FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below You Will Find The Answers To The Questions We Get Asked The Most On Maxworld Power And Lithium Batteries.
General Questions
We will quote within 24 hours after receiving your inquiry. If you are very urgent to get the price, please call us or tell us in your email so that we can prioritize your inquiry.
After we deliver your goods, we will send you the tracking NO. once your goods has been shipped.
We can provide customers with a 1-year warranty. If there are any problems with the goods, we will provide you with a positive solution as soon as possible.
We are very happy to receive your letter and recommend it according to your needs.
So please contact us immediately, we are always waiting for you.
Yes, we provide a 3-5 year warranty for our products.
Of course yes, because we use aluminum alloy brackets, which are solid and firm, galvanized, and rust-proof.
We have reliable forwarders who can deliver goods to your doorstep by sea/air/express. In any case, we will help you choose the most suitable transportation service.
We provide lifetime online support through Whatsapp/ Skype/ Wechat/ Email. Any problem after delivery, we will provide you with a video call at any time. If necessary, our engineers will also go overseas to help our customers.
Please send us your detailed requirements and our sales representative will contact you. In some cases, free samples can be provided.
Standard discharge rate (0.2C), Max. discharge rate (1C)
Each piece is guaranteed for 12+2 months. That is, Lifpeo4 has a 3-year long-term warranty.
It depends on your quantity and logo color.
We have approved CE ROSH and some certificates.
Usually 12 working days
We will recheck from other forwarders but but we kindly suggest you find a forwarder after we finish production, we can send to your forwarder directly.
Ask the customer for detailed information (current, application, quantity, PCM, wire, etc.), and we will check the reasonable price for you as soon as possible.
Yes, we have specifications/data sheets for each model.
Yes, please let us know where the destination port is, we can check the freight charge for you.
The weight of this model is XXKGS, there is no problem with weight, we are a professional (lithium battery) manufacture, and the target battery you need is mainly produced by us.
Actually that’s our competitive price; we can provide higher or lower price which close to your target price.
By express, air and sea. We have MSDS, test report for safe transport as non-dangerous products.
Firstly, our products are produced under a strict quality control system, and the defective rate will be less than 0.01%. Secondly, during the warranty period, we will repair or replace defective products.
Maxworld power is a professional manufacturer with a factory located in Jiangxi Province.
Of course, we provide OEM and ODM services.
General Lithium Batteries Questions
You can use lithium batteries for any application that normally uses single or multiple lead-acid, gel, or AGM batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in marine, RV, solar, industrial, performance, golf cart, UV, mobile, UPS and custom applications
No, it is safer than lead acid/AGM. In addition, the lithium battery has a built-in protection circuit. This prevents short circuits and has undervoltage/overvoltage protection. Lead/AGM does not, and the immersed lead acid contains sulfuric acid, which will overflow and harm you, the environment, and your equipment. Lithium batteries are sealed, there is no liquid, and no gas is emitted.
When the positive and negative electrodes of the battery contact or through metal objects, it will cause the battery short circuit and heat. If the battery or battery overlap or mixed together, it may cause a short circuit and cause the battery to heat, leakage, rupture or fire. Do not short-circuit the lithium battery!
When the temperature reaches 100 DEG C or above, the plastic material inside the cell, such as the gasket and the diaphragm, will be damaged and cause the leakage. The heat generated by the internal short circuit of the battery may cause the battery to break or fire. If the battery is put into the fire, the battery will burn violently.
Please do not put the lithium battery into the fire!
If the battery is directly welded, the material inside the battery may be damaged due to overheating, resulting in leakage or internal short circuit. The heat generated by the internal short circuit of the battery is likely to cause the battery to break or fire. Even if the battery is not immediately after welding abnormal phenomenon, but will cause battery leakage or other damage, damage to the battery parts, safety or performance problems.
Please do not direct the lithium battery spot welding!
If the lithium battery is dissected, it is possible that the battery will release the gas and leak the electrolyte, which will cause the throat and skin discomfort. At the same time, lithium metal is likely to catch fire. If the battery is subjected to shock or compression deformation, it may cause the battery to leak or short-circuit, causing heat generation, swelling, rupture, or fire.Do not dissect or deform lithium batteries!
If the different types of batteries or new batteries together mix different voltage and capacity will cause the battery over discharge, resulting in rupture or bulging, battery fire.
Please do not mix lithium batteries with other battery types!
Not. Will cause the battery to corrode or produce flammable gas
Please do not use lithium batteries in water!
Lithium battery should be stored in a cool and dry place, do not directly in the sun exposure, and try to control the minimum storage temperature changes. The temperature and humidity of the storage point is too high to affect the quality and storage time of the battery. In order to avoid short circuit during storage, please avoid touching the battery.
What is the short answer! Our batteries are designed to be used exactly as lead-acid batteries. Common sources:
Alternator: Most alternators will fully charge Li-ion technology.
Inverter: Set or program the charging voltage to 14.4v – 14.6v to get the best charging effect.
Standard charger: The standard battery charger can charge the battery, thanks to its advanced BMS.
We can recommend some different lithium-specific chargers for you, but many of our customers use their current external chargers with our batteries and they work very well!
Lithium batteries are sealed, but not waterproof in places where they may get wet. It is strongly recommended to put all lithium-ion batteries in a dry lock box to prevent water damage. These batteries are hardly waterproof; however, taking these extra precautions will extend the life of the batteries.
The battery can be installed in any orientation, even upside down. Since there is no liquid in them and they are solid, the battery will work no matter how you install them.
The operating temperature of lithium batteries is greater than that of lead acid/AGM. They are affected to some extent by extreme heat (over 150F) and cold (below -20F). However, if the weather is cold, just turn on some accessories and the battery will automatically heat up! If it is hot, just make sure that air can flow around the battery.
More important is what your priorities are. The usable capacity of our lithium batteries is approximately twice that of lead-acid batteries and AGM batteries. Therefore, if your goal is to get more available battery time (amperes), then you should upgrade to a battery with the same amperage (or more). For example, if you replace a 100-amp battery with a 100-amp lithium battery, the usable amperage will double and the weight will be halved. If your goal is to have a smaller battery, lighter weight or lower price. Then you can replace the 100amp battery with a 50amp lithium battery. You will get roughly the same usable amplifier (time), its cost will be lower, and its weight will be approximately ¼.
Maxworld lithium batteries can be used for 3000-5000 life cycles. Depending on usage, this may be 10 years or more. Lead acid and AGM have approximately 300-500 life cycles before their capacity is greatly reduced. Therefore, even though the upfront cost of Maxworld lithium batteries is higher, over time, upgrading can save you a lot of money.
Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries in which lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode during discharge and return during charging. They are popular batteries for consumer electronics because they provide high energy density, have no memory effect, and have slow charge loss when not in use. These batteries come in many shapes and sizes. Compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are lighter in weight, have a higher open circuit voltage, and can transmit power at a lower current. These batteries have the following characteristics:
Features of Maxworld lithium battery:
It is light in weight and can be reduced by up to 80% compared to traditional lead-acid batteries of similar energy storage.
The service life is 300-400% longer than that of lead acid.
Lower shelf unloading rate (2% vs. 5-8% /month).
Replace your OEM battery directly.
Estimated battery life of 8-10 years.
There is no explosive gas or acid overflow during charging.
Environmental protection, no lead or heavy metals.
Safe operation!
The term “lithium ion” battery is a general term. Lithium-ion batteries have many different chemical compositions, including LiCoO2 (cylindrical battery), LiPo and LiFePO4 (cylindrical/prismatic battery). Maxworld mainly focuses on the design, manufacture and marketing of LiFePO4 batteries for its starters and deep cycle batteries.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is a type of lithium battery that has many advantages compared to traditional lithium ion batteries based on LiCoO2 chemistry. LiFePO4 batteries provide higher specific capacity, excellent thermal and chemical stability, enhanced safety and cost performance, enhanced charging and discharging rates, enhanced cycle life, and a compact, lightweight package. The LiFePO4 battery provides a cycle life of more than 2,000 charge cycles!
Maxworld lithium batteries have many advantages over standard lead-acid batteries in terms of energy storage applications. We will outline them below:
Significantly reduced-the weight of lithium-ion batteries is only a small part of the original lead-acid batteries.
More powerful-The working voltage of lithium-ion batteries is higher than that of standard lead-acid batteries, allowing you to get faster engine speeds for a longer period of time. Lead-acid batteries drop to 12.5V when only 20% of the battery capacity is used, while lithium-ion batteries can provide a voltage exceeding 12.8V even if only 20% of the battery capacity is used.
Low self-discharge rate-Lead-acid batteries lose 4%-25% of their power every month, depending on the quality of the plates and separators used. If you leave the vehicle unattended for a month, the lead-acid battery may lose too much power and the vehicle may not start. On the other hand, our lithium battery chemistry loses less than 3% of electricity per month; you can go for a few months without worrying.
Environmental protection-Maxworld batteries do not contain toxic substances. There is no toxic lead or corrosive sulfuric acid, so the explosive gas incidents common in lead-acid batteries are unlikely to occur. In addition, there is no need to maintain acidity or worry about exhaust like traditional lead-acid batteries. The only maintenance required for Maxworld batteries is to ensure that the battery’s charge will never exceed 80% to ensure the best life.
Long-lasting durability-Cheap lead-acid batteries usually only last 1 to 2 years, while gel and AGM lead-acid batteries can last 3 to 5 years if they are properly maintained. However, Maxworld’s lithium-ion batteries can provide 8-10 years of use, easily exceeding the life of any lead-acid battery. Battery life depends entirely on proper operation and maintenance, so please use common sense and make sure that the battery does not exceed 80% of the discharge capacity. If you replace lead-acid batteries in two years or less due to deep cycle damage, you will save money in the long run and switch to Maxworld lithium-ion batteries
Fast charging-Maxworld’s lithium batteries can accept charging current 5 times faster than lead-acid batteries. More importantly, the charging efficiency of lead-acid is about 75%, while Maxworld’s lithium battery is 97%. This means that less energy is required for charging and the pressure on the alternator is also less.
When the battery detects no problem within 30 seconds, it will turn on again. If the battery has discharged to 0%, you may need to jump out of the other battery for 3 seconds to wake it up in order to charge it with a lead-acid charger. With Maxworld lithium battery charger, you don’t need another charger to wake up the battery. The Maxworld lithium battery charger will automatically wake up the battery.
Sure, you can.
If you participate in a fishing competition, I will use a 100Ah battery for trolling and a 125Ah battery for starting. If you are a weekend fisherman, you can use a 50Ah battery.
Yes, you can. However, since the quiescent voltage of the AGM is lower than that of the lithium battery, the lithium battery will flow into the AGM. This will take several weeks, but if charged and used weekly, the two types of batteries can be used in parallel.
If your charger outputs 14.2 to 14.6 volts to the battery when charging under AGM settings, it will work. Do not use a charger with a “desulfurization” mode or an equalizer mode with a charging voltage higher than 15V.
If you charge a lithium deep-cycle battery above 15V for a 12V battery, the BMS in the battery terminal will be turned off. The cut-off voltage setting will vary slightly depending on the current level, temperature, and part tolerances. To turn on the battery again, disconnect the charging source and let the battery rest for a few seconds (about 30 seconds), it should light up. If the voltage of the 12V battery is higher than 18V, the internal BMS is damaged and it cannot be turned on.
Yes, but for 12V batteries, you need to ensure that the open circuit voltage of the solar panel is lower than 18V. If your solar panel has a voltage regulator, it is best to stop charging when 14.4V or (LiFePO4) is set to 14.6V.
If you charge a lithium deep-cycle battery above 15V for a 12V battery, the BMS in the battery terminal will be turned off.
The cut-off voltage setting will vary slightly depending on the current level, temperature and part tolerances. To turn on the battery again, disconnect the charging source and let the battery rest for a few seconds (approximately 30 seconds). If the voltage of the 12V battery is higher than 18V when the battery is turned off, the internal BMS is damaged and it cannot be turned on.
The battery life of lithium batteries can be extended by not discharging the battery to 1Ah capacity or the lower BMS voltage cut-off setting. Discharging to a lower BMS voltage cut-off setting will quickly shorten the life of the battery. Instead, we recommend discharging the remaining capacity to 20% before recharging the battery.
There are many factors that affect battery life. Weather, temperature, charging cycle, depth of discharge (DOD), discharge current, charging current, charging method, vibration, and duration of static use all have a huge impact on battery life. The service life of properly maintained lithium deep-cycle batteries is approximately three times that of lead-acid batteries used under similar conditions. The life expectancy is 8-10 years.
In most cases, yes, but not for engine starting applications. Lithium deep-cycle batteries will directly replace lead-acid batteries in 12V systems. Our battery box matches the size of many OEM battery boxes.
Yes. There is no liquid in lithium deep-cycle batteries. Because the chemistry is solid, the battery can be installed in any direction without worrying about the lead plate breaking due to vibration.
Lithium deep-cycle battery life can be improved by not discharging the battery to 1Ah capacity or BMS lower voltage cut-off setting. Discharging to a lower BMS voltage cut-off setting will quickly shorten the life of the battery. Instead, we recommend discharging the remaining capacity to 20% before recharging the battery.
Ensure that the load does not exceed the rated continuous output current. If the electrical load exceeds the limit of the BMS, the BMS will shut down the battery pack. To reset, disconnect the electrical load and troubleshoot the load, and make sure that the continuous current is less than the maximum continuous current of the battery pack. To reset the battery pack, reconnect the charger to the battery for a few seconds.
They cannot be placed completely underwater. Water can be splashed on them and they will be fine.
No, you cannot turn off the battery or replace the BMS board.
No. One of the advantages of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry is that it generates its own internal heat energy. In normal use, the external heat of the battery pack itself will not be hotter than the lead-acid equivalent.
Every battery of any chemical substance can fail, sometimes catastrophically or catch fire. In addition, non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries are more volatile and should not be confused with lithium ion batteries. However, the lithium-ion chemistry used in Maxworld’s lithium deep-cycle batteries, the lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4), is the safest on the market, with the highest thermal runaway threshold temperature of all different lithium battery types. Keep in mind that there are many lithium ion chemistries and variants. Some are more unstable than others, but progress has been made in recent years. Please also note that all lithium batteries undergo rigorous United Nations testing before being shipped to the world to further ensure their safety.
Currently, lithium materials with the same capacity are about 3 to 4 times higher than lead-acid materials. As the global supply increases, this will undoubtedly decrease a bit.
About Charging
Lithium battery maintenance has been a lot of controversy on the Internet as a problem.
Indeed there are some rechargeable batteries need to be similar to the “activation” of the work. This is the earlier nickel cadmium rechargeable battery and Ni MH rechargeable batteries.
These batteries will produce a called “memory effect” phenomenon, charging in the incomplete discharge state, easy to make battery excessive charging, a long time will lead to the proliferation of crystal on electrode plate, electrolyte and electrode plate blocking contact, causing the battery voltage drop, let the user to generate the feeling that the battery will run out quickly.
When the rechargeable battery is charging, the battery internal produce gas, will cause the battery bulging, fever, leakage, rupture or fire.
Please do not charge the lithium battery!
When the battery is forced discharge by exogenous voltage will drop 0V (reverse voltage), internally generated gas, will cause the battery leakage, fever, swelling, rupture or fire.
Please do not force the lithium battery discharge!
Lifepo4 Battery
LiFePO4 material is important for various lithium-ion batteries. Compared with the traditional cathode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries, LiMn204 with spinel structure and LiCoO2 with a layered structure, LiMPO4 has a wider source of raw materials, lower price, and no environmental pollution.
Lithium-ion iron phosphate battery refers to a lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. There are many kinds of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including lithium diamond, lithium manganese, lithium nickel, ternary materials, lithium iron phosphate, and so on. Among them, lithium diamond is the cathode material used in most lithium-ion batteries at present, while other cathode materials have not been produced in large quantities in the market due to many reasons. Lithium-iron phosphate is also one of the lithium-ion batteries. From the principle of material, lithium iron phosphate is also an embedding/de-embedding process, this principle is the same as lithium diamond, lithium manganate.
Lifepo4 Street Light Battery
Yes, but we have MOQ requirement on different lights for the OEM logo.
Yes, we can offer our professional solution for you, IES file is available if you have the design team.
Low MOQ, 1pcs for sample checking is available.
We usually ship samples and small quantities of products that customers need urgently with DHL, UPS, FedEx or TNT. It usually takes 3-5 days to arrive. High-volume product transportation is available for airline or maritime transportation. The shipping time is updated according to the actual situation of the shipping company.
We offer both online and on-site installation instructions and testing. Please communicate with us in advanced, we will negotiate to confirm the more appropriate guidance to ensure the smooth completion of the project.
Firstly, our products are produced in strict quality control system and the defective rate < 0.2%.
Secondly, during the guarantee period, we will send new lights with new order for small quantity. For defective batch products, we will send out new replacement to you immediately for you to solve the problem.
Firstly let us know your requirements or application.
Secondly we quote according to your requirements or our suggestions.
Thirdly customer confirms the samples and places deposit for formal order.
Fourthly we arrange the production.
Portable Power System
The motion sensor also called radar sensor, works by emitting high-frequency electric waves and detecting people’s movement. PIR sensor works by detecting environment temperature changing, which usually is 3-5 meters sensor distance. But motion sensor can reach 10 meters distance and be more accurate and sensitive.
We have long-term cooperated forwarders who are professional at battery shipment.
Our items are covered with a warranty of 12 months .For general minor problems, our company will provide maintenance instruction and express spare parts. Customers can repair and replace the spare parts according to the instruction. Our company will provide a new replacement If it cannot be repaired within the warranty period.
We have the English teaching manual and videos; all the videos about every step of solar system Disassembly, assembly, the operation will be sent to our customers.
The portable power station has no UPS function, while the home system has UPS function.
Yes, we have solar panels; we can recommend you suitable solar panels.
Yes. Let us know the specific customization requirements and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
On-Grid Systems tie directly to your utility grid, selling an alternative source of energy in addition to what your utility company provides. Off-grid systems do not tie to the utility grid and are sustained using a battery bank. The battery bank can be hooked up to an inverter, which converts DC voltage to AC voltage allowing you to use any AC appliances or electronics.
Sun Master Solar Panels have a performance warranty of 25 years. After 5 years they should output more than 95% of the rated power, after 10 years it is 90% and 25 years it is 80%.
This will also depend on conditions. If it is cloudy and overcast, it may not. If it is still cloudy and bright, then it may charge, but not much.
For an off-grid system, the solar panels with continue to generate power as long as the sun is still out
ESS( Energy Storage System)
An energy storage system, often abbreviated as an ESS, is a device or group of devices assembled together that stores energy to provide electricity later. Battery ESS is the most common new installation type and is the focus of our free fact sheet.
ESS have many useful applications, these include:
Supplement renewable energy
Renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines generate electricity only when the sun is out or the wind is blowing. Supplementing these with ESS allows users to generate electricity when not generated using renewable energy technologies.
Peak shaving
ESS allows users to change their power source by taking power from the battery during the day when it costs more and recharging it at night when it costs less. This practice is known as peak shaving.
Load balancing
As power generation facilities speed up and slow down to keep up with changing power demand, it puts stress on the system. ESS can help smooth the demand curve by charging when demand is low and discharging when demand is high.
Uninterruptible power supply
ESS provides near-instantaneous power outage protection and is commonly used in hospitals, data centers, and homes.
The increase in the number of ESS installations requires a greater understanding of the risks involved and broader measures to reduce them. These risks include:
a.Thermal runaway
Thermal runaway is a term for the rapid and uncontrolled release of thermal energy from a battery cell; This is a situation where the battery produces more heat than it can effectively emit. Thermal runaway in a single cell can cause a chain reaction that heats adjacent cells. As this process continues, it may cause the battery to catch fire or explode. This is usually the starting point for larger battery fires.
b.Grounding energy
As with most electrical equipment, there is an electric shock hazard, but ESS is unique in that there is still energy in the ESS even after a fire. This is difficult to discharge because the terminals are often damaged and pose a danger to personnel performing maintenance after a fire. Stranded energy can also cause fires to reignite hours or even days later.
c.Produces toxic and flammable gases
Most batteries produce toxic and flammable gases when they experience thermal runaway. If the gas is not ignited before reaching the lower explosive limit, it may result in an explosive environment in the ESS room or container.
d.Deep-rooted fire
ESS typically consists of batteries mounted in a protective metal or plastic case within a larger cabinet. These layers help prevent system damage, but also prevent water from getting into the fire. This means that it takes a lot of water to effectively dissipate the heat generated by AN ESS fire, as it is often difficult to cool the hottest parts of the fire.
These are ways the batteries can fail, often leading to thermal runaway and subsequent fires or explosions. These failure modes include:
- Mechanical Abuse
Mechanical abuse is when a battery is physically compromised by either being dropped, crushed, or penetrated.
b.Thermal Abuse
Thermal abuse can occur when a battery is exposed to external heat sources.
- Electrical Abuse
Electrical abuse can happen when the battery is overcharged, charged too rapidly or at high voltage, or discharged too rapidly.
- Environmental Impacts
Environmental impacts that can lead to battery failure include seismic activity, rodent damage to wiring, extreme heat, and floods.
If you are installing ESS for a new building or renovation project, you should check NFPA 855, the requirements of the Standard for Installing Energy Storage Systems.
Tests have shown that water is the most effective battery ESS coolant. Therefore, sprinkler systems designed according to NFPA 13 (Installation standard for sprinkler systems) meet the requirements of NFPA 855 (Installation Standard for Energy storage systems).
Lithium-ion batteries have shown that they can ignite or reignite even after they have broken down or caught fire hours, days or even weeks later.
The UL study ‘Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Device Research Project’ (2011) showed that water can be safely applied under appropriate conditions for voltages up to 1000 VOLTS DC. This study showed that adjustable nozzles using at least 10 degree fog patterns can safely spray water up to 5 feet from a 1,000-volt DC power supply; However, due to the potential electrical conductivity of the pool water, touching it could cause you to receive an electric shock.
Energy storage has radically improved the way we generate, deliver and consume electricity. Energy storage can help in emergency situations, such as storm power outages, equipment failures, accidents and even terrorist attacks. But the game-changing nature of energy storage is its ability to instantly balance power supply and demand in milliseconds, making power networks more resilient, more efficient and cleaner than ever before.
Energy storage can save money in two main ways. The first is to reduce the overall cost of electricity. The second is to allow customers to avoid premiums (or “peak demand”). Industry insiders call this “saving money on both sides of the meter”. But broader deployment of storage could save consumers money in other ways. Shortening power outages for residents after storms or equipment failures can help save not only money, but lives. Fewer power outages lead to fewer economic losses overall.
Yes. Energy storage has been part of our electric grid since the 1930s. In fact, energy storage accounts for about 2 percent of U.S. electricity generation and has a safety record similar to or better than other methods of generation, distribution, or management.
Yes. Energy storage has no direct emissions. It doesn’t need pipes. Its systems usually require minimal footprint. It recycles electricity. But energy storage will also help reduce emissions because it can take more of the load off conventional power generation or make it operate in a more efficient way.
During times of peak demand – such as when air conditioning is turned on on a hot day – many utilities charge customers extra because they have to add expensive extra power production to meet demand. These fees are known as “time of use” or “peak” prices because they relate only to when customers use their power. For example, many households now run appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines on six-hour delays or in the middle of the night to avoid higher electricity prices and save on utility bills.
Storage works in a similar way, but because it lets customers decide when to buy and when to use power, customers pay no extra. Customers naturally buy power at off-peak rates for peak use, just as they buy subway passes at off-peak rates for Thanksgiving flights or rush hours. For residential customers, especially industrial customers, these savings could be substantial.
Energy from the grid or renewable sources is transmitted through a bi-directional inverter that converts alternating current (AC) energy into direct current (DC). Batteries today can only store direct current. This energy goes into an array of batteries that are usually installed inside a battery container or building structure.
When the power system needs energy, the inverter is used again, but this time to convert the direct current in the battery to alternating current. After the power is converted, it is boosted and then sent to a field substation or directly to a distribution or transmission line.
Battery management systems monitor individual batteries and control voltage, temperature, and current to achieve safe and reliable energy transfer. If the battery runs outside the predefined parameters, the system shuts down automatically.
Electricity is then distributed to homes, schools, businesses and other consumers.
A storage system includes:
Single battery unit (iPad size)
These batteries are placed into battery modules and stacked on racks
Shelf-filled containers, unlike the storage containers you see on ships or trucks
The container is paired with an inverter to convert DC-AC power
The system includes HVAC to maintain temperature control
Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon. When sunlight hits them, the cells convert it into electricity. Individual cells are connected together to form solar panels. Panels are usually three feet by five feet. They are coated with toughened glass and can withstand severe weather.
A single solar panel doesn’t generate enough electricity to power a home or business, so multiple panels are needed. The number of panels will vary by installation, but each solar system (also known as an “array”) will consist of a series of panels that are installed and connected together. The array can be mounted on a roof (” rooftop solar “) or on the ground (” ground-mounted Solar “).
Solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC). However, most appliances and power-consuming objects (called “power loads”) require alternating current (AC). To convert solar energy from direct current to alternating current, an inverter is needed. You need to choose between two types of inverters: a central inverter and a micro inverter. Although both perform the task of converting electricity from direct current to alternating current, they differ in key respects.
A central inverter receives all power output from the entire solar system and converts it from direct to alternating current in a central location. Solar systems require a single central inverter. It is usually installed on the side of your home or building, near the electricity meter. Central inverters are stable and reasonably priced, but they are vulnerable to changes in panel performance. If one panel is obscured and produces less power than the others, the total power output will decline.
If shadows need to be considered, a micro inverter or DC optimizer can help maximize production. Unlike central inverters, microinverters and DC optimizers are mounted separately on the back of each solar panel. They capture the electricity flowing from each panel. The DC optimizer is used in conjunction with a central inverter that converts DC to AC. Microinverters convert direct current to alternating current immediately below the panel. Whether it is a DC optimizer or a micro inverter, if one panel is shaded, it does not affect the output of the entire array. As designed, both the DC optimizer and micro-inverters help to maximize power conversion and are very useful in situations with variable shadows. What’s more, because they allow each panel to operate independently of each other, more panels can easily be added to the solar array in the future.
Once the solar panel generates electricity and converts it from direct to alternating current through an inverter, it flows through your meter and into your home or building. It will be used on-site at creation time. Any excess will flow back into the local grid through your meter.
The size of the optimal solar array will be affected by many variables. Before analyzing these variables, you should understand the size and measurement of solar energy. The electrical capacity of solar panels is measured in watts (W). Typical solar panels are rated at 250-300 W. To get the total power (in watts) of the solar array, add the watts of each panel. Assume you have a 10 300 W panel installed. The total wattage of the system is equal to 3,000 watts. 1,000 W is equal to 1 kilowatt (kW), so another way to describe the size of the system is 3 kW. The average size of the solar array is 5 kW.
Your installer will estimate how many panels can be installed on your roof based on their footprint and shadow sensitivity to determine the ideal size for your system. If the roof size is limited (meaning fewer panels can be installed), installers can compensate by providing efficient panels. These panels will have a higher power rating (typically 300-350 W), so each panel will generate more power. Installers will also use geospatial data to determine the best system size for your property, as roof orientation and climatic factors can affect the amount of electricity your system generates. The final factor that affects the size of your solar array is your project budget. Installers work closely with customers to maximize the amount of solar energy they budget to install for their customers.
When determining the size of the solar array, the installer considers the extent to which the solar power output will offset your power needs. The power capacity of solar panels is measured in watts (or kilowatts), while the amount of electricity produced by the panels is measured in watt-hours (or kilowatt-hours).
You might recognize the word kilowatt-hour (kWh) from an electricity bill. Utility companies charge customers based on how many kilowatt-hours they consume each month. If you look at your utility bill for any billing cycle, you will be able to know exactly how many kilowatt-hours of electricity your home or building consumes that month. Each kilowatt of solar energy you install will generate a certain number of kilowatt-hours, which will directly offset your utility power consumption. The kW-kwH relationship varies with latitude and climate. Your installer will be able to predict exactly how many kilowatt-hours of electricity your solar panels will generate each year.
To estimate how much solar energy you can install on your roof (and how much electricity will be generated each year), we recommend using the PV Watts tool. To find out how much your solar energy will offset your electricity demand, divide your annual kWh production estimate by your annual kWh utility power consumption (the sum of your 12-month bills). Check out the tutorial.
Grid-connected systems are most common in built-up areas, providing solar energy directly to the home and grid through inverters if the system provides more energy than the house needs. When electricity is supplied to the main grid, the homeowner usually receives a credit or payment for that power. This is called a tariff feed.
The core of photovoltaic solar power generation system is solar cell array. The array consists of panels (each measuring approximately 1 x 1.5 meters in size) that absorb the energy of a specific range of available sunlight and convert that energy into electricity.
The array is mounted on a frame that allows the panels to be fixed with minimal interference to the waterproofing and structure of the roof. Most importantly, it provides the array with the right orientation and height to receive and convert the maximum amount of sunlight available.
Cables extend down from the array to the inverter. An inverter is a device that effectively converts the highly fluctuating power from a solar array into a predictable and usable energy feed.
A second cable connects the inverter to your home’s switchboard, which in turn connects to the main grid. This creates a continuous and dynamic system for solar energy’s contribution to your house. The inverter can also be used as a simple data recorder. The information screen on the inverter will show the total yield, daily yield and instantaneous power. These numbers fluctuate depending on the time of year, cloud cover, and temperature, and allow you to track your system’s performance.
Solar power systems also have options that include easy-to-use remote monitors, Internet-enabled data loggers, and even sensors that can determine solar availability, panel temperature, air temperature, and wind speed. Please consult your sales representative for more information.
For grid-connected systems, little maintenance is required. Electronic components should be maintenance-free.
The solar system is connected to your existing fuse box via a 15 amp circuit breaker.
Base installation rates include installation of the grid connection system on a pitched metal roof facing north with appropriate usable surface area. Flat or tile roofs or any equipment upgrades and extended warranties may incur additional costs.
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