A solar battery bank can drastically improve the usefulness and versatility of your solar power system, giving you greater energy independence and further decreasing your utility bills. But battery banks can take up quite a bit of room, and if you have limited storage space, you might think it’s not a possibility for your home. That doesn’t have to be the case. With the right batteries and a few other tips, you can often fit a battery bank into a small space.
Start with the Right Batteries
The first step in fitting a battery bank into a small space is choosing batteries that are designed to give you a substantial amount of energy without taking up a lot of floor space. Look for batteries with high energy density, which are able to store more power in a smaller space. This can allow you to build the storage capacity you need while keeping a relatively small footprint in your home.
You should also look for modular batteries, as they can often be installed using a battery cabinet. These specially designed cabinets allow you to slot small, high-powered batteries into them, keeping cables organized and batteries stacked to take up a minimal amount of space. If you can start out by finding modular batteries with high energy density, you’re already well on your way to having a battery bank without taking up much space.
Choose a Safe Location
Having limited space should never mean squeezing your batteries into an unsafe installation spot. Make sure you pick a space that’s accessible for inspecting and maintaining the batteries. You should also make sure the space meets manufacturer requirements for temperature, moisture, and ventilation, and that it’s free of combustible materials.
Avoid using very small storage areas or improvised cabinets that aren’t specifically designed for battery banks. Shutting your battery bank into an unsuitable space can cause it to overheat and lead to serious safety issues.
Consider Vertical Installation
As mentioned earlier, modular batteries are excellent for stacking vertically, which can also save you quite a bit of space. But whether you buy a modular option or not, it’s worth checking to see if the batteries you’re buying can be stacked or even mounted to make better use of space. A vertical storage setup can give you more storage space in the same area. Some battery types even have specialized wall-mounted storage systems to keep them completely off the floor and save all your square footage.
If your storage space is limited, don’t assume a battery bank is out of the question. Speak to your solar installer about batteries from Fortress Power and what other options are available to you to fit a battery bank into the space you have available.
