Can I use energy storage systems and still remain environmentally mindful?

With the rise of solar energy, the rise of solar energy storage has followed suit. However, despite the growth of these systems, many users are still wondering if it’s actually in tune with their ethics. After all, one of the main reasons for going solar is the environmental protections it provides. With things like storage batteries becoming the most mainstream way solar power users are saving up their energy in the event of things like blackouts, they may be wondering if doing so is canceling out the benefits of going solar. After all, when people think about the effects of batteries on the environment, they don’t often think they provide many benefits and instead probably think of them as a hazard. However, when thinking about battery storage options, there are actually more than one. While lithium-ion is, in fact, a hazard to the environment, we can look at other batteries for solutions.

The Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) Battery

The flooded lead-acid battery, or FLA battery, is not the first one that comes to mind when people think of environmentally conscious batteries. The reason for that is they are made of lead and corrosive battery acids. Hazardous materials like these could easily cause problems to the environment. However, this is actually a mismanagement issue. When properly recycled, these materials go right back to more batteries or other items that use similar materials. Not only that, but these batteries actually have a recycling rate of 97-99%. By recycling the FLA batteries, a closed-loop recycling system is created, meaning the detrimental environmental effects aren’t seen at all a majority of the time. These batteries are actually recycled more than any other item because of the strict regulations placed on them. Not only that, but these batteries are also job creators, with the industry that produces these batteries contributing to more than 95,000 jobs and billions of dollars into the national economy every year. Not only is consuming them actually benefiting the environment when properly recycled, but they’re also benefiting the job market and the economy.

FLA Batteries are More Cost Effective Than Their Counterparts

While it’s true that FLA batteries don’t have as long a life as lithium, they make up for it in another, arguably more important way. The kilowatt-hours of an FLA battery is greater than the lithium batteries, which means that while they may die sooner, they will provide more operational capabilities, making them the more functional battery in general.

More Negatives of Lithium Batteries

In addition to the benefits the FLA batteries have in comparison to the lithium batteries outlined above, another benefit is the fact that lithium batteries aren’t generally recycled at all. In addition, consumers have to pay to dispose of them. Because of these issues, it’s often believed that batteries as a whole are not an effective solution when the truth is that there are more options than seem available in the mainstream.

Another problem is the lack of proper labeling, meaning that the consumers can’t even tell the difference between lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, which is of course an issue that needs to be addressed promptly to increase the sales of environmentally conscious batteries.

While it is true that lithium batteries are still an effective tool for the storage of solar energy, it’s also true that a great number of those invested in solar energy strive to be as environmentally aware as possible. Because of this, the solution of FLA batteries is something that should be made more aware to the general population.

Want more tips and tricks to powering your solar lifestyle? Check out the HahaSmart blog!

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area