Whether it’s to reduce electricity bills or to keep your critical equipment running during power outages, solar energy can prove to be extremely useful for homeowners and commercial properties alike. Most people opting for a solar energy system for their properties also express interest in adding a solar battery to their system.

These batteries allow you to store the excess electricity your solar panels produce during the day and use it when you need it the most. However, investing in a solar panel system is a significant investment, and there are many things you need to consider, such as the battery’s life expectancy.

This blog will take you through the lifespan of a solar battery and highlight the factors that impact its service life.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

Most solar batteries last anywhere between five to fifteen years. While there is a significant amount of time, you might need to replace them once or twice during the entire service life of your solar panel system.

Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Solar Batteries

Solar Battery Usage

The life expectancy of a solar battery greatly depends upon the frequency of its usage, your daily energy requirement, and the size of your solar battery. If the batteries are used often, they might not last as long.

A battery cycle is when it fully charges and discharges once. The more the battery cycles, the shorter the lifespan will be.

Solar Battery Temperature

The place you install your solar battery can make a huge difference. This is because solar batteries need to be kept at an optimal temperature to prolong their life and maximize efficiency. For instance, in areas with mild temperatures, the batteries can be installed indoors, and in the areas with harsh temperatures, the batteries need to be installed indoors.

Type of Solar Battery

There are three types of solar batteries available with different chemical compositions. All these batteries have distinct properties, making them ideal for different functional purposes. 

Lead-Acid Batteries

These batteries are the least expensive ones, but they have a shorter lifespan and lower Depth of Discharge (DoD) in comparison to lithium-ion batteries. For decades, lead-acid batteries have been utilized in off-grid energy systems. 

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These types of batteries are best for residential usage. They are light, compact, have a longer lifespan, and have higher DoD. In addition, because of the high demand for lithium-ion batteries, their cost has been reduced by almost 85 percent. This has made solar power energy more accessible. 

Saltwater Batteries

Unlike Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, saltwater batteries rely on saltwater electrolytes instead of heavy metals. They are a more environmentally friendly and recyclable option.

However, the technology is relatively new and largely untested. So, lithium-ion batteries remain the top choice for maximum solar energy production. 

Solar Battery Warranty 

Solar battery manufacturers and service providers offer a wide range of warranties to protect your investment. Generally, lead-acid batteries are placed on the lower end of the warranty spectrum, whereas lithium-ion batteries have warranties of ten years or more. 

Therefore, you need to ensure you’re opting for a solar panel company that offers maximum warranty coverage. 

Solar Battery Maintenance

Maintenance plays an integral role in prolonging the service life of your solar battery. Regular maintenance and monitoring will ensure the solar batteries keep functioning optimally and reduce the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs. 

Solar Panels vs. Solar Batteries: Which Lasts Longer?

Most people wonder if solar batteries last as long as solar panels; the answer is no. Solar panels have a longer service life – 25 to 30 years – and will exceed the useful life of your solar batteries. 

It’s fair to say that your solar battery will need to be replaced twice or more during the entire lifespan of your solar panels. 

Signs Your Soar Battery Needs Replacement

These signs are indicators that your battery has reached its limit and needs to be replaced immediately.

• Reduction in battery capacity leads to unfulfilled energy demands
• Increased self-discharge and shorter battery cycles reduce the battery’s lifespan
• System malfunction due to battery failure

 

Solar Battery Installation in Portland, ME

ALL Solar Energy Solutions is a locally operated business that offers residential and commercial solutions. Our battery storage solutions increase security and preserve energy that can be used in an emergency or power outage.

Contact us today to learn more about our offerings.