While there are many different types of batteries, all with varying structures and chemical makeups, it’s crucial to understand how lithium-ion solar battery banks work. Lithium-ion batteries have several vital features that work together to create energy; the main pieces are the separator, electrolyte, anode, cathode, and both a positive and negative current collector. Nearly every battery—from the ones in your TV remote to the ones in your smartphone—utilizes positive and negative currents to operate, and a lithium-ion solar battery bank is no different.
The solar battery pack uses the electrolyte to carry negatively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode. At the same time, the electrolyte moves the positively charged ions from the cathode to the anode. This process occurs through the separator, and the transfer and movement of these ions help create a chemical reaction that the battery is able to convert into electrical power. Because these battery packs contain multiple ion cells, the current process activates by absorbing solar energy from your charge controller or using a direct current from something like a plug-in wall charger.
When your lithium-ion battery pack is not receiving solar energy or electrical power, the energy can drain just like in any other battery. One of the main reasons why lithium-ion battery packs are such a popular choice over lead-acid batteries or other similar devices with solar-powered systems is because they have a high depth of discharge.
The depth of discharge, or DoD, refers to the amount of energy your battery can use before you should charge it again. For example, if a battery has a depth of discharge of 80 percent, that means you should use 80 percent of the total battery capacity before recharging it. While you can always use 100% of a battery’s capacity, going beyond a safe DoD can risk damage, and potentially permanent damage, to your battery. One of the significant advantages of lithium-ion batteries is they generally have a high depth of discharge, usually around 75 – 80 percent. This high DoD makes them a good choice for solar panel systems since many people don’t drain the battery that much during hours when the solar panels and charge controller can’t keep a steady charge.
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