Want to increase your savings AND protect your home from planned or unplanned power outages? Paring your residential solar system with solar battery storage is exactly what you need. However, you probably have a few questions before you decide to take the leap.
Before you install solar battery storage, it will be helpful to understand how long they will last. Here’s a look at how long the solar battery lasts and the factors that have an impact on it’s lifespan.
How Long Does Solar Battery Storage Last?
All batteries have been made to store and release a specific amount of energy. Over time, storing and releasing energy causes degradation that reduces the storage capacity of the solar battery.
Most solar batteries last between five and 15 years. This means that your solar battery storage will need to be replaced at least once during the 25 to 30-year life span of your residential solar panels. The solar battery lifespan depends on a variety of factors. Understanding the factors will help you choose the best solar battery for your home.
Factors That Affect Solar Battery Lifespan
Like all batteries, the overall health and lifespan of your solar battery will largely depend on its environment. Here are the most important factors that affect the lifespan of your solar battery.
Usage
You’ll notice that after some years, your smartphone or laptop battery won’t last long between charges. While still new, the battery would have lasted 12 hours, but now it can only last for three hours. The more you charge your battery, the less time it will last with a charge. After some time, the battery won’t be able to discharge enough energy.
You can make your batteries last longer by paying attention to the manufacturer’s depth of discharge. Depth of discharge refers to the stored energy in the battery that you use. You should not push your battery beyond the recommended depth of discharge because it can shorten the lifespan. The battery lifespan of the solar battery depends on the usage cycles. Therefore, you should opt for deep-cycle batteries since they discharge only 80% of the stored energy.
Temperature
Where you install the solar battery has an impact on the lifespan. The battery unit should always be stored at an optimal temperature to increase its efficiency and life. If you live where there are mild temperatures, you can install the battery outdoors. However, for areas with harsh temperatures, store your battery in a temperature controlled environment (like your basement) to achieve optimal performance.
Warranty
Manufacturers have always had a warranty for their solar batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a warranty of more than 10 years, while lead-acid batteries have a shorter warranty. Many solar batteries can outlast this warranty period if they are properly stored and cared for.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your solar battery can increase its lifespan. Annual maintenance of the solar battery can cost you up to $150 to $300, while repairs may cost you between $100 and $3,200.
Get Advice You Can Trust
Solar battery storage will give you more control over your energy needs while managing your costs. If you want to learn more about the products we carry or understand your home’s energy requirements, give us a call to speak with one of our Energy Coordinators today!
