The fact that environmental concern rates somewhere between insignificant and non-existent can only continue if we intend to become extinct. Batteries vs. coal power I have been looking into solar energy as an option for my home. One thing which concerns me is the life of the batteries, which seems to be about five years or less. I want to reduce the amount of pollution I personally contribute to the environment, but if I have to toss toxic batteries away every five years, I'm not sure my decision would be the right one. I average 200-300 kilowatt hours a month of grid power.
Batteries are the weakest link in the renewable energy system.
With battery lives ranging from five to 25 years there is a wide range of types available for deep cycle energy storage. You will get what you pay for. Longer lived batteries cost more for each amp-hour stored. If you choose to use batteries, make sure that your supplier has access to a good battery recycling center that recycles the whole battery including the electrolyte. This is very important because when you replace your old battery pack it is being recycled as much as possible.