Solar Storage: How Sodium-Ion Batteries Can Help?
From power outages to storing solar energy and initiating smart living in Cayman, robust batteries have become crucial.
Gone are the days when battery choices were scarce, today, there are endless reliable and stable batteries available which can be used in various storage products like Tesla, Generac PWRcell, LG, Enphase Energy, and more.
Lithium-ion being the most trusted battery for a long time is the top choice of consumers, but due to certain limitations like rising cost, and supply chain issues, sodium-ion has taken over it.
Let us explore how sodium-ion can replace traditional batteries and how it will become an industrial mammoth in the near future.
Meaning & Inception of Sodium-Ion Battery
In simple terms, sodium is utilized in sodium-ion batteries as a charge carrier.
As sodium-ion batteries look similar to lithium-ion batteries, people always get confused between the two.
Like other batteries, sodium-ion batteries are also easily rechargeable.
The inception of sodium-ion batteries was during the 1980s. And the main reason it is becoming more popular is due to multiple issues pertaining to lithium-ion like the unavailability of lithium in large amounts to cater to production and rising material costs.
These batteries come with different features, one of the distinctive features being alterations in shape from rectangular pouches and cylindrical batteries. These shapes and types are used for various purposes like electric vehicles, portable devices, and energy storage.
If you are keen to know the features of sodium-ion Battery, here is everything you need;
Features of Sodium-Ion Battery
Following are some of the features of sodium-ion batteries that will provide you with a clear understanding of how these batteries work and what are some of their advantages.
- Effectiveness in Price
Battery manufacturing industry gives major importance to pricing as it enhances the outlay of solar system installation which is used for both household and commercial purposes.
The major breakthrough factor is the low material price which makes it even more affordable than lithium-ion batteries.
As per its type and capability, lithium batteries cost between $7,000 and $14,000 for storing solar energy.
The prices of lithium are rising due to increasing demand for residential energy storage, resulting in high inflation.
As most companies are finding it difficult to resource lithium, there is a shortage in obtaining it. Therefore, sodium batteries are becoming the need of the hour, combating all the difficulties surged by lack of materials.
2. Safety Remains the Biggest Priority
Li-ion batteries fail to provide complete safety as it is likely to catch fire. On the other hand, sodium-ion batteries in a solid state are non-flammable and work effectively in all kinds of environments. Although, lithium batteries are largely used in all commercial sectors for their effectiveness and results.
3. Effectiveness and Availability of Sodium-ion
- Effectiveness — The lowest energy density is the biggest drawback when it comes to sodium-ions as compared to other batteries.
Lithium-ion takes less space and greatly impacts the solar energy used for home and office automation. Therefore, if you have less space on your property, there can be a significant issue with using sodium batteries.
In the future and even now some manufacturing companies are trying to enhance the effectiveness of these batteries. This means you will see less energy losses, heavy storage capacity, and expanding battery life.
- Availability — Most sodium batteries are available for purchase but the process doesn’t seem straightforward and the companies who require this battery need to make a formal request.
Lithium batteries are sold by multiple manufacturers worldwide, making them the first choice of consumers.
How Sodium Ion Batteries Will Soar the Solar Industry?
Sodium Ion batteries are arguably efficient in powering any application, some of the sectors where these batteries get the upper hand are;
- Power Grids — For the smart grid to perform effectively, a reliable power supply is critical. Sodium-ion batteries are utilized to upgrade solar and wind energy to encounter storage requirements.
- Electric Vehicle Industry — As environmental awareness is at its peak, there is a significant rise in the sales of electric vehicles. Sodium-Ion is affordable and easily accessible, and importantly they are environment friendly.
- Industrial Expansion & flexibility — We are living in an era where there is a constant demand for goods and services at affordable prices.
With sodium-ion batteries used in manufacturing units, there will be a rise in asset utilization, resulting in lower operating costs.
How Sodium-Ion Technology will Shape the Future?
Sodium-ion batteries are transforming the solar energy industry with modern and dynamic solutions.
People are happily accepting this technology due to its sustainable material usage and expanding energy storage.
Due to its lower price, you may see more sectors adopting sodium-ion, however, some battery types are in the research and development phase.
Undoubtedly, sodium-ion batteries will soar in the solar panel industry just like conventional solar batteries. However, you’ll see a drastic change in the demand when this technology will become more affordable, easily accessible, and have high energy density.
