According to recent research, seven out of ten solar panel buyers want to add a battery to their system. Home energy storage allows you to store the extra electricity generated by your solar panels during the day and utilise it when you need it the most, such as for backup power during a power breakdown or electrical failure or at night, or when utility rates are at their highest.
Solar storage is a very huge, long-term investment in your house, and we realise that. That's why, to assist you to understand the advantages of converting to renewable energy, we're answering frequent concerns concerning the life expectancy of a solar battery.
What is the Lifespan of a Solar Battery?
Solar batteries for the home can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. If you elect to install a solar battery now, you'll almost certainly need to replace it in the future to keep up with your solar power system's 20- to 30-year lifespan. Certain variables may help extend the life of your solar battery, which we will discuss further in this article.
5 Factors Affecting the Life of a Household Solar Battery
1. Type of Solar Battery
If you're wondering, "What are the best solar power batteries?" you should know that solar power batteries come in three distinct chemical compositions: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and saltwater. The most popular energy storage sources for a residential solar system are lithium-ion batteries (also known as Li-ion batteries).
- Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries were used in off-grid energy systems for decades. While they are one of the most affordable solutions, they have a shorter lifespan and a lower depth of discharge (DoD) than lithium-ion batteries. The opposite of charging, the DoD of a battery indicates how much power it can discharge in relation to its full kilowatt-hours (kWh) capacity.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the gold standard in home energy storage systems because they are lighter, more compact, and have a longer life and greater DoD than lead-acid batteries. Not only that, but increased demand has reduced the cost of lithium-ion batteries by 85%, making solar electricity with solar storage considerably more affordable.
- Saltwater Batteries
Contrary to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, saltwater batteries use saltwater electrolytes instead of heavy metals. As a result, saltwater batteries are more ecologically friendly and can be recycled more readily.
As a novel technology, saltwater batteries have yet to be thoroughly tested. Lithium-ion batteries are the most dependable source of power if you want to optimise your solar energy potential.
2. Solar Battery Usage
A solar battery's life expectancy is mainly controlled by its usage cycles. Fortunately, the majority of solar batteries are deep-cycle batteries, which may drain up to 80% of their stored energy before recharging. Also, you need to remember certain battery banks must be physically drained before recharging them.
3. Solar Battery Temperatures
Where you put your battery storage system at home might make a significant impact depending on where you live. This is because, in order to maximise the life and effectiveness of your battery unit, it should be kept at a constant temperature.
If you reside in a temperate/mild climate, for example, your battery might be put outside. In colder climates, your battery will function best if it is placed in your garage or basement. Solar consultants can assist you in determining the ideal location for your solar battery.
4. Warranty on Solar Batteries
Manufacturers of solar batteries provide a variety of warranties on their batteries. Lead-acid batteries often have the shortest warranties, whereas lithium-ion batteries have warranties of 10 years or more.
5. Maintenance of Solar Batteries
The lifespan of your solar battery will be determined by proper maintenance, manufacturer, and the product you used at your property.
Our comprehensive solar energy storage service wipes out the cost of maintenance by remotely monitoring your solar battery and panels 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a warranty on solar batteries.
Conclusion
A solar battery is a comprehensive solar energy storage solution that includes a battery unit that is charged by your roof's solar panels, providing you more control over your home's energy demands while allowing you to manage costs on your own terms.