Solar Powered Batteries
There are many shapes, sizes and
uses for rechargeable solar powered batteries. These
rechargeable batteries do not need to be exclusively charged with
solar energy. The transfer of energy to a battery can be
accomplished many different ways including...
Solar Cells or Panels
Wind Generators
AC Power (standard home outlet)
Hand or Pedal Crank
Car Adapter (from alternator when running)
Gas Powered Generator
Hydroelectric Sources
Thermoelectric Generator (like the
Power Pot
which is really cool!)
Power Transfer from One Battery to Another (like
a laptop charging your cell phone through a USB cable)
etc., etc.
Here are some different chemical types and
properties of the most widely used batteries...
Alkaline - Depending on how they are
constructed they can be either disposable
or rechargeable. They have
a higher energy density and shelf life than standard zinc carbon
varieties. They also cost more. Alkaline batteries
account for approximately 80% of the batteries purchased in the
United States.
Lead-Acid Battery - Rechargeable.
Able to provide high surge currents and relatively cheap for their
power abilities, these are the type of batteries found in a gas
powered car to bring the starter motor to life. One variant of
this type of battery is the "Deep Cycle". These are able to be
routinely cycled (charged & discharged) without significant
degradation. That makes them best suited for residential solar powered
applications, UPS devices and electric vehicles. Another
variant is the Marine or RV battery. This is a combination of
both traditional & deep cycle.
Lithium Batteries - These are
not able to be recharged and are
strictly disposable. They have a long life (3 times that of
alkaline) and are more expensive than other types. Most often
used in portable electronic devices like pace-makers.
Lithium-Ion -
Rechargeable batteries used in laptops, cell phones and
cordless power tools. Provides high energy density with low
power discharge / loss when not is use. Lightweight.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) -
Rechargeable. Capable of high
voltage output & rapid charging. Unlike other batteries that
show a reduction in power toward the end of a discharge (think of a
cordless drill slowing down), NiCad provides consistent power until
completely empty of charge. That attribute makes them
perfectly suited for use in powertools.
Zinc-Carbon - Least expensive & most common
disposable type of battery.
In our modern, technologically
advanced lives, we utilize numerous portable electronic devices, all
of which require power. The batteries used to power these have
a finite life cycle and can only be recharged so many time, it at
all. In addition to charging them in the most energy efficient
way, always take care to discard them appropriately.
The website batterystuff.com
offers a large selection of
solar
powered batteries suitable for commercial & residential use.
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