How Long Do Solar Batteries Last

Investing in a home solar system is a long-term commitment, and the quality of components can make a significant difference in its performance and longevity. Whether you’re looking to buy a new whole home system or you want to upgrade your current one, it is important to consider the type of solar battery that is ideal for storing the excess energy of your home’s solar energy system.

Solar batteries are essential components in solar energy systems because they ensure a continuous power supply at night or during cloudy days, or when there is very little sunlight. Some factors to consider in choosing the type of solar battery are the battery’s chemistry, capacity, depth of discharge, cost, physical size and weight, cycle life, and efficiency, among others. This article will help you know how long solar batteries last to help you choose the one that best fits your budget, preferences, and of course, your home’s energy needs.

Solar batteries for residential use that are available in the market typically last from 5 to 15 years. Several factors affect the lifespan of each type of battery. Let us look into the two most common types of solar batteries and how they function effectively and consistently over time.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFEPO4 is a kind of Lithium-Ion battery that is widely preferred by consumers primarily due to its lifespan of 10 to 15 years or more. This type of solar battery is efficient because of how it can convert and utilize the stored energy without significantly affecting the battery’s performance and lifespan.

However, Lithium-ion batteries are recommended to be used regularly in order to maintain their performance and longevity. It is ideal for residential properties, remote locations, or other places that require the use of the excess energy stored in solar batteries due to occasional or frequent power outages.

The number of charge and discharge cycles, also known as battery cycle life, also gives us an idea of the lifespan of solar batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally known to have a few thousand cycles before it starts to degrade significantly. This is one of the main reasons why this type of solar battery is preferred by many.

If you are looking into expanding your home’s backup power, Nature’s Generator’s Eco-Intelligent Li might just be the one for you. It offers consumers the option to expand their home’s backup power and it is compatible with both Lithium and Lead Acid batteries.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries but they are still commonly used in solar energy systems due to their wide range of benefits. It has two variants; Flooded Lead Acid Batteries and Sealed Lead Acid Batteries.

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries require periodic maintenance and they can last around 3 to 5 years. Sealed Lead Acid Batteries such as the AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat batteries are known to be safe, highly efficient, and they require very little to zero maintenance. AGM batteries in general can last from 5 to 10 years. The average lifespan of AGM batteries is about 7 years depending on usage and maintenance.

Lead acid batteries are also known to have deep cycle capabilities like lithium-ion batteries. Nature’s Generator Powerhouse is an expandable solar home system that is powered by AGM batteries that are known to be safe, reliable, and convenient for residential use.

It should be noted that the abovementioned are approximate lifespans. This is due to factors such as quality, usage, maintenance, temperature, storage management, and others. Both lithium-ion and lead acid batteries are known to be safe and proficient in storing energy. It is important to note the cost, capacity, and lifespan of both options before choosing the one that is best for your home.

How do I Maximize the Efficiency of Solar Batteries

The most effective way to properly maintain and prolong the life of solar batteries or any other product is by reading and following the manufacturer’s guidelines. In addition to this, doing some of the following best practices will also help in extending the usability and efficiency of solar batteries:

One of the things that you must consider before buying solar batteries is proper sizing. Having a bigger or smaller battery bank than your home’s energy storage needs might significantly impact the efficiency and longevity of the batteries. 

Abiding by the recommended DoD of your solar battery can help extend its lifespan. Most lead acid batteries have a depth of discharge of 50% while lithium-ion batteries have a DoD of 50 to 80%. Take note of your current or future battery’s DoD for maximum effectiveness. 

The proper storage of any type of solar battery is also important because of how the temperature where it is kept affects its lifespan. Solar batteries should be kept in the parts of the house that are well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight. 

Overall, setting up a whole-home power system requires careful research and planning in order to get the most out of your investment. Regular maintenance and proper usage can extend the life of a solar battery, so it's essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and take care of any issues that may arise. Taking these factors into account will help you make an informed decision and choose the solar battery that best aligns with your requirements and budget. Message us and get expert advice from our team. We can help you find solutions to help set up or upgrade your home’s solar energy system.

* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Shobe Cruz, contributed research and content to this blog titled: How Long Do Solar Batteries Last Thank you, Shobe, for your contributions!