Battery Types
Some commonly used types of Solar Batteries include: Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Nickel Metal Hydride, and Sodium Nickle Chloride. Learn about each here.
The battery, invented by Italian Physicist Alessandro Volta in 1748, consists of two electrodes that are isolated by a separator and soaked in electrolyte to promote the movement of ions. (They convert chemical energy to electrical energy)
The rechargeable battery, invented by English Chemist John F. Daniell, can have their chemical reactions reversed to their original states and can be used over and over again.
Three main components of a battery*:
- Chemistry– Most common chemistries in batteries are lead, nickel, and lithium. Based on type of chemistry, there are regulations for shipping and disposing of the battery.
- Voltage– based on the chemistry and number of cells connected in series.
- Capacity- represents specific energy in ampere-hours (Ah). (Ah) is the discharge current a battery can deliver over time. The higher the Ah, the longer the runtime.