With the growing number of Americans resorting to solar energy as a way of saving on their electricity bills and minimizing their carbon footprint, there is always that question on how long can a solar panel battery last? Knowing the lifespan of these batteries will allow homeowners to plan how to maintain them, replace them, and ensure that their solar energy system works optimally.
We are going to deconstruct the variables that influence battery life, what the average life is, and how to extend the life of your solar battery in this guide.
What Is a Solar Panel Battery?
We should first find out what a solar panel battery is before we immerse ourselves into battery life.
A solar panel battery is a storage point where all the energy that your solar panels produce is stored during daytime to be used later at night or during power outages.
Common types include:
Lead-Acid Batteries: Old fashioned, inexpensive, but not as long-lasting
Lithium-Ion Batteries: More costly, longer-lasting, efficient, and modern
Saltwater Batteries: Environmentally friendly, average lifespan, although not widespread in the U.S.
The different batteries’ features influence their duration of use.
Average Lifespan of Solar Panel Batteries
The lifespan of a solar panel battery varies according to the type, uses, and maintenance.
Here’s a breakdown:
Lead-Acid Batteries
Typical Lifespan: 3-5 years
Pros: More affordable, ubiquitous
Cons: Massive, low density of energy, high maintenance
Off-grid systems tend to use lead-acid batteries. They also need frequent servicing, including refill of the electrolyte solution, in order to live their entire life.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Typical Lifespan: 10-15 years
Pros: Efficacy, low maintenance, and small size
Cons: Higher upfront cost
Homeowners prefer lithium-ion batteries. Their lifespan is increased as they are able to endure more charge and discharge cycles without any major drop in capacity.
Saltwater Batteries
Typical Lifespan: 10-12 years
Pros: Environmentally friendly, safe, and easy to recycle
Cons: Lower energy density and less available
Saltwater batteries are increasingly becoming popular because of their environmentally friendly design, although they not widely prevalent in residential solar systems.
Factors That Affect Solar Battery Life
A number of factors may influence the duration of your solar battery. Knowing how to maximize your investment comes with knowledge.
Number of Charge Cycles
The battery can be fully discharged and charged one time. There is a specified number of cycles on batteries, and these directly influence lifespan.
For example:
Lead-acid: 500-1,000 cycles
Lithium-ion: 3,000-5,000 cycles
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
Depth of discharge is the amount that the battery uses before it becomes charged again.
Lead-acid batteries: 50% DoD is suggested to be used to achieve long life
Lithium-ion batteries: Can work up to 80-90% DoD
The life of your battery can be prolonged by using it more sparingly.
Temperature
Extremes in temperatures can reduce battery life. Degradation is faster at a high temperature, and cold can temporarily slow down efficiency. Battery installation in a room with temperature control can be used to ensure performance.
Maintenance
Maintenance is also important, particularly for lead-acid batteries. To increase the battery life, you can check the level of water, clean the terminals, and prevent overcharging. Lithium-ion batteries do not demand much care.
Quality of the Battery
Batteries are not created equal. The better the quality of batteries of the reputable manufacturers, the longer they will last and provide more reliable performance.
How to Extend the Life of Your Solar Battery
Homeowners can use practical steps to make the most of battery life:
Avoid Deep Discharges
Do not empty your battery to less than 20-30 percent of its charge. This is particularly critical in the case of lead-acid batteries.
Optimal Temperature
Store your battery in a cool dry place. Do not expose to direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Use a Battery Management System (BMS)
A BMS keeps track of battery voltage, temperature, and charge cycles. It avoids overcharging and deep discharging –both which affect the prolonged life of the battery.
Regular Inspections
Check your battery frequently to detect wear, corrosion, and leaks. Small problems can be addressed before they lead to significant failures.
Upgrade When Needed
When your battery has approached the expiration date, you can upgrade to a newer and more efficient battery and save both the performance and money in the long run.
Signs Your Solar Battery Is Dying
Being aware of how much time you have left before your battery depletes will help you avoid the inconvenience of having to repair it at a high cost.
Common signs include:
- Minimal storage capacity of energy
- Longer charging times
- Swelling or physical damage
- Regular system alerts or failure
- Reduced functioning at maximum energy demand
When you see these indications, then it is time to call a solar specialist to replace them.
Common Replacement Costs in America
Replacement cost of a solar panel battery will depend on the type and the capacity:
Lead-acid battery: $150–$300 per kWh
Lithium-ion battery: $500–$1,000 per kWh
Although lithium-ion batteries are costly in terms of upfront costs, they last longer and, in many cases, prove to be more economical in the long run.
