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Batteries

Database

You can get access to the battery database by Databases => Batteries.

The battery database is specifically suited for solar systems. It holds 2 main technologies: Lead-acid and Li-Ion batteries. You can choose batteries by technology, by manufacturers, etc. They are sorted by decreasing voltages, and within a voltage range by increasing capacity.

For Li-Ion, the database includes data of single cells. These are not suited for use "as such" in a system. They are the basis for constructing battery blocks, racks, cabinets, etc. all with a same basic element.

Defining a new battery in the database is not straightforward, especially since the information on datasheets is not always complete for PVsyst requirements. If you want to use a model not in the database and have detailed datasheets available, we encourage you to share them with us to help enrich this database.

NB In the early stage of a project, you may use a Universal battery, either lead-acid or Li-Ion. This will be defined by nominal voltage and capacity only, and will behave like a standard battery in the simulation. This may be particularly useful for batch optimizations.

Battery parameters

The battery parameters may be stored as "*.BTR" files in your own workspace. These are defined in the battery definition dialog. The main significant parameters for use in the simulation are the technology, the voltage and the capacity. Replacing an unavailable model by a similar one in the database will not affect significantly the simulation results.

Choice of a battery

  • For small stand-alone systems (a few kWp), batteries were historically of lead-acid technology, and this chemistry remains in use in cost-constrained or remote applications. You can find tips for the choice of a lead-acid battery here.
  • Li-Ion batteries are now the dominant choice for new small PV installations. Their longer cycle life, higher depth of discharge, and falling prices make them competitive over the system lifetime despite a higher initial unit cost than lead-acid.
  • In grid-connected systems (domestic or industrial PV installations), Li-Ion batteries are now the standard technology.