Solar equipment requires a large upfront investment in the hopes of a long-term return on that investment. Most solar systems will pay for themselves in the long run by providing you with solar power for decades. Browse vitalenergysolar.com to learn more about solar batteries, its installation and service of battery and generator powered solutions but also keep in mind that they don’t typically last as long as the system’s other components. Always remember a well sized system usually pays for itself in about five years and then just keeps on giving. If you want to get the most out of them and ensure that you get a return on that particular part of your investment, you can do a few things to extend their life. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Use 16 Batteries or Fewer
The more batteries you have in a battery bank, the more connections there are. Each connection between batteries increases the resistance, which can cause uneven charging and additional strain on the batteries. At most, you should have 16 batteries in your bank, but fewer is still better. If you’re nearing 16 batteries and don’t feel that your bank is meeting your needs, consider switching out some batteries for ones with a larger capacity.
Rotate Batteries Regularly
For larger battery banks, it’s a good idea to rotate the batteries periodically. Batteries in the middle of the string tend not to receive as good of a charge as batteries on the ends. This causes uneven charging, which can wear parts of the bank down sooner than others. Just as with rotating the tires on your car, rotating your batteries can better distribute that wear and tear and help the batteries last for longer.
Don’t Leave Them Discharged
When you discharge your batteries, you should try to recharge them as soon as possible. You should never allow your batteries to be left in a very low state of charge for extended periods. This can cause sulfation and reduce the batteries’ capacity, as well as their life expectancy. If cloudy weather prevents you from charging the batteries quickly, consider using an alternative power source, such as a generator, or even using a grid connection to charge them so that you can avoid this kind of damage.
House Them Properly
Batteries should be protected from the elements and stored in a cool, dry place. They should also be kept clean so that dust, dirt, grime, and other materials do not accumulate on the battery contacts. It’s best to house them in a battery cabinet or purchase a prebuilt battery bank inside a cabinet, like the PWRcell battery storage system. This will help protect your batteries and contribute to a longer usable life.
