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The article discusses the importance of solar batteries in a solar power setup, emphasizing their role in storing excess energy for use when the sun is not shining. It explains factors to consider when choosing solar batteries, such as efficiency, battery life, material, and depth of discharge (DoD). EG4 is highlighted as a brand known for high-quality, reliable batteries suitable for various solar power needs. The article recommends researching batteries by brand reputation and mentions EG4's extended warranty and servicing for all products.

It also introduces two popular EG4 batteries, the LifePower 4 lithium-ion battery and the 48V LL battery, both known for their efficiency, durability, and compatibility with solar power systems. Additionally, it suggests considering solar kits for a hassle-free setup, as they include all necessary compatible parts from trusted brands like EG4. Overall, the article encourages readers to consider EG4 batteries for their solar power setups and suggests visiting the ShopSolar.com website for browsing and comparing solar power parts and kits.

Introduction

You likely know the idiom, "Make hay while the sun still shines." When harvesting solar power, this nugget of overplayed wisdom can be taken in the literal sense. Simply replace "hay" with "electricity," and there you go, some practical advice. 

Solar power is immensely popular for a good reason. It's clean, renewable, and saves tons of money in the long run. But solar energy does come with catches. For one, solar panels only provide power when the sun is out. If you want power, say, at night, you'll need batteries to hold a reservoir of energy. 

Solar batteries are an indispensable part of any solar energy setup, and you must discern what works best for your specific needs. For example, somebody choosing a battery for an RV or camper doesn't require the same juice as someone taking their house 100% off-grid. Likewise, batteries come with different efficiency levels, materials, and discharge depths—more on this later. 

For now, just know one thing: Battery quality matters. EG4 is a brand to seriously consider when researching batteries for your solar setup. The batteries produced by EG4 continue to be high-quality, reliable batteries that fit a wide range of solar power needs.  

What are Solar Batteries?

Batteries are essential for anyone trying to construct a quality solar-powered system. Solar panels collect the sun's energy, converting it to usable electricity via photovoltaic cells. But the batteries collect excess power for later use, whether at night, on stormy days, or during emergencies when the grid is down. The batteries allow you to take advantage of peak sun hours and collect enough energy to achieve your desired capacity. 

Remember, not all batteries are created equal. Ultimately, solar battery quality depends on a bunch of factors.

Efficiency

A fraction of solar energy is always lost as it is collected, converted, and stored. Battery efficiency is measured by calculating how much-stored energy is kept through the process. The average solar battery efficiency is around 90%, meaning 10% of the energy is lost in the transfer process. However, the best batteries have efficiencies of up to 99%. 

Battery Life 

Measuring battery life is simple. It can be measured in years or in an estimated number of charge cycles. One of the largest factors that influences battery life is the battery's material. Lithium-ion batteries are the best in terms of battery life, as the best lithium-ion batteries can last up to 15 years. 

Material

Lead-acid batteries remain the most popular form of battery. But solar energy is quickly adopting lithium-ion solutions, which are lighter, more efficient, and longer lasting. When choosing a battery, it's important to determine whether the initial cost savings are worth selecting a product made of a material that might not work as efficiently and break down faster. 

Depth of Discharge

Battery storage is measured by kilowatt hours (kWh). Whenever a battery is used, it only discharges so much of the total stored kilowatts. For example, if a battery holds 4kWh, and its depth of discharge (DoD) is 75%, the total output would be 3kWh before it needs recharging. The depth of discharge degrades as time goes by, but lithium-ion batteries provide the deepest cycle. Lithium-ion batteries average a DoD of 80-99%, depending on the quality of the material and manufacturer.

EG4 Batteries

As you can see, many factors are needed to create a good solar battery. One of the best ways to secure the best option is researching batteries by brand. Certain brands have reputations for using better materials and building batteries with superior efficiency and lifespans.

EG4 batteries are among the best available and their selection covers a wide range of capacities and qualities. They offer something for everyone, whether you're looking at solar solutions for camping, a hybrid-powered home, or escaping the grid entirely. They also won't leave you in the dark, as they offer extended warranty and servicing for all products.

You can learn about some of EG4's most popular products below.

EG4 LifePower 4 Lithium-ion Battery

EG4's LifePower 4 lithium-ion battery is powerful, efficient, and durable. It's a plug-and-play design that's compatible with many solar power systems and comes with a 5-year warranty. Some LifePower 4 highlights are: 

• 80% DoD
• 99% Efficiency
• 7,000 Deep Discharge Cycles
• 10-20 Year Life Design
• Lead-Free

Holding 5.14kWh and a nominal voltage of 51V, the battery can power a large camping setup or be used in a server rack for a fully-off grid or backup storage. 

EG4 LL Battery

The 48V LL battery is another of EG4's most popular offerings. It holds 5.14kWh, is easy to install, and comes with a 10-year warranty. It also comes with PC monitoring software and an LCD screen so you can check the battery's vital measurements at any point. The LL is great for smaller emergency backup systems and RVs. Like the LifePower4, it can also be part of a larger rack for more extensive setups. 

• 80% DoD
• 99% Efficiency
• 7,000 Deep Discharge Cycles
• 15-20 Year Life Design
• LCD Screen

Server Rack Batteries

The LifePower 4 and LL can be part of a large, modular server rack. These racks can start small, and be expanded to create enough storage to take a home or campsite fully off-grid. 

Why Solar Kits are the Best Way to Get Batteries

The ideal solar energy unit requires a lot of research, browsing, and cash. When piecing it together, you often face compatibility issues between parts. It can also be difficult to know for sure that you're getting the right amount of storage without an expert analysis. This is why we recommend solar kits.

Solar kits include all necessary parts, guaranteeing that everything is compatible. You can rest assured that you have the right storage, voltage, and quality parts, as all parts come from the same trusted brand. The best brands, like EG4, offer extensive help during installation and have great customer service for troubleshooting and maintenance as soon as issues arise.

Consider EG4 Batteries for Your Home Solar Set Up

The LifePower 4, LL, and other EG4 server rack batteries can be found on the ShopSolar.com website. There, you can browse battery and solar kit options, comparing the market's best solar power parts so you can create the perfect system to cover your energy needs. 

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