Missouri Wind And Solar Podcast

On today's episode, Wes and David bring Missouri Wind and Solar's head of R&D, Sam Buffington, in to discuss lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the off-grid industry and are now widely used in electric vehicles. While they offer a high energy density and long lifespan compared to other types of batteries, there are some concerns about their safety and sustainability. There have been incidents of lithium-ion batteries overheating or catching fire. However, advancements in battery technology and production methods are aimed at addressing these issues and improving the safety and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries. Despite the challenges, many experts believe that lithium-ion batteries will continue to play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

On today's episode, Wes and David wrangle owner Crystal Shank into a discussion of battery technology and the impact of cold weather.

Lithium-ion batteries have a relatively stable voltage output and are less affected by cold temperatures compared to lead-acid batteries. However, the cold weather can reduce the capacity and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, leading to shorter battery life and reduced performance. To minimize the effects of cold temperatures, lithium-ion batteries must be stored and used within a specified temperature range and protected from extreme cold weather.

Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are more susceptible to cold temperatures and can experience reduced capacity and reduced efficiency in cold weather. In extreme cold weather conditions, lead-acid batteries can freeze and become damaged, which can cause them to lose capacity and performance permanently. To prevent damage, lead-acid batteries must be kept warm in cold weather, either by using a battery blanket or by keeping them in a warm area.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that are designed to be more resistant to cold temperatures. AGM batteries use a special glass mat separator that holds the electrolyte in place and prevents it from freezing in cold weather. As a result, AGM batteries have a better performance in cold weather compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. However, they are still affected by cold temperatures, and their capacity and efficiency can be reduced in extreme cold weather conditions.

On today's episode, Wes and David wrangle owner, Crystal Shank, into the podcast to review the update on the impact on batteries caused by California's NEM 3.0 regulations.

Wes and David discuss what you need to consider when looking at adding to or upgrading your system.

There are several considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure that the new components are compatible with your existing setup and perform as expected.

You need to consider the capacity of your existing system and the additional energy needs that you have. This will help you determine the size and capacity of the new components needed.

You need to consider the compatibility of the new components with your existing equipment, including the solar panels, inverter, and battery storage system. This will ensure that the new components work seamlessly with your existing setup and that you can maximize the efficiency and performance of your solar system.

You also need to consider the maintenance requirements of the new components, including regular cleaning and monitoring. This will ensure that your solar system continues to perform optimally and that you can avoid potential problems and costly repairs.

Finally, you should consult with a solar professional who can provide expert advice and guidance on the best options for adding on to your existing solar system. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your investment in clean energy pays off.

Wes and David discuss how Peukert's law impacts your batteries in your alternative energy system.

From Wikipedia...

Peukert's law, presented by the German scientist Wilhelm Peukert in 1897, expresses approximately the change in capacity of rechargeable lead–acid batteries at different rates of discharge. As the rate of discharge increases, the battery's available capacity decreases, approximately according to Peukert's law.

David and Wes talk about how wind power is the perfect supplement to your solar system.

Wes and David discuss the potential crisis headed our way with regard to being able to get batteries.

Wes and David discuss the processes need to make sure you have adequate energy production during the winter.

Wes and David talk about why a car battery is not the best battery you can get for an alternative energy project.

Inverters are classified as either low or high frequency. Our head of research and development, Sam Buffington, discusses the pros and cons of each.