With the rise of solar panel systems for the home, many people are also choosing batteries that maximize their energy savings. But how long do solar panel batteries last? When investing in a solar energy system, it is necessary to consider the longevity of your solar panel batteries.
A solar panel battery stores extra energy created by solar panels. This energy can be used when it is dark, cloudy, or gloomy.
The lifespan of a solar panel battery is determined by various factors. These include battery type, battery quality, and how you use and maintain the battery. Understanding these elements is important for ensuring that your solar panel battery lasts long and gives the best return on investment.
How Long Do Solar Panel Batteries Last?
Commonly, solar panel batteries last 5-15 years. The lifespan of a power source can even go up to 25 years. This depends on the type and upkeep. Proper care can extend the lifespan.
Solar energy systems commonly use lead-acid batteries, which have about a 5-year lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have a far longer lifespan, with high-quality models lasting 15 years or more. However, temperature, depth of discharge, and usage can all reduce a battery’s lifespan.
Factors That Affect Lifespan & How To Maximize It
To get the most out of solar panel batteries, understanding the factors that affect their lifespan is important. Knowing these factors can help you maximize their efficiency and longevity. Along with each factor, there is a way to maximize battery longevity.
- Type of battery
- Charging and discharging
- Depth of discharge (DoD)
- Environment & climate conditions
- Temperature
- Maintenance
Type of Solar Batteries
As mentioned earlier, lifespan varies with different types of chemistry. Lead-acid batteries, for example, have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Choose a Better Battery
Invest in a high-quality solar panel battery. This will extend its longevity and ensure it works properly over time.
Charging and Discharging Rate
How often a battery is charged and discharged can have an impact on its lifespan. Frequent charging and draining can affect the overall lifespan of the battery.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Pick The Right Sized Battery Tank
Every home has different energy requirements. Ensure the bank is appropriately sized for the home’s energy demands. This will help prevent using the battery too much or too little. Both can shorten its lifespan.
Overcharging a battery might shorten its life. Make sure to configure the battery charging system to prevent overcharging. A professional installation helps you with this.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The depth of discharge (DoD) of a battery is the amount of energy utilized before you recharge it. It is the percentage of the complete capacity.
For instance, if a battery has a total energy reserve of 10 kWh and has been depleted by 5 kWh, the depth of discharge is 50%.
A battery’s total lifespan can shrink if it is consistently depleted substantially. Most solar panel batteries are built with a maximum depth of drain of 80% to 90%. It is generally advised to not discharge the battery past a certain level. This ensures its longevity.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Prevent Overuse of the Battery & Consistently Charge It
Regularly charging the battery can keep it from becoming too depleted, which can shorten its total lifespan.
Since deeply draining the battery on a regular basis is damaging, it is critical to set up the system to prevent the battery from dropping below a specific threshold.
Environment & Climate
The conditions the battery lives in, like sunlight exposure, humidity, and air quality, can also affect its lifespan positively or negatively. Too much humidity and moisture lead to corrosion and damage. Dust and dirt block the sunlight and overheat the battery. Too much shade prevents the battery from charging properly.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Optimize The Battery Environment
Upon installation, make sure your unit is in the right spot. That would be a place that is clean, gets enough sunlight, and is not too humid.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures that swing too hot or too cold can shorten the life of a battery. High temperatures can cause the unit to degrade faster and reduce its efficiency. On the other hand, low temperatures can reduce its capacity by slowing down the chemical reactions.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Cool and Ventilate the Battery Area
High temperatures can make batteries degrade quicker, and low temperatures affect their energy storage. Keeping the unit in a cool, well-ventilated place can help it last longer.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance, including cleaning the terminals and keeping the unit charged, can help increase its longevity. Like any appliance, neglect can cause issues to build up, resulting in a battery that doesn’t last as long.
How To Maximize Lifespan: Try Professional Maintenance
Working with a professional to install your solar energy system is the best way to ensure longevity. An expert will make sure the battery is the right type and the right size, configure it to prevent issues, and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. A pro can also maintain your solar panels and battery, making sure it stays clean and up-to-date.
Solar Panel Batteries For The Long Haul
It is essential to maximize the output of your solar panel system. Doing so will enable you to enjoy the advantages it offers for a prolonged period of time. Those benefits include saving money, having backup during outages, and contributing to the health of the environment with green energy. By focusing on maximizing the lifespan of your solar batteries, you can enjoy your green energy source so much more.
When you work with the experts, you’ll love how long your solar panel batteries can last. At Energy Shield of New Hampshire, we use our roofing, solar, and electrical expertise to create energy-efficient homes. For a free solar consultation, get in touch with us today!
