By: Powerstore.com
Solar power has been a rising trend for well over a decade now, and over those years, various trends have come and go within the industry. The latest trend in solar power is installing a hybrid system, also known as solar plus storage. As the nickname implies, a “solar plus storage” system adds an energy storage bank to a grid-tied system, creating a hybrid system that blends the benefits of both on-grid and off-grid solar power systems. The perks this kind of system can offer are numerous, but to reap those benefits, it’s important that you’re selecting the right kind of battery. Keep reading to learn more about PCC batteries and how they can benefit your solar plus storage system.
What Is a PCC Battery?
The PCC in PCC battery stands for “primary control cell.” Unfortunately, that probably doesn’t offer you much insight into exactly what this battery is or how it differs from other battery types, so let’s dig a little deeper. A PCC battery, unlike lithium-ion or lead-acid, doesn’t actually refer to a battery with a specific chemical makeup. Rather, it refers to a battery with a specific kind of cell, which helps to regulate energy storage and discharge. Even though the specific chemical makeup of a PCC battery can vary, the presence of the primary control cell helps improve the battery’s energy density and improve its lifespan when compared to traditional battery types.
Benefits of Using PCC Batteries
As mentioned above, PCC batteries have a better lifespan than traditional batteries. Depending on the manufacturer and your usage patterns, a PCC battery can last up to 20 years under optimal conditions. This makes them a durable, cost-effective option, particularly for solar power applications, where the batteries are being continuously charged and discharged. When batteries undergo that many charge/discharge cycles, they can wear out quickly, so a long lifespan is essential.
PCC batteries are also highly energy efficient. They waste less energy during the charging and discharging process than older battery technologies, ensuring that more of the solar energy your panels create during the day is available for your use when you need it.
Some solar batteries can also face performance issues in extreme temperatures (a common issue, since many solar battery banks are stored in sheds, garages, and other spaces without temperature controls). PCC batteries have advanced temperature control mechanisms, and are simply built to manage heat generation better. This mitigates those kinds of performance issues, even in hot climates.
Additionally, PCC batteries are known for their ability to charge and discharge. Why does this matter in a solar power system? Rapid charging allows your battery bank to store more energy in a shorter amount of time. Faster discharging, on the other hand, aims to make that energy available even when you have a sudden increase in power demand in your home—like when your kids all get home from school and want to turn on every light in the house at the same time.
Drawbacks of PCC Batteries
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that PCC batteries, with their higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and improved performance also come with a higher price tag. This battery type will be more expensive upfront when compared to traditional battery technologies, and it may be out of some homeowners’ budgets. However, it’s important to remember that the benefits outlined above often offset the long-term cost of ownership, so be sure to keep that in mind when comparing price points of various battery types.
Additionally, PCC batteries are not as widely available as more conventional solar battery banks. This type of technology is still relatively new, and fewer manufacturers are producing them at this time. This can make it harder to find the right model for your solar power system, though not impossible if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to research it.
This newer, more complex technology also means a more complex installation. While a lot of battery storage systems have a “plug and play” design that homeowners may be able to connect on their own, PCC batteries will require the help of an experienced professional. This can further increase the cost of adding PCC batteries to your system, since you’ll need to pay for labor.
What Do PCC Batteries Cost?
As mentioned above, PCC batteries are more costly than other battery types. Like with any solar battery type, the exact cost can vary widely depending on the size, the manufacturer, and your area. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000 for a PCC battery bank that meets the needs of your residential solar system. Larger commercial systems will cost more.
If you’d like to learn more about adding a Sol-Ark PCC battery storage system to your home, be sure to reach out to an experienced solar professional. Not only will they be able to provide installation services, but they can help you with the research needed to find a PCC battery that meets your needs and is compatible with your solar power system.
Published by: Holy Minoza
