The Lifespan of Solar Batteries

Did you know that many solar panel systems produce an excess of power? If you don't have a solar battery in place, you will lose out on that extra power. Instead of saving even more money, you are forced to switch to the grid once the sun goes down and may have to deal with costly peak demand charges on your electricity bill.

If you want to get the most out of your solar panel system while maximizing your overall savings, installing a solar battery may be the right move for you.

When it comes to installing a renewable energy system, little attention is paid to potential battery options, but thanks to the falling cost of solar batteries and typical ease of installation, they are quickly rising in popularity.

Here is everything you need to know about the lifespan of solar batteries, how they are beneficial, and how long they can help you stay off the grid, as well as tips for getting the most out of them.

Solar Battery Lifespan

The question on the minds of solar panel owners interested in battery options: just how long does a solar battery last? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The type of battery you choose
• Its capacity
• Its usage cycles
• The temperature of the installation location

Measuring battery lifespan.
Battery lifespans are measured in cycles. One cycle is a complete discharge and recharge of the solar battery.

Solar battery manufacturers offer different usage cycles to meet the needs of all homeowners. Generally speaking, solar batteries last between 5 and 15 years, with some having the capacity to last over 25 years, which is nearly the lifespan of the solar panel system itself.

Most companies agree that if you were to install a solar panel system today along with a battery, you'd need to replace the battery once to keep up with the lifespan of the panels themselves.

Wondering if you can add a solar battery to your already installed renewable energy system? In most cases, yes! Check out this article to learn more.

Solar Battery Advantages

Because it's likely that a battery will need replacing, many are left wondering if getting a solar battery is worth it. Most homeowners agree that solar batteries are a worthwhile investment, thanks to the savings they go on to enjoy.

Advantages of solar batteries include:

• Being able to store excess power for later use
• Less reliance on the grid
• Lower electric bills. New to renewable energy? See how much you can save!
• Reducing your carbon footprint even more
• Having power during blackouts

Plus, you may still be able to take advantage of net metering; that is, getting paid for the energy you supply the grid. How is this possible? Let's say that it's a bright, sunny day and your panels are up and running. If your home has the power that it needs and then some, the excess is used to charge the battery. A few hours pass and you are still not using much electricity, and your battery is now fully charged. Here's when it could get routed to the grid for credit, should you live in an area that offers net metering.

How Long Can a Solar Battery Power a Home?

Another important question to ask when shopping for a battery for your solar panel system is how long is the battery capable of holding a charge? The answer, again, depends on several factors, including the type of battery you choose and how much electricity your home uses. That said, generally speaking, a fully charged battery can supply your home with the electricity it needs for one day and, in some cases, up to five.

The more conservative you are with usage, the longer the battery will last. If you are tackling several household chores while blasting the AC and watching television, you can drain the battery in just a few hours.

Related
Solar battery basics

Because of their ability to power a home during outages, battery installations are popular among homeowners who frequently have to deal with blackouts.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Solar Battery

If you want to add a solar battery, you probably also want to know what you can do to extend its lifespan. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your storage system.

• Don't let them go uncharged for long periods of time.
• Listen to installation recommendations. A battery installed outside in the hot sun has a lower lifespan than one installed in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Keep up with all recommended maintenance requirements, like regular watering for those that require it.

Ready to Make the Switch to Solar?

It's important to note that one battery is not designed to take you completely off the grid. For that kind of independence, most find that more than one battery is needed to keep up with electricity demands.

Interested in getting a solar panel installation quote and have a few questions about battery options? Connect with a local solar installer via EnergyBillCruncher today.