Solar batteries lifespan in Australia | Payback calculation and tips to increase life
Find out how long solar batteries last in Australia and what you can do to increase the its life so you can get the most out of your investment.
Find out how long solar batteries last in Australia and what you can do to increase the its life so you can get the most out of your investment.
The average lifespan of a home solar battery can range between 5-15 years depending on various factors like the geographical location of the house, the climatic conditions as well as the type and frequency of use. In comparison to solar panels, solar batteries tend to degrade faster. Towards the end of its life, the storage capacity drops down to close to 60% of its actual capacity. Let us look at the various factors that contribute towards the durability of solar batteries in Australia. [Source 1][source 2]
Solar panels and batteries have been in the market for a long time now. These batteries are a lifesaver when you are looking for ways to reduce your energy bills. Solar batteries are storage units that help reserve energy so that you can use it whenever you need to. You can use the energy stored in these batteries when
Recently, we have seen a growth in the demand and usage of solar batteries. You can pair up these batteries with solar panels to store extra energy. The battery size also helps to determine how much energy it can hold.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular solar batteries in the market today. This technology is stable, durable, has low self-discharge rates, a high voltage capacity, and energy density. The extended retention capabilities make them an efficient and preferred choice.
Lithium-ion batteries are beneficial to homeowners in many ways. Let us look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of opting for lithium-ion batteries for your home.
In comparison to lead-acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries don't require much maintenance. There is no need to check the water level in these batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries can hold more energy and have a higher battery energy density.
Most lithium-ion batteries can last for at least ten years before you need to replace them.
These sorts of batteries have a high depth of discharge, meaning they have a longer lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries are safer and reduce the possibilities of chemical exposure and accidents.
These batteries are an eco-friendly option and reduce the impact of carbon emissions.
In the long run, these solar batteries are cheap and reduce your expenses/bills.
These batteries can catch fire due to thermal runaway if you do not install them correctly.
Lithium-ion batteries are expensive as an initial investment. So, you may have to consider stretching your budget to install them.
Lithium-ion batteries are a good choice for residential purposes. These batteries have a better storage capacity and offer longer usage cycles.
Solar batteries have become more accessible and popular in recent times. Even builders and construction companies are focusing more on eco-friendly buildings. Homeowners are slowly converting their homes by opting for solar batteries. Let us look at the factors that determine the lifespan of a solar battery.
The usage cycle (also called a battery cycle) is an essential element that determines the lifespan of a solar battery. A battery cycle is one complete round of use — discharging the battery from full down to its recommended limit and then re-charging it back to 100%.
Manufacturers quote lifespan in cycles because each cycle causes a tiny amount of wear. A modern home lithium-ion battery is typically warranted for about 6,000–10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 10–15 years of daily use.
Since solar batteries are deep-cycle batteries, you can recharge them once you have used 80% of the stored energy (leaving ~20% in reserve). Capacity loss (or degradation) is minimal at first, but once the battery nears its rated cycle count, the wear speeds up, and you’ll notice it holds less energy between charges.
Even the type of battery that you install helps to determine its lifespan. So far, the lithium-ion ones are said to be the best as they last longer and are durable as well. Still, it is always advisable to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
If you live in an area that has mild temperatures, then such batteries are suitable outdoors. The indoor option is for people living in harsh temperatures or extreme temperatures. So, if you live in a very hot or cold climate, it’s best to install or place your battery in a garage, basement, or other temperature-controlled space to protect it from accelerated degradation
Solar batteries are much lower-maintenance than lead acid batteries, requiring only periodic checks and occasional servicing. . Performing a few simple checks yourself can help catch small issues early, but it’s also wise to schedule a professional inspection if anything seems off. In between service calls, you can:
– Monitor the state-of-charge (SOC) display. If you notice the reading drifting or the battery struggles to reach full charge, book a technician for a deeper diagnosis.
– Tighten all cables and terminals so connections stay snug and corrosion-free—no special tools needed.
– Dust or wipe down the battery casing and cooling vents. A clean surface and clear vents let heat escape, preventing premature wear.
– Long-term storage? Discharge to around 40–50% and then top up every 3–6 months to keep cells healthy; otherwise, let your installer know you plan to store it.
It is crucial to figure out the right time when you need to consider charging the batteries. Pay attention to the instructions provided/advised. Do not forget the discharge percentage before recharging the battery. Similarly, overcharging the batteries can affect the battery's lifespan.
The payback period means the time you take to break even the investment that you made. Generally, the payback period can take around 7 to 13 years, depending on the type of battery you choose. But, there are some other factors as well that determine the payback period. They are as follows
The various solar battery options in the market can make it very confusing to decide. Many people tend to have a tough time selecting the proper battery because of the choices they have. It is advisable to make an informed decision while investing in solar batteries. Speaking to an expert will help you to understand the type of battery that you should go for. Here are a few critical factors that you should consider.
The brand or company is the first thing that people consider while choosing a battery. Every brand offers a set of perks or benefits when you buy its product. It would be best if you did proper research before deciding which company to opt for.
It is not only the brand but even the battery chemistry that plays an important role. Batteries for residential use are very different from the options for commercial purposes.
Lithium-ion batteries are best for daily use. They are heavy-duty and are a lot sturdier. Moreover, these batteries can withstand various kinds of weather conditions and use.
Pay attention to the average lifespan of the battery before investing. Like all other gadgets even solar batteries have a lifespan before it starts to degrade. It is also best to find out the upgrading and replacement options in case the situation arises.
The consumption needs help to determine how many batteries you would need for your house. If you have high usage, then you would need to install larger-sized batteries. Similarly, if you want your entire home to run on solar power, you need to invest accordingly.
Comparing both the length of coverage and the specific retention/cycle guarantees when purchasing a lithium-ion solar battery. Most come with a 10-year warranty covering a minimum capacity retention. In addition to calendar years, many also specify a maximum number of “throughput” or full cycles.
For example, GoodWe promises ≥ 70% after 10 years while Redback’s SB7200 covers 10 years or 6,000 cycles (whichever comes first) with a minimum of 60–70% capacity remaining at end of warranty.
To ensure you’re buying a durable, well-matched battery tailored to your climate and usage before purchasing solar batteries, be sure to get information on the
As a user, there are many ways that you can take care of to extend the life of your solar batteries. Small details can make a big difference in many ways. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of solar batteries.
The environmental temperature where solar batteries are installed makes a difference. Storing the batteries at an optimal temperature will help to maximize the lifespan. It will also help to improve its efficiency.
Under extreme temperature, the solar batteries may either stop working or malfunction. The capacity of solar batteries tends to decrease during extremely low and high temperatures. These fluctuations can hamper and intact the overall lifespan of the battery in the long run. During the winter, store the batteries at proper room temperature.[source 1, source 2]
Continuously charging the battery to 100% and holding it there creates a small “trickle” current that generates heat and accelerates capacity loss over time. Conversely, don’t leave the battery fully flat for long periods, as deep-discharge can cause irreversible cell damage.
You need to ensure that you minimize the charging time by considering a partial charge of 80% instead of a full charge. If you decide to go for a full discharge, make sure you take it out as soon as it hits 100%. [source 1, source 2]
To get the most out of the battery, make sure you charge it well. Pay attention to charging time. It is advisable not to use battery desulfation as a way to increase the lifespan of the battery.
Limiting how deeply you discharge your battery reduces wear: most manufacturers recommend staying above a minimum state‐of‐charge. For example, the Redback SB7200 is rated for a maximum DoD of 90%—on a 7.2 kWh system this means leaving at least 0.72 kWh in reserve. Sticking to that limit helps extend overall battery life.
If you plan to take your battery offline for months, first discharge it to around 40–50% state-of-charge, then top it up every 3–6 months to prevent cell imbalance and irreversible capacity loss.
Ventilation is another important factor that you can never overlook. Every gadget needs to have proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Even while installing solar batteries, you need to install them in a ventilated space.
The nitty-gritty plays a vital role in the life and durability of a solar battery. It is not about choosing the correct solar battery for your home; but also, about how you use them. You do not have to fuss over all the details. Taking the appropriate action at the right time improves the battery's performance. Moreover, it also helps you to save and avoid any unnecessary expenses.
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