Ukraine’s agricultural sector is more interested in energy independence and efficiency today than ever before. Solar power plants are not just a trend—they are a real necessity for both farmers and large enterprises. However, stable operation of such a complex requires more than just installing solar panels; it is crucial to select the right batteries that will reliably store energy for cloudy days and nighttime use.
Let’s recall a story from a small farm near Kyiv. The owner installed a cost-effective solar power plant in Kyiv for agriculture, hoping this would be enough for autonomous operation. But in reality, it soon became clear that poorly chosen batteries could not handle the load. Sometimes they overheated, sometimes they quickly lost capacity. As a result, equipment stood idle, and the harvest was put at risk.
Why It’s So Important to Get Batteries Right
The choice of batteries directly impacts not only the autonomy of your solar system but also the longevity of your equipment. An unsuitable battery means not just financial losses, but real risks for your production process.
First and foremost, batteries for agricultural complexes must meet three key criteria:
- High cycle life (the ability to withstand a large number of charge and discharge cycles)
- Reliability in both high and low temperatures
- Optimal ownership cost over the full service life
The Most Common Types of Batteries Used
Modern agricultural solar complexes typically use several types of batteries:
- Lead-acid (GEL/AGM) — An affordable option, capable of up to 500–800 cycles, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Lithium-ion — More expensive, but they last 2–3 times longer, are compact, and almost maintenance-free.
- Nickel-cadmium — Less common, these are used where maximum resistance to extreme temperatures is needed.
It’s important to remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everything depends on the goals of your business, energy consumption, and even the regional climate.
Step-by-Step Battery Selection
Let’s look at a typical scenario for a Ukrainian farmer who decides to equip their business with a solar power station. Suppose you plan to irrigate fields, store vegetables in cold rooms, and automate watering. The first step is to calculate daily energy consumption—and it’s best to do this with an engineer.
For a farm covering 20–30 hectares, an optimal solution would be a 30 kW turnkey solar power plant and price in Vinnytsia. But the system alone won’t solve all your challenges without properly selected energy storage.
Pay attention to the following factors when choosing batteries:
- Number of cycles (the higher, the better for long-term use)
- Manufacturer’s warranty period
- Ability to operate in a temperature range from -20°C to +40°C
- Self-discharge rate (the lower, the longer your charge will last)
A Real-World Example
At a farming complex near Vinnytsia, power outages were common in winter. Old-type batteries couldn’t handle the frost or voltage spikes. After consulting with experts, lithium batteries with thermal protection and fast capacity recovery were selected. The result: the operation became fully autonomous, electricity costs nearly halved, and crop preservation improved.
Nuances Only Professionals Know
Many believe that batteries are the simplest part of a solar system. In reality, this is far from true. For instance, if you plan to expand capacity or connect additional lines, you should choose modules that support cascade scaling.
Another important detail—proper placement of battery units. Ideally, they should have a dedicated room with ventilation and stable temperature control. This will extend their service life and prevent critical failures.
What to Consider Before Purchasing
Before making your choice, ask yourself a few questions:
- How often do power outages occur in your region?
- What is the power consumption of your main equipment?
- Do you plan to expand your operations in the coming years?
- Are you ready to maintain the batteries, or do you need a fully autonomous solution?
And remember: with the right approach, a solar system brings not just independence but real savings. In the long run, you’ll save money, safeguard your crops, and boost the reputation of your farm.
Tips for Beginners and a Checklist of Essential Steps
Before installing a battery bank for your agricultural solar power station, be sure to complete the following steps:
- Carry out an energy audit and calculate your total consumption.
- Choose a reliable equipment supplier.
- Get advice from a specialized engineer.
- Make sure service and support are available.
- Assess the possibility of system expansion in the future.
Conclusions and a Look to the Future
Technology is advancing, and every year new solutions appear on the market. But one truth remains: the right battery is the foundation for the success of any agricultural solar complex. The experts at Dolya Solar Energy are ready to help you select equipment for any need and business scale. After all, it’s a smart choice that determines which solar power plant—5, 10, or 30 kW—is best for your operation.
