. They do, however, have some drawbacks, such as a low depth of discharge, which means they cannot discharge their full capacity without reducing the battery's lifespan.

Lento offers a various range of lead acid batteries -

Lead Acid Tubular batteries- Lento uses premium technology and high-grade materials in these lead acid tubular batteries to deliver maximum power for extended durations and have an appreciably longer life span. These batteries are specifically suitable for powering up UPS and inverters.

Available Amperes:

75Ah | 100Ah

120Ah | 180Ah

200Ah | 220Ah

2. Unique Lead Acid Tubular Batteries –

UNIQUE lead acid tubular batteries by Lento, use premium technology and high-grade materials to deliver maximum power for longer periods of time. They contain tubular positive plates and pasted negative plates and are acid resistant polyester gauntlets.

These batteries are designed for use in a variety of applications, including UPS systems, emergency lighting, and security systems. These batteries are specifically suitable for powering up sand Inverters and have an appreciably longer life span.

UNIQUE flooded Lead Acid Batteries are environment-friendly, highly reliable in performance and are low in cost. Here again our extensive research and development wing has helped us to create batteries customized to suit international operating conditions. These flooded batteries are perfect for use in battery powered vehicles and power inverters as well as for telecom use.

To deliver maximum power for extended durations and have an appreciably longer life span, Lento uses premium technology and high-grade materials in these lead acid tubular batteries.

Available Amperes:

C-10 BATTERIES:

100 AH | 120 AH

150 AH | 180 AH

200 AH | 220 AH

240 AH

3. Flooded Lead Acid

The most traditional battery technology, flooded lead acid (FLA), has had great success in off-grid solar use. It has some drawbacks and must be monitored and maintained to get the most out of them.

Key Points of FLA-

1. Construction: Flooded lead-acid batteries have a simple construction consisting of lead plates submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. They are often referred to as "wet cell" batteries.
2. Cost: Flooded lead-acid batteries are relatively inexpensive compared to other battery types, making them an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
3. Maintenance: Flooded lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, including topping off the electrolyte solution and checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
4. Depth of Discharge: Flooded lead-acid batteries have a lower depth of discharge compared to other battery types, meaning they cannot utilize their full capacity without damaging the battery's lifespan.
5. Lifespan: With proper maintenance, flooded lead-acid batteries can last up to 10 years or more, making them a durable option for off-grid solar systems.
6. Environmental Impact: Flooded lead-acid batteries are not environmentally friendly, as they contain toxic chemicals such as sulfuric acid and lead, which can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
7. Efficiency: Flooded lead-acid batteries have lower efficiency compared to other battery types, meaning they lose more energy during the charging and discharging process.

4. VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) Battery

AGM and GEL are the two main types of VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries. Both batteries are very similar, and both AGM and GEL batteries are specifically designed for solar use. It is far better to choose a VLRA battery based on the application it is intended for rather than the technology it employs.

AGM vs GEL:

• GEL batteries typically have a longer service life and can be discharged at higher levels without permanent damage, but they require more specialized charging methods.
• AGM batteries have a higher discharge current and can thus be used as starter batteries. (like the one in your car).

Key Points about VRLA batteries:

1. Construction: VRLA batteries have a sealed construction with no water or gas emissions, making them maintenance-free and easy to install.
2. Cost: VRLA batteries are more expensive than flooded lead-acid batteries but have a longer lifespan, making them a good investment in the long run.
3. Depth of Discharge: VRLA batteries have a higher depth of discharge compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, allowing them to utilize more of their capacity without damaging their lifespan.
4. Lifespan: With proper maintenance, VRLA batteries can last up to 10-15 years, making them a durable option for off-grid solar systems.
5. Environmental Impact: VRLA batteries are more environmentally friendly than flooded lead-acid batteries, as they do not emit gas or require maintenance with hazardous chemicals.
6. Efficiency: VRLA batteries have a higher efficiency compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, meaning they lose less energy during the charging and discharging process.

5. Advanced Lead Acid Technology

There are several new lead acid battery technologies on the market. Lead crystal batteries, lead carbon batteries, super capacitor batteries, and a variety of others based on lead plates with sulfuric acid electrolyte are examples. Many of these batteries make similar claims: longer cycle life, ability to discharge to 0 volts, and no degradation from partial charging - all of which have traditionally been drawbacks of lead acid batteries.

Lead Crystal

These are AGM batteries with some electrolyte additives that are designed to reduce sulfation on the plates and increase the battery's service life. This technology has been around since the 1980s, but despite appearing to be superior, it has yet to gain widespread adoption.

The Ultra Battery

An Ultra Battery is a type of lead carbon super-capacitor battery with a separate negative electrode made of carbon that is designed to provide superior performance with extremely high current draws. It was originally designed as a battery technology for electric hybrid vehicles, where it needed to operate at 14.4 volts, discharge a large amount of current even when only partially charged, and sit for long periods of time at a partial state of charge without degrading. Although initial testing of the batteries appeared to be positive, they have yet to see widespread adoption. They have been used as grid-connected storage to smooth out power requirements, but it appears that the majority of these have since been replaced with lithium iron phosphate.