Solar panels are the most popular source of renewable energy. Solar energy is preferred because of its low cost, reliability, and ease of installation. There are many solar battery manufacturers on the market today, like Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem.
You have to factor in some considerations to have quality solar panel batteries if you’re planning on going solar. You should consider solar panels as a backup power or power outage solution if you aren’t going to fully rely on them.
Solar batteries store the energy that your solar panels collect during the day and then use it when it’s dark outside. But how long do solar panel batteries last? Keep reading to find out so you can make sure that your batteries last as long as possible.
Types of Solar Panel Batteries
There are varied solar battery types in the market. The most well-known are lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium, and flow batteries.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery, and they’re still the most common kind. They don’t cost as much as newer batteries, but they weigh more than other types and take longer to charge. This is because lead-acid batteries use liquid electrolytes inside their cells instead of solid ones, which makes them less efficient than other types.
Lead-acid batteries are also harder to dispose of than lithium batteries. You can’t throw them into your recycling bin or compost pile because they contain toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium that need special disposal methods.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are examples of deep-cycle batteries and are more expensive than lead-acid batteries. They’re lighter, longer lasting, and more environmentally friendly. They also tend to be more efficient than lead-acid batteries in excess energy usage cycles.
That means you’ll be able to run your solar panel system for a longer period of time on one charge with lithium-ion compared to lead acid.
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are one of the most common types of rechargeable batteries. They’re used in many different kinds of devices, including toys and power tools. Solar energy storage systems batteries have a long life and can be recharged hundreds of times. But they don’t work well in extreme temperatures or when they’re fully discharged.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are non-aqueous (water) based storage systems that use two different kinds of liquid electrolytes to store energy instead of traditional metals like lithium or sodium. They can be used for long-term storage needs, even at room temperature, with no need for cooling or heating equipment.
How Long Do Solar Panel Batteries Last?
Solar batteries are an integral part of any solar panel system. Without them, you would not be able to store the solar energy generated by your panels and use it when you need to.
Solar batteries are the power source of a solar panel system. This rechargeable battery converts sunlight into electricity. Solar batteries are usually made of lead-acid, lithium-ion, or nickel-cadmium. The life expectancy of a gold-standard solar battery is determined by its storage capacity (energy storage systems), operating temperature, and discharge rate.
Solar battery life depends on a number of factors including temperature, battery size, weather, location, and more. But they have an average lifespan of up to 20 years. The life expectancy of solar batteries can be calculated by using an online calculator or by following these steps:
- Calculate the total amount of energy output (kWh).
- Calculate how much energy is stored in your battery bank (kWh).
- Divide 1 by 2 to determine how many years your system will last before it needs replacement or repair.
The Best Way to Increase the Life Expectancy of Your Solar Batteries
Solar systems are a great way to save money on your utility bills. But they do have one drawback: they need maintenance on a shorter lifespan. The good news is that solar panel batteries can last a very long time if you take care of them properly. Here are some tips for increasing their life expectancy:
- Check the electrolyte levels regularly and top up as needed using distilled water. If you use tap water, it may contain minerals or other substances that can cause damage to your batteries over time and could even shorten their life expectancy!
- Do not leave your solar panels in direct sunlight for long periods of time without charging them first. This will overheat the batteries and cause damage that may shorten their lifespan or even make them completely unusable.
- Make sure there is plenty of ventilation where you place your solar panels so that hot air can escape easily and cool air can flow in. This will help keep temperatures down during hot spells so that less damage occurs inside each battery cell due to overheating during the summer months
- Use a solar charge regulator. A solar charge regulator helps you monitor the charging process of your batteries and prevents them from overcharging or over-discharging.
- The best way to increase the life expectancy of your solar batteries is to ensure that they are fully charged. If you keep them at a full charge, then they will last longer than if you leave them partially charged. Be sure to avoid overcharging them because this can shorten their lifespan.
- When charging your solar batteries, make sure that you don’t overcharge them. Overcharging can damage the battery or shorten its lifespan significantly. It’s better to charge them less often than it is to overcharge them and damage them in the process.
- If possible, try not to leave your solar batteries exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. This will cause them to lose power much faster than normal and may also damage the battery over time so that it stops functioning properly altogether.
- Check the battery technology manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and maintenance of your system. For example, if solar panel manufacturers recommend keeping your panels in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation, then keep them there! This will help prevent overheating and corrosion from occurring in the battery itself, which can cause it to fail prematurely.
Potential Problems with Solar Panel Batteries
It’s important to remember that your solar battery system is only as good as its weakest link. Faulty types of batteries will destroy the rest of your system and cause more damage than any other component. Several common problems can affect a solar battery’s lifespan:
- Overcharging: This is what happens when you leave electronics plugged into the wall overnight, or when they get too hot while charging. It causes an imbalance in the ions within each cell, which leads to stress on materials and can eventually wear down a battery over time.
- Undercharging: You might think this would be good for batteries since it prolongs their lifespan, but undercharging actually damages them. It allows sulfation (a buildup of lead sulfate) to occur on plates inside cells, which reduces performance and increases costs from replacing damaged components.
- Extreme temperatures: These boost chemical reactions within solar battery units. This causes premature aging and wear and tear due to increased friction between moving parts, like plates moving against one another inside cells.
- Improper maintenance: Batteries need regular cleaning with special solvents designed specifically for this purpose.
What Causes Solar Panel Batteries to Fail?
Solar panel batteries can fail for several reasons. Some of the most common are:
- Poor quality solar panels/battery packs. This may be because the product was made with low-quality materials or was poorly assembled.
- Abuse and overuse. If you use your solar panels too much, like running them 24/7, they’ll die faster than if used occasionally.
- Overcharging or over-discharging the battery can cause damage to the cells and shorten their lifespan.
- Undercharging or under-discharging the battery will also decrease its lifespan because it increases sulfation buildup. This buildup is what causes batteries to fail.
- Using a faulty battery charger will damage the battery and shorten its lifespan significantly.
- A poorly designed battery system may also cause early failure of your solar panel batteries.
- Finally, a faulty inverter that powers your home could also result in the early failure of your solar panel batteries.
Conclusion
There are two main types of batteries used in solar panels today: lead-acid and lithium-based. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. How long do solar panel batteries last?
Generally speaking, you can expect the battery to last for at least five years if it’s properly maintained and working properly. But there’s no way to know exactly how long a solar panel battery will last because it depends on so many factors.
It’s prudent to consult Electric Frugal for necessary guidance when purchasing a solar panel. Our team of experts will walk you through the expectations and give you the best care in solar installations. Contact our solar installers today to learn more about your solar panel battery options.
