The lifespan of solar batteries has always been one of the most serious concerns for both manufacturers and users. Most solar panels today come with a warranty of 20-25 years. Therefore, it is important to have a solar battery that can offer quality, durability, reliability, and efficiency. Although the manufacturers of solar battery for home deliver sturdy and robust longevity.
Still, there might be some considerable factors that can affect the life of your solar battery. Moreover, we take a look in detail:
Solar Battery Type
When it comes to the factors that can affect the lifespan of solar batteries, the types of the battery assume a significant role. However, are mainly three given chemical compositions:
● Lead-acid
● Lithium-ion
● Saltwater.
Out of the abovementioned 3 types, lithium-ion batteries that are also recognized as li-ion batteries fall under the category of the most common sources of electricity storage for home-based solar systems.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been finding applications in off-grid systems for many years. Since these batteries are considered to be the least expensive ones. They not only have a shorter lifespan but also offer a lower depth of discharge when compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the gold standard in all types of home energy storage frameworks. These batteries offer excellent durability with more depth of discharge and are lighter and compact.
In sync with the demand for such batteries, it is going down. Their production has also seen a new high over the past 2 decades with the cost hugely down.
Saltwater Batteries
Contrary to the lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, there are no heavy metals in saltwater batteries. Saltwater electrolytes are what run these batteries. One of the most prominent aspects associated with these batteries is that they can be recycled easily. Thus are considered to be environment-friendly. Still, with the constant advancement in technologies, saltwater batteries are losing their fascination among users because lithium-ion batteries are fast replacing saltwater batteries as the most reliable source of power.
Solar Battery Usage
Furthermore, cycles are what play an important role in determining the life expectancy of solar batteries. As a result, most solar batteries are actually deep cycle batteries. It is a fact that enables them to discharge up to 80% of their total energy storage capacity before recharging. Some solar battery banks call for manual discharge before they are charged again. Overcharging various times can also be a discouraging factor for the life expectancy of a solar battery.
Solar Battery Temperature
Temperature also plays a pivotal role in determining the lifespan of a solar battery. Eventually, the atmospheric conditions in which you live and the place where you install the batteries can also make a big difference. As far as the life expectancy of the solar battery is concerned. This is important because your batteries need to be kept at an optimal temperature for the maximization of their overall efficiency.
In case you living in an area where the temperature often remains moderate or mild, then you can install your batteries outdoors without any second thought. On the other hand, if you are living in an area where temperatures are always harsh and hostile, then you need to install your batteries in a fully covered area such as a basement. It is only then you can have optimal performance from your solar battery for home.
Solar Battery Warranty
Solar battery manufacturers these days offer warranties on their products depending upon the variant and their overall cost quotient. Generally, lead-acid batteries are useful on the low-end when it comes to the warranty spectrum. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries come with a warranty of up to 10 years or even more.
Subsequently, within warranty are the responsibility of the manufacturers, they produce excellence in them as far as the performance and life expectancy are concerned. You should go for batteries that come with a maximum warranty if you want to enjoy complete peace of mind for years.
Solar Battery Maintenance
Be it a solar battery or any other product, all calls for timely maintenance for better performance as well as life expectancy. Poor maintenance is the biggest threat to any solar battery’s performance and durability.
You can also opt for annual maintenance services provided by the concerned manufacturers to enjoy complete peace of mind.
Always remember that maintenance is always better than replacing or buying a new battery. Therefore, be particular about the maintenance and make the most of your solar battery. Most batteries these days come with the lowest need for maintenance, and even a little awareness of it will bring you maximum performance and longevity.
Leaving batteries uncharged can be a damaging act
If you want maximum performance from your solar batteries, then never leave them uncharged under any circumstances. Batteries left uncharged for a long period might drastically affect their durability or longevity.
Make sure you have your charging source always in ON mode so that your batteries continue to charge. Charging is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting maximum performance from your batteries.
It further ensures a long lifespan or expectancy. In case you are not at home even for a longer period, then also you need to follow the same always-on charging rule.
Battery Lifespan Summed Up
Depending upon the product to product, solar batteries come with 5-15 years of even more lifespan. They also call for regular maintenance and proper care just like other machines and appliances.
Apart from this, you should always go for batteries with maximum manufacturer warranties. You must install them in a location where temperature-related conditions are ideally suitable.
Today, solar batteries are getting affordable and cost-effective day by day. However, they still involve a robust investment on the consumers’ part. While you buy a system, you need to be particular about your exacting needs in terms of load and capacity.
In case you are installing a system that’s much lower in capacity than your actual needs, then also you will have performance-related problems in your system at regular intervals.
