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.

Wholesalers

Solar Products Wholesalers 

Wholesaling refers to buying some products or goods directly from its manufacturer usually at a discount and then reselling it to the retailers for a comparatively higher cost than the original. Basically, wholesalers handle products and package them in small quantities and then sell them to retail customers, either for commercial or personal use. 

Many industries have wholesalers, and that will not skip the solar industries. Nowadays, many solar wholesale stores/firms are operating across the globe, making it much easier for retailers to go solar. Sometimes retailers find it hard to reach direct manufacturers of solar products because some companies do not have their solar stores/shops in public, with that they are not also offering solar products per piece. Through wholesale solar stores/shops, these individuals can easily buy the solar products that they need to replace or maintain their solar systems. 

If you are in need of solar product suppliers for an individual purpose, you may visit some solar outsourcing marketplace to get an updated list of solar wholesalers near your location. There are many solar platforms that provide enough information and data about the solar industry in your region, including all the reliable solar wholesalers in town.

Netherlands

Solar Market Outlook in the Netherlands

The Netherlands solar power market is one of the fastest growing solar markets in Europe. In 2020, it managed to deploy 2.93 GW of solar capacity and it marks a growth rate of 40%. This data pushed the cumulative figure of the country’s solar market to 10.11 GW. Since 2017, there has been consistent growth for the Dutch solar power market.

Majority of the solar power installations in 2020 were in the residential segment but the industrial and large-scale installations had their fair share, too. 

Despite failing to meet its EU 2020 renewable energy target of 14% (the Netherlands is only 12.5% by 2020), the country is well on its way to making solar as its primary renewable energy source.

The Dutch government is promoting the solar market growth through national SDE+ auctions to provide greater financial incentives to investors. They are also making it happen through the Power Purchase Agreements. 

The projected solar installation capacity in the Netherlands by 2050 is at 38 GW to 125 GW. 

Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in the Netherlands

Solar panel companies are quite abundant in the Netherlands. There is also a growing number of renewable energy manufacturers in the country. 

The Netherlands also has easy access to solar energy suppliers for the residential and industrial segments. 

Top 8 Major Seaports & Logistics in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most important and largest seaports in Europe. It is also accessible to a wide range of logistics and passenger ports. This makes it easy to procure solar power equipment for those who wish to shift to renewable energy sources. 

The top logistics and seaports in the Netherlands include the following ports: Port of Amsterdam, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Alkmaar, Port of Den Helder, Port of Breskens, Port of Dordrecht, Port of Harlingen, and Port of Moerdijk.