AbstractVarious photovoltaic (PV)‐powered battery storage configurations are analysed to determine if the percentage of available energy stored in the battery can be improved. Both deep‐cycle and shallow‐cycle lead‐acid batteries are considered. Computer simulation techniques are used to model the characteristics of the PV array, daily loads and environmental conditions. Three configurations were tested: one 60 ampere‐hour (Ah) battery, two 60 Ah batteries in parallel and two 60 Ah batteries that switch between the PV array and the load. Results show that the conventional PV‐powered configuration, where one battery is charged, wastes enormous amounts of energy by reaching a charged state while the PV array can still provide energy. A dual battery system enables the excess energy to be shunted into the battery under load while concurrently ensuring that one battery is constantly under charge until a full state of charge