How Long Do Solar Panel Batteries Last?

Most solar batteries sold today will come with a 10-year warranty. However, the total lifespan of these batteries is closer to 20 years. To ensure your battery lasts as long as possible, it’s crucial to place it in area that is protected from inclement weather. Let’s take a look at some factors that can either increase or decrease lifespan of these batteries.

Factors Affecting Solar Battery Life

The majority of home solar battery units will last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. If you install a battery today, it’s very likely you’ll need a replacement in the future to match the 20-year lifespan of our solar energy system. Let’s take a look at the factors below that can impact the life of your solar batteries.

1. Type Of Solar Battery

Solar batteries will be made with one of three different chemical compositions, including saltwater, lithium-ion or lead acid. Let’s take a further look at the three types below.

Lead-Acid Batteries

For decades, these batteries have been used in off-grid energy systems. While they are an inexpensive option, lead-acid batteries do have a shorter lifespan when compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are considered the standard when it comes to home energy storage systems. They are lighter, more compact and come with a longer life expectancy than lead-acid batteries. Higher demand as of late has also helped to reduce the cost of these batteries by about 85%.

Saltwater Batteries

Saltwater batteries do not contain any heavy metals, unlike both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Saltwater batteries are the most environmentally-friendly option, but as a newer technology, they remain somewhat untested.

2. Solar Battery Usage

The average life expectancy of a solar battery can be determined by how much it is used. Typically, most batteries are deep-cycle types, meaning they are allowed to discharge up to 80% of their stored energy prior to recharging.  There are a few battery banks that need to be discharged manually before recharging.

3. Solar Battery Warranty

Manufacturers of solar batteries usually offer a wide range of warranties for their products. Lead-acid batteries can be found on the low-end of the warranty spectrum, with lithium-ion batteries being covered for 10-plus years, on average.

4. Solar Battery Maintenance

Proper maintenance and care undoubtedly plays a role in how long the batteries will last. The average annually maintenance costs will range between $150 and $300. Repairs, meanwhile, can cost between $100 and $3,2000.

5. Temperature

Based on where you live, the place you choose to install the battery storage system can make a big difference. Your battery needs to be kept at an optimal temperature to maximize both life and efficiency.

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