Solar batteries are an important part of solar energy systems because they store the energy that solar panels make so that it can be used when the sun isn’t out. However, how long do these batteries last? We will talk about how long solar batteries last, what factors affect their durability, and how to get the most out of your purchase in this piece.
How long do solar batteries last?
Solar batteries have a lifespan that tells you how long they can store and deliver energy before they start to work much less well. Most of the time, this is recorded in rounds or years. One cycle means that the battery is fully charged and then drained. A lot of solar cells are rated to work for a certain number of rounds or years.
Different kinds of solar batteries and how long they last
Sunlight-powered batteries come in different types, and each has a different life span:
- Batteries with lithium ion
- Batteries with lead acid
- Battery with Nickel-Cadmium
- Batteries for Flow
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Batteries made of lithium
The most popular type of solar cell used today is a lithium-ion battery. They have a lot of energy packed into a small space, work well, and last a long time.
Usually lasts 10 to 15 years or 5,000 to 10,000 rounds.
Pros:
- Very long life
- Very good efficiency
- Easy to care for
Not so good:
- More money up front
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Lead-Acid Batteries: Needs to be managed properly to keep them from getting too hot
Even though lead-acid batteries are getting old, they are still used in some solar energy systems because they are cheaper.
Lifespan average: 5 to 7 years or 500 to 1,000 rounds
Pros:
- Less money up front
- Technology that works and is easy to understand
Not so good:
- Less time to live
- needs regular maintenance
- Less energy per unit area
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Batteries with nickel-cadmium
Nickel-cadmium batteries aren’t used very often, but they’re known for lasting a long time and working in a wide range of temperatures.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years, or 2,000 to 3,000 rounds
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Does well in very high or very low temperatures
Not so good:
- Cadmium is expensive, harmful, and bad for the earth.
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Flow Batteries: Flow batteries are a younger technology that could last a long time and be easily expanded.
Usually lasts 10 to 20 years, or an endless number of cycles (with good care).
Pros:
- Very long life
- Adding more juice makes it easy to make it bigger.
- Strong enough to handle deep flows without harm
Not so good:
- High cost up front
- Has to have room for big water tanks.
Things that affect how long a solar battery lasts
There are several things that can affect how long a solar battery lasts. If you know about these things, you can get the most out of your battery and make it last longer.
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Level of Discharge (DoD)
How much of the battery’s power is used up before it needs to be charged is called its “depth of discharge.” For instance, if you only use half of the battery’s power, the DoD is half. When the DoD is greater, the battery is used up faster, which can shorten its life.
Do not use more than a battery can hold (about 50 to 80% of its capacity) to make it last longer.
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The temperature
Batteries work best when they are between a certain temperature range. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can shorten the life of a battery.
Tips: Put the battery somewhere it can stay within the right temperature range, which is usually 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
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Rates of Charging and Discharging
How often you charge and drain a battery can affect how long it lasts. When you charge and discharge a battery quickly, it can get worn out faster.
Tip: To keep the battery from being overworked, use a battery management system (BMS) to control the rates at which it charges and discharges.
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Proper repairs
Maintaining a battery on a regular basis can help it last longer, especially lead-acid batteries that need more care.
Tip: To keep your battery in good shape, follow the care instructions that came with it.
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Patterns of Use
The way you use your battery can also affect how long it lasts. You can make the battery last longer by cycling it within its ideal range on a regular basis and staying away from deep drops.
Tip: Keep an eye on how well your battery is working and change how you use it to keep it from wearing out too quickly.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Battery
These tips will help you get the most out of your solar battery:
- Discover how to Pick the Best Battery for Your Needs: This is because different types of batteries are not all the same. Pick the one that works best for your income, energy needs, and the weather.
- Install a Battery Management System (BMS). A BMS can help protect your battery by controlling the rate of charging and draining, keeping cell levels even, and stopping the battery from overcharging or deep discharging.
- Check and Take Care of Your Battery: Make sure you check your battery’s performance often and do what the maker says for upkeep.
- Keep Your Battery Safe from Extreme Temperatures: Put your battery somewhere that won’t get too hot or too cold.
- Be smart about how you use your battery. To keep it in good shape, avoid long discharges and fast charging and discharging processes.
How to Tell If Your Solar Battery Needs to Be Replaced
Batteries will need to be changed at some point, even if they are taken very good care of. If you see any of these things, your solar battery may be getting old:
- Capacity Loss: If your battery can’t hold as much charge as it used to, it may be capacity loss.
- Frequent Cycling: If you notice that your battery is cycling (charging and draining) more often, it could mean that it isn’t working as well as it used to.
- Charge Times That Are Longer: If your battery takes longer to charge than it used to, you may need to get a new one.
- Damage to the Body: If the battery shows any signs of damage to the body, like swelling, leaks, or rust, it needs to be changed right away.
You can make smart choices and get the most out of your investment if you know how long your solar battery lasts and what factors affect it. Battery types have different life spans. How long your battery lasts can also depend on how deeply it is discharged, the temperature, and how well it is taken care of.
If you pick the right battery for your needs, set up a good battery management system, and use and maintain your solar battery according to best practices, you can make it last as long as possible and enjoy clean, stable energy for many years to come.
