When you invest in solar panels for your home, you are making an investment that will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Comparatively, the longevity of solar batteries can last between 5 to 15 years. This makes it very likely that you will have to replace your batteries during the lifespan of your solar power system.
Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the most common sources of energy storage on the market for solar systems. To understand how strong a battery is, we have to first look at the amount of power a battery is able to discharge. This is called the depth of discharge (DoD), which is compared to the batteries’ full kilowatt-hours (kWh). Now we will go into the difference between current batteries on the market.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are typically used for off-grid energy systems. While they’re one of the least expensive options on the market, lead-acid batteries have one of the shortest lifespans.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the gold standard in solar because of their lightweight and compact form. They also have a longer lifespan and higher DoD than lead-acid batteries.
Saltwater Batteries
Saltwater batteries don’t contain any heavy metals and instead produce energy by using saltwater electrolytes. This choice is the most environmentally friendly option and is one of the few options that can be recycled, but there is no substantial research on whether these batteries are reliable.
Other than the actual type of battery that you are using, usage and temperature can heavily affect how long your battery will last. It is important to avoid overcharging and overheating to ensure your battery stays healthy and efficient for as long as possible. Luckily, your solar advisor can help you determine the right place to store your battery and whether or not you will have to manually discharge your battery to keep it well maintained.
A.M. Sun Solar offers extensive solar battery warranties and maintenance services so you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting the most out of your solar power system. If you have questions about your solar battery, give us a call today.