The lifespan of solar batteries is the biggest concern of battery manufacturers. With solar panel warranties ranging from around 20-25 years, it is very important to have a battery that is durable, reliable, and efficient to match that life. Although renowned solar battery brands deliver sturdy storage and longevity, there are still some factors that can affect the lifespan of the batteries.
Life Expectancy of Batteries
Due to the different types of storage batteries available in the market, the average lifespan of a solar battery can vary between 5 to 20 years. Buyers always prefer going with the best quality products for solar energy systems because it is a long-term investment. So, manufacturers like Tesla and Generac offer warranties for up to 30 years.
Battery Chemistry
Solar batteries are available in three different types:
- Li-Ion Batteries: Lithium-Ion batteries are the most common source of solar energy storage. These batteries are lighter, compact, and have a longer lifespan. The depth of discharge of Li-Ion batteries is also higher than the rest.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries are heavy and bulky with a shorter lifespan and lower depth of discharge. However, lead-acid batteries are the least expensive in the market and are easily available at any hardware store.
- Salt Batteries: These batteries use saltwater electrolytes to generate the charge. These batteries are the most eco-friendly option, as they do not contain any metal like lead-acid or lithium-ion.
Professional solar panel installers always recommend going for a lithium-ion battery to ensure maintenance-free and reliable energy backup for up to 2 decades.
Usage Cycles
In order to understand the lifespan of a battery, we need to know that a battery’s life revolves around charging and discharging. Over a period of time, the capacity to hold the charge and discharge wears off, resulting in lower energy backups. In order to ensure a longer lifespan of a battery, its usage cycles must be less.
Batteries that are subjected to constant charging and discharging have a shorter lifespan. Always avoid staining your batteries. The Lithium-ion batteries are deep-cycle units and are capable of discharging themselves up to 90% before recharging. Using batteries up to their last limits will shorten their lifespan. In order to make batteries last longer, charging them based on pertinent specifications such as model and size can help.
Temperature
Batteries should always be installed where the temperature remains under the manufacturer’s specified degrees. For instance, if you live in a moderate climate, installing batteries outdoors under a shade would work. However, if you receive extreme cold or hot temperatures, you should consider installing solar batteries in the basement or garage. Always avoid exposing your solar batteries to extreme weather conditions.
Routine Maintenance
Although solar batteries are made in a way that they are relatively maintenance-free, regularly checking on them and ensuring all connections are solid with no carbon or acid composites would ensure longevity. If you are looking to install solar batteries, contact Yellowlite solar installation professionals.
