The most important questions and answers about solar & photovoltaics
What types of batteries for solar and photovoltaics are there?
There are different types of batteries for solar and photovoltaic systems,
which can be used for energy storage. The choice of
The right battery depends on various factors such as
required capacity, the budget, the available space, the
Environmental conditions and the desired service life.
Our recommendation: With the HOOTS battery monitor you can access the power, current, voltage and the associated times via WLAN in the data cloud or Bluetooth.
Here are the most common battery types for solar and photovoltaic applications:
Lead-acid batteries :
Liquid Lead Acid : Traditional and inexpensive, but requires regular maintenance and toppings of distilled water.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) : A type of VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid) battery that is maintenance-free and offers higher efficiency and longer life than liquid lead-acid batteries.
Gel batteries : Another variant of VRLA batteries that use a gel as an electrolyte and are very resistant to high temperatures and vibrations.
Lithium-ion batteries :
Offer higher energy density, longer life and better performance at higher depths of discharge than lead-acid batteries.
They are lighter and more compact, but more expensive to purchase.
Typical variants are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt (Li-NMC).
Nickel-based batteries :
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) : Very robust and works well at low temperatures, but is less popular due to environmental concerns.
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) : A more environmentally friendly alternative to NiCd, but offers a lower energy density.
Saltwater batteries :
An eco-friendly option that does not use heavy metals or dangerous chemicals.
Typically have a lower energy density and are less efficient than lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries.
When using batteries in solar or photovoltaic systems, you should consider the following aspects:
- Capacity and scalability : Make sure the battery is large enough to meet your power needs and see if the system can be expanded if necessary.
- Lifespan and cycle count : Consider how many times the battery can be charged and discharged before it loses capacity.
- Cost : Weigh the initial investment against the expected lifespan and performance.
- Installation and Maintenance : Some battery types require more maintenance than others. Also consider the complexity of the installation.
- Environmental Conditions : Some batteries perform better in extreme temperatures or in high vibration environments.
- Environmental Impact : Consider the environmental impact of battery manufacturing and disposal.
Selecting the right battery for your solar or photovoltaic system is crucial to ensuring an efficient and reliable energy supply. It is recommended that you consult an expert to determine the best option for your specific needs and circumstances.
How can HOOTS BATTERY monitor my solar system?
HOOTS BATTERY is a specialized battery monitoring system designed to monitor the health and performance of batteries in various applications, including solar systems.
Our recommendation: With the HOOTS battery monitor you can access the power, current, voltage and the associated times via WLAN in the data cloud or Bluetooth.
It can be used in your solar system as follows:
- State of Charge (SoC) monitoring : HOOTS BATTERY can accurately measure and display the current state of charge of your batteries, which is essential to know how much energy is available and how long the battery can continue to power the loads.
- Performance data collection : The system can collect important parameters such as voltage, current and overall power. This information is crucial for assessing the efficiency of your solar system and making adjustments if necessary.
- Battery health and lifespan : By monitoring factors such as deep discharge and charge cycles, HOOTS BATTERY helps maximize the life of your battery and identify problems early.
- Warnings : The system can issue warnings when critical battery conditions are reached, such as over-discharging or overcharging. This protects your batteries from damage that can occur due to improper use.
- Historical Data Analysis : HOOTS BATTERY can collect and store historical data, allowing you to identify trends, analyze the efficiency of your solar system over time, and make informed maintenance decisions.
- Remote monitoring : If the system offers network connectivity (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), you may be able to monitor battery data remotely, which is particularly useful if the solar system is located in a remote or hard-to-reach location.
- Integration into the overall system : HOOTS BATTERY can function as part of a broader energy management system that includes solar charge controllers, inverters and other solar system components.
- User-friendly interface : HOOTS BATTERY battery monitoring system provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for you to read and understand the data.
Using HOOTS BATTERY or a similar battery monitoring system in your solar system can help maximize efficiency, extend battery life and ensure your system operates reliably.
How can I remotely monitor the solar batteries in my remote holiday home?
Remotely monitoring solar batteries in a remote vacation home requires specialized solutions and technologies. Here are some steps and options that can help you remotely monitor your solar batteries:
- Solar battery monitoring system: You can install a special solar battery monitoring system. These systems are designed to monitor the charge status and performance of your solar batteries. They collect data such as battery voltage, current flow, and battery capacity and send this data over the Internet to an online dashboard or mobile app.
- Internet access: You need an internet connection in your holiday home to access the data from the solar battery monitoring systems. This can be achieved through broadband internet, mobile connection or satellite internet, depending on the location of your holiday home.
- Online dashboard or mobile app: Most Solares battery monitoring systems offer online dashboards or mobile apps that you can use to check the current status of your batteries. You can use these platforms to monitor charge status, energy production and consumption.
- SMS or email notifications: SMS or email notification facilities can be enabled to notify you when certain thresholds are reached, e.g. B. if the battery capacity is low or if there are problems.
- Backup generator: In remote areas where electricity or internet connectivity is unreliable, you might consider installing a backup generator with a remote start feature. This generator can automatically start when the battery capacity is low to charge the batteries and maintain operation.
Before choosing a solution to remotely monitor your solar batteries, make sure it is compatible with your battery system and your vacation home. A reliable internet connection is also crucial to access the data in real time. With the right monitoring tools, you can efficiently monitor the health of your solar batteries in your remote vacation home and ensure they are functioning properly.
Further information about the HOOTS BATTERY can be found here.
How do I see while I'm away whether my island solar system at home is currently charging my battery?
There are various ways to check whether your island solar system at home is currently charging your battery while you are away:
- Monitoring devices and apps: Many modern island solar systems are equipped with monitoring devices and mobile apps. You can use these apps to check the current status of your solar energy production and your battery charge level from your smartphone or tablet. The app usually displays information such as the current power of the solar system and the battery charge status.
- Online dashboards: Some island solar systems also offer online dashboards where you can view the current status of your system. You can log in to your account via a web browser to monitor your battery performance and charge level from anywhere.
- Email Alerts: Some island solar systems offer the ability to set up email alerts. You can enable notifications to let you know when certain thresholds are reached, such as: B. when the battery is being charged or if problems occur.
- Solar Energy Monitoring Apps: The HOOTS BATTERY is designed to monitor and display information about the performance of solar systems. These apps can be compatible with certain solar systems and allow you to check your battery status while on the go.
To take advantage of these options, it is important to ensure that your off-grid solar system is equipped with the appropriate monitoring features and tools.
Further information about the HOOTS BATTERY can be found here.

HOOTS BATTERY as a solar & photovoltaic battery measuring device via WLAN
HOOT'S BATTERY
- the WLAN Battery-Guard with current and voltage measurement incl.
Temperature sensor for solar and PV systems. For battery systems with a
System voltage of 12V, 24V and 36V. For photovoltaic remote monitoring
Includes battery monitor live data.
This energy feed-in power meter
is ideal for photovoltaic installations, battery storage and
Balcony power plants. Also as an energy meter and current meter for
Mini PV systems can be used.
HOOTS INNOVATIONS : WLAN connection with BATTERY CLOUD and PV power storage monitoring in amps.
WLAN function :
Connect HOOTS BATTERY to one or a variety of
WiFi networks. This provides remote monitoring as a battery monitor
possible. The complete battery values are displayed each time they arrive or
Connect to the network and every 6 hours in the BATTERY Cloud
updated and can be accessed worldwide in the app.
With our battery monitoring solution you get precise measurements for various applications as a measuring resistor, ammeter and battery shunt. The battery monitoring device is also ideal for balcony power plants and mini PV systems and enables remote monitoring and remote diagnosis.
HOOTS BATTERY as a solar & photovoltaic battery measuring device via WLAN
HOOT'S BATTERY
- the WLAN Battery-Guard with current and voltage measurement incl.
Temperature sensor for solar and PV systems. For battery systems with a
System voltage of 12V, 24V and 36V. For photovoltaic remote monitoring
Includes battery monitor live data.
This energy feed-in power meter
is ideal for photovoltaic installations, battery storage and
Balcony power plants. Also as an energy meter and current meter for
Mini PV systems can be used.
HOOTS INNOVATIONS : WLAN connection with BATTERY CLOUD and PV power storage monitoring in amps.
WLAN function :
Connect HOOTS BATTERY to one or a variety of
WiFi networks. This provides remote monitoring as a battery monitor
possible. The complete battery values are displayed each time they arrive or
Connect to the network and every 6 hours in the BATTERY Cloud
updated and can be accessed worldwide in the app.
With our battery monitoring solution you get precise measurements for various applications as a measuring resistor, ammeter and battery shunt. The battery monitoring device is also ideal for balcony power plants and mini PV systems and enables remote monitoring and remote diagnosis.
