How long will my battery system last?

Some batteries will also provide longer backup than others. The 13.5-kilowatt-hour capacity of Tesla’s Powerwall, for instance, outranks Sunrun’s Brightbox at 10 kilowatt-hours. But those systems have the same power rating, at 5 kilowatts, which means they offer the same “maximum load coverage,” according to WoodMac’s director of solar, Ravi Manghani.

“Typically, during a power outage, one wouldn't aim to draw at the maximum 5 kilowatts," a load roughly equivalent to running a clothes dryer, microwave and hair dryer all at once, Manghani said.

“An average homeowner typically will draw 2 kilowatts maximum during an outage, and an average of 750 to 1,000 watts during the course of the outage," he said. "This means a Brightbox will last for 10 to 12 hours, while a Powerwall will last for 12 to 15 hours.”

Certain applications and programs already on the market, such as Sense and Powerley, can also give homeowners an idea of their usage. But in a Catch-22, the apps might require power to function, though data on past power usage could help homeowners identify which appliances to prioritize.

Recent data suggests that many homeowners installing energy storage systems are opting for two batteries instead of one for greater backup capacity.

John Berger, CEO at residential solar and storage company Sunnova, told Greentech Media that the company has seen an influx in demand for storage from existing customers looking to update their systems, as well as new customers asking for batteries from the start. In terms of how long the system can last, however, Berger offers what he called “a rather unsatisfying answer.”

“It depends on how much power your home uses, how big it is, what the weather is in your particular area,” he said. “Some of our customers may be able to have a whole home backup with one or two batteries, and then in other cases that may still not be enough.”

What are RV Lithium Batteries?

Simply put, RV Lithium Batteries are rechargeable 12-volt batteries that have become a popular replacement for lead-acid batteries. This is particularly true of folks who have solar power on their rigs.

RV lithium batteries are based on a newer, more efficient lithium-ion technology known as LiFePO4 or lithium iron phosphate. For the purposes of this post, whenever we talk about “lithium” we’re referring to this specific technology.

Aside from the technology on the inside, the difference between lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries essentially boils down to the efficiency of use and lifespan.

Lithium batteries can be fully discharged without damage. But once a lead-acid battery is discharged below 50 percent, it suffers permanent damage and will no longer recharge to its full capacity. Because lithium batteries can safely be fully discharged without damage (so their rated capacity is fully usable) a lithium battery provides much more usable amp hours than a lead-acid battery rated at the same capacity… about double!

While a 100-amp-hour lead-acid battery can only safely be discharged to roughly 50 percent, a 100-amp-hour lithium battery can be depleted to virtually zero without damage. So, you only get about half as many usable amp hours from lead-acid as you do with lithium.

An RV lithium battery can also be depleted and recharged (or cycled) thousands of times. Lead-acid batteries may only have as few as several hundred cycles in them before needing to be replaced.

Additionally, lithium batteries are much lighter than lead-acid batteries, which can be a huge help for RVs that are at or near their maximum weight carrying capacity. And because it takes fewer batteries to equal the same amount of usable amp-hours, lithium batteries ultimately use less space than their lead-acid counterparts (again, a big benefit for smaller RVs that need more power but don’t have the room to add more batteries)

However, when you consider that lead-acid batteries are likely going to need to be replaced much more often, lithium batteries can cost less over time.

It’s also important to consider the charging time saved. Lithium batteries will charge more quickly and more efficiently, so you’ll also save fuel that might otherwise be required to run your generator. You may even save time and the hassle of seeking a sunny spot for your solar charging when you know you’ll be able to rely on the power of your lithium batteries for longer.

Plus there’s no more “battery anxiety” with lithium batteries. Lead-acid batteries need to be handled fairly delicately when it comes to discharging since you can’t exceed 50% of their rated capacity. So that can lead to recharging them more often, just to avoid exceeding that limit. With lithium batteries, an amp is an amp is an amp. Doesn’t matter if the battery is at 100% charge, or 39%. They just provide power. And as long as you have the number of amp-hours you need to make it through the night… you’re good!

What is electromobility?

In order to replace fossil fuels in transport, a number of alternative energy sources are being investigated. There are currently two main solutions emerging: hydrogen fuel cell technologies and electric vehicles. When it comes to the term electromobility, it covers both fully electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles using hydrogen fuel cell technology. All e-mobility vehicles are based on the idea of electricity as “fuel”. This approach is considered forward-looking. Looking across the entire energy chain, only electricity provides efficiency gains and, as long as it comes from renewable sources, a significant reduction in CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.

A solution of the future?

Electromobility has become one of the most promising technological solutions. It replaces fossil fuels and can power most forms of personal and public transport. That is why parallel investments in charging infrastructure are necessary to create the conditions for the transition of cities and regions to low- and zero-emission solutions.

Due to the specificity of electromobility vehicles and their high efficiency over shorter distances, electrification of public transport infrastructure is an area with great potential. A number of public transport modes, including buses, are already largely e-mobile.

What is electromobility in practice?

Long-distance and heavy journeys are less suited to e-mobility. However, electric road systems for trucks are already being implemented in many Member States of the European Union. In Sweden, in turn, work is underway on the innovative EVolution Road project. It is designed to automatically detect and charge electric vehicles, including battery buses, when they are moving on it. At present, it seems that only air travel will remain dependent on liquid fuels.

Electric motors have several advantages over conventional internal combustion engines. They convert about 80% of energy into usable power compared to 20% for a conventional vehicle. They are therefore characterized by higher efficiency, high durability and lower maintenance costs. Zero emission electric and hydrogen vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions. They therefore do not contribute directly to air pollution. Thanks to their quiet operation, they also produce less noise and vibration, thus increasing the comfort of life for residents in urban areas.

How Much do Golf Cart Batteries Cost?

We’ve all been there. Our golf cart isn’t working and we dread that it is time to replace the batteries. So, we pick up the phone to call our local golf cart dealer and we ask the parts department, “How much do batteries cost?” And before they speak, the person on the other line says trepidatiously, ”…are you sitting down?” We wait in anticipation as our jaw drops in exclamation to the high price of batteries.

Now, pricing on batteries does vary from pack to pack. The general consensus for battery replacement ranges from $800 on the low end to $1500 on the high end. Some packs cost as much as $2000 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm. This price range is assuming you are working with a local golf cart dealer. Batteries can be less if you install them yourselves, however we recommend you prevent long term back pain from picking up heavy batteries and have your local professional dealer provide the service.

Of the 48 Volt systems, the 4-12 Volt system is typically the least expensive (not always) since only 4-12 Volt deep cycle batteries are required. However the 4-12 Volt system has the least range. The more lead and the heavier the battery pack as a whole typically leads to a more expensive but higher quality battery pack. And a higher quality battery pack will have longer life for your golf cart and generally better performance in terms of range.

What to expect getting your batteries replaced

So, now that we have discussed the cost of having batteries installed by a dealer, what else does it typically include? Well, since batteries are a hazardous material and contain acid, depending on how well you take care of your batteries will determine the amount of extra cleaning and repairs needed to allow for new batteries to be installed.

Batteries that are not maintained properly will require acid cleanup and potentially replace cables and connectors in the battery bay. Now, these extra items are not typically included in a normal battery install. However, general cleaning typically is. Then, when the batteries are all installed, the dealer will ensure the batteries properly charge and perform a safety check so that you can drive off without any worries. While you’re getting the batteries replaced though, have your dealer perform a preventative maintenance check as well. You might as well get it all done at once and keep yourself safe while driving on the road.