Gel Battery

Gel Battery

All solar power systems are composed of solar batteries. However, not all solar panel system manufacturers and installers provide one solar battery type. Most of the time they offer different models of batteries. Generally, there are four main types of solar batteries that are paired with residential solar panel systems. The commonly used batteries are Lead-acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries, Nickel-based batteries, and Flow batteries. Each of these solar batteries has its own characteristics. But among the four types, the most commonly used is the lead-acid batteries, and this type of battery also comes with different variations. 

For today’s article, we will discuss one of the lead-acid battery types, which is the Gel battery.

What is Gel Battery?

A gel battery is a common type of sealed lead-acid battery. The major difference between gel batteries among the other lead-acid options is the material inside. Generally, a gel battery is made up of silica in its inner electrolyte mixture, which is responsible for producing a gel-like substance. Among other lead-acid batteries, gel batteries produce more power. Besides, this battery is valve-regulated, low maintenance, extremely robust, and versatile.

Since the battery is also “sealed”, it does not require water level monitoring unlike standard lead-acid options, plus it does not expel gas. It only produces few fumes so it’s ideal to use in any place without much ventilation. These factors make it a safer option for solar panel systems than other traditional lead-acid options.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gel batteries

Gel Batteries are becoming increasingly popular when it comes to solar battery choice due to their several advantages and minimal disadvantages.

Advantages 

• It is ideal for deep cycle applications and the battery life span is ranging between 500 to 5000 cycles.
• It does not require any high maintenance, unlike other batteries. 
• Since it produces a gel-like structure, there will be no spill.
• It has minimal corrosion making it compatible with sensitive electronic devices
• Rugged and vibration-resistant
• Safe option to choose. You’re less likely to suffer from sulphuric acid burns.

Disadvantages 

• Among the other lead-acid batteries, it has the most expensive initial cost.
• Water cannot be refilled if overcharging happens.
• You are required to use special chargers and regulators.
• Hot temperatures can adversely affect the acid, making the gel hard and may shrink away from plates.

Conclusion: Is it Good to Partner Gel Batteries with Solar Panels?

When it comes to solar panels, the most debated type of battery to partnered with solar panels are the Gel battery and AGM batteries. However, not all solar installations are identical, and there are several factors such as climate and discharge demands to consider when choosing what’s the best battery. 

If you’re going to observe, gel batteries remain on top as they provide many benefits to solar users for long-term energy storage. Although gel battery is the most expensive among the lead-acid batteries, it is free from high maintenance, making it still an ideal battery for solar users, particularly for smaller solar projects. 

On the other side, for most residential solar panel installation that requires high energy demand to power its entire household, you may consider exploring lithium-ion batteries like the Tesla Powerwall to cover all the high energy input from a solar panel system.

OEM

Custom Made Solar Products OEM

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer which is commonly referred to as a company that manufactures and offers parts and accessories of items that are used as components of a product from another company. To sum it up, OEM commonly manufactures specific items on behalf of brands. Though OEM typically operates in the computer and technology industries, it also works in the solar industry.

Factories for White Label Solar Products

In the case of the solar industry, most solar companies work with solar OEMs to build and design their own solar products such as solar panels, cells, modules, etc. OEM becomes their outsourcing partner that helps them in assembling and reproducing their solar products.

Nowadays, a huge number of solar companies, particularly those large solar manufacturing companies, are partnering with outstanding solar OEMs to deliver the best quality solar products to their solar customers. Mainly, the reason is, these solar OEMs help solar manufacturers cut down their production costs since they no longer have to operate their own factories, purchase needed materials and hire labour to produce their solar products.

As a solar manufacturing company, the first thing you need to consider is to find the most reliable solar OEM in the market. One of the biggest perks of the internet these days is you can now easily find these OEMs even in the comfort of your home. With the help of a solar outsourcing marketplace such as SolarFeeds.com, you can easily find the most reliable and right OEM partner for your solar company. Solar outsourcing marketplace helps solar industry professionals gather accurate and timely information about solar including the list of most trusted Solar Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Bahrain

Solar Market Outlook in Bahrain

Bahrain is actively seeking to expand its renewable energy sector and there is no better proof of it than with the government program called the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). The government has also expressed that it is looking to boost the development of new solar power projects, which showcases the country’s commitment to make solar a huge component of its renewable energy sector.

In 2017, the government announced its plans to build a 100-MW high-tech solar power plant. This project was launched in coordination with the private sector. This was just one of many developments that the government was working on to boost the solar energy market and to add diversity to its energy sources. 

The long-term target for Bahrain is to achieve 5% of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2025. Given the high amount of sunlight that the country receives on an annual basis, it only makes sense why the government is focused on using solar power as one of its primary renewable energy sources. 

Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in Bahrain

There is a good mix of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors of solar power equipment in Bahrain. It is expected to grow as more investors are going to support solar development in the country. 

Top 8 Major Seaports & Logistics in Bahrain

There are a few options for those looking to transport solar power equipment into Bahrain. You can do this via one of the country’s major seaports:

• Al Manamah Harbor,
• Port of Khalifa Bin Salman,
• Port of Sitra,
• Port of Mina Salman
• Port of Muharraq.