August 21, 2026 / Introduction
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, which can be used to power homes and other properties during the day. However, solar panels generate electricity only when sufficient sunlight is available. This is where solar batteries help by storing extra electricity generated during the day for use when power is unavailable.
But how do solar batteries work, from charging and energy storage to backup power? Understanding the basics of solar battery technology can help you make informed decisions when exploring energy storage solutions.
Eastman offers both solar lithium and conventional tubular battery solutions in different configurations and capacities. The range is designed to support residential and other solar energy applications, providing options for storing energy based on different system requirements.
Read on to understand how solar batteries charge, store energy, and provide backup power when you need it.
What is a Solar Battery?
A solar battery is defined as a rechargeable energy storage system connected to a solar installation. It stores surplus electricity instead of allowing all excess generation to be exported or remain unused.
The solar battery working principle involves storing electrical energy as chemical energy during charging and converting it back into electrical energy when the battery discharges.
For solar applications, lithium and tubular batteries are commonly used. Lithium batteries offer high energy density and efficient charging and discharging. They can also provide a long service life when properly managed.
Conventional tubular batteries are another established option for solar energy storage. They are available in different capacities and can suit installations with varying energy storage requirements.
Solar Battery Storage Explained: How It Works
Understanding how solar battery storage works requires looking at the relationship between solar generation, electricity consumption, and stored energy.
How Do Solar Batteries Work During Charging?
The process generally follows these steps:
- Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into DC electricity.
- The inverter converts DC electricity into AC electricity for household or commercial loads.
- When solar generation exceeds immediate consumption, the surplus can be used to charge the battery.
- Battery cells store the energy through an electrochemical process.
- The Battery Management System (BMS) monitors parameters such as voltage and temperature to help maintain safe operating conditions.
During charging, electrical energy is stored within the battery cells as chemical energy. This is a key part of the solar battery working principle.
How Does a Solar Battery Work When Discharging?
The question of how a solar battery works during discharge is equally important.
When the solar panels are producing insufficient electricity, the battery releases the energy stored in its cells. The inverter converts the battery's DC output into AC electricity so that compatible appliances and electrical loads can use it.
For example, solar panels may generate electricity during the afternoon, while household consumption increases in the evening. Instead of relying entirely on grid electricity after sunset, stored solar energy can be used during this period.
The discharge process follows the reverse side of the solar battery working principle. Chemical energy stored inside the battery cells is converted into electrical energy and further sent to the connected system.
How Long Can a Solar Battery Provide Backup?
There is no single backup duration for every solar battery. It depends on the battery's usable energy capacity and the total power being consumed.
For example, a battery with 5 kWh of usable energy supplying loads that consume 1 kW continuously could theoretically provide around five hours of energy before accounting for system losses and other operating factors. Higher loads would reduce the available backup time.
This makes it important to calculate expected energy consumption before selecting a battery. Essential loads such as lights, fans, routers, refrigerators, and selected appliances can be prioritised when backup duration is a key requirement.
Eastman Solar Lithium and Tubular Battery Options
Eastman's solar lithium and tubular battery range includes different formats and voltage options to meet varying installation requirements.
Eastman Solar Lithium Battery Options
Wall-mount Solar Lithium Battery
Eastman's wall-mount solar lithium battery uses LiFePO4 technology and is available in a 100Ah configuration. The range offers up to 10 years* of warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Its wall-mounted design can be considered for installations where a compact battery arrangement is preferred.
Rack-type High-voltage Solar Lithium Battery
Eastman also offers a 100Ah rack-type solar lithium battery based on LiFePO4 technology. This is a high-voltage configuration with a warranty range of up to 10 years*, subject to terms and conditions. The rack format can be suitable for solar installations that require a structured battery storage arrangement.
25.6V and 51.2V Solar Lithium Battery
The Eastman solar lithium battery range also includes 25.6V and 51.2V options. These batteries have a warranty period of up to 5 years*, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Different voltage configurations allow the battery to be matched with the requirements of the wider solar energy system.
Eastman Solar Conventional Tubular Battery Options
For solar installations that use conventional battery technology, Eastman offers tubular battery options across different capacities and warranty periods.
Conventional Tubular Battery: Regular Series
The Regular Series conventional tubular battery is available in capacities ranging from 150Ah to 260Ah. It comes with a 10+10 years* warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions. These batteries are designed for solar applications requiring conventional tubular battery technology across a range of capacity requirements.
Conventional Tubular Battery: Solar Smart Series
The Solar Smart Series conventional tubular battery is available in capacities from 150Ah to 225Ah. It offers a 36+36* months warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions. The series provides another conventional tubular battery option for solar energy storage requirements.
For added convenience, Eastman solar lithium batteries with an active Battery Management System (BMS) can be monitored through the iConnect app via Bluetooth. The app enables real-time battery status monitoring, operating parameter settings, and control of supported BMS functions, helping users keep track of battery performance more easily.
Choose the Right Solar Battery for Your Energy Needs
The solar battery working principle is based on a straightforward cycle: solar electricity charges the battery, the battery stores the energy, and stored energy is discharged when required.
Eastman's solar battery range includes lithium and tubular batteries for different solar energy storage requirements. Selecting the appropriate battery requires matching its specifications with the solar system, electricity consumption, and backup requirements.
Understanding the charging, storage, and discharge process makes it easier to assess which solar battery configuration is suitable for a particular application.
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