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How Long Do Solar Generator Batteries Last?

The choice between solar panels versus generators is no contest in terms of cost. The demand for solar energy solutions has made solar generators quite affordable, so much so that some businesses and homeowners choose to install them on their roof instead of solar panels.

There are inherent risks with any part of technology as new as solar generators. The most significant reason is that you won’t get the kind of return on investment that you expect from your system.

Because of this, it’s essential to understand these systems and give your consent before deciding whether they’re suitable for your property. This article looks at how long solar generator batteries last and some information that may answer your questions.

How Long Does a Solar Battery Last?

The life expectancy of a solar battery is between 5 and 15 years. Your solar power system will require a replacement battery in the coming decades, matching its 20- to 30-year longevity. 

The frequency with which you use your solar generator to power your devices and appliances, like AC, will affect the system life cycle. Here are the things that affect your solar battery life:

Solar Battery Types

What are the best batteries for solar panel power, if you’re wondering? You must know that lead-acid, lithium battery or saltwater batteries are the three chemical compositions used to create solar power batteries.

The thing is lithium-ion batteries (also known as Li-ion batteries) are the most popular for storing energy for a household solar system.

Lead Acid Batteries

Off-grid energy systems have used lead-acid batteries. Although they are one of the least expensive options on the market, lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan and a lower DoD than lithium-ion batteries.

A battery’s DoD reflects the amount of power it can discharge relative to its full kilowatt-hour capacity.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lightweight, compact, long-lived, and high-performance lithium batteries are the current gold standard for home energy storage systems because they are more economical and consume less space than lead-acid batteries.

lithium ion battery

Furthermore, because higher demand has driven down the price of lithium-ion batteries by 85%, solar power backed by solar storage is now much more accessible.

Saltwater Batteries

Unlike lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, saltwater batteries do not contain heavy metals. This makes them a more environmentally friendly source and easier to recycle.

Although saltwater batteries are a new technology, they are still somewhat untested. To maximize your solar energy potential, you should use lithium-ion batteries.

Solar Battery Usage

The number of charging cycles determines a solar battery’s life expectancy. Deep-cycle solar batteries can run down to 80% of their stored energy before recharging, which is fortunate. You must manually discharge certain battery banks before recharging them.

VMAX solar battery

With Brightbox, your solar battery charges automatically to prevent overcharging and preserve your battery power and efficiency for as long as possible.

Solar Battery Temperature

Your home storage system’s location can dramatically impact your battery unit’s life and efficiency, especially if your site has cool or temperate temperatures. If you live in a place with mild or temperate weather, you should install your battery outdoors.

In cold regions, your battery will function at its best if installed in your garage or basement. 

Solar Battery Warranty

There are various warranties available for solar battery manufacturers on their products. On the low end of the warranty spectrum, lead-acid batteries are accessible, while lithium-ion batteries are covered for as long as 10 years. 

Solar Battery Maintenance

Maintaining your solar battery is critical to its longevity. A solar system may cost $150-$300 annually to maintain, or $100-$3,200 in repairs, depending on its quality.

battleborn soalr battery

There are solar manufacturers that eliminate maintenance costs by monitoring your solar panels and battery 24/7; it is one of the parts of their comprehensive solar energy storage service. This is one of the things that you should consider before buying a solar generator, not only the brand name but also its efficiency. 

How Long Does a Solar Generator Battery Last?

Using one battery lifetime per day, a solar generator with a cycle life of 500 cycles lasts about 1.37 years. Using one cycle daily, a solar generator with a lifetime of 2,000 cycles lasts about 5.48 years.

Solar generators can last several additional years depending on how often they are utilized. The following table lists common solar generator models, their lifecycle ratings, and years of use after one cycle.

Look at the solar generators listed above to see if you can find one with lithium-ion (NMC) or LiFePO4 batteries. The number of lifecycles times how long a solar generator’s battery will function properly. It is critical to note that you should not fully discharge the battery when it is in use.

However, the above example does not give information about the battery life in each model. Therefore, the following criteria estimate the amount of time each system will last if you use 1,500 watts per day.

Solar generators’ cycle life and battery capacity are some of the important factors listed in these tables. The longer these specifications last, the better. The figures provided above are inaccurate for everyone due to several factors. The battery on your solar generator may not last as long as you’d like if any of the following situations happen:

  • Proper care
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Pass-through charging
  • Consistently using the maximum rated output.

Cycle Life of Solar Generators With Lead-Acid Batteries

Solar generators are a great way to stay connected even if the grid goes down. They provide clean, reliable power anywhere there’s sunlight. Compact, portable solar generators with lead-acid batteries can be a handy tool in the modern prepper’s kit.  

They combine an inverter with a battery and small generator to produce electricity almost anywhere you have sunlight, even in an isolated cabin somewhere in the woods or up in the mountains. 

This device is also very affordable and easy to set up. Unfortunately, like most devices, they do have some limitations you should know about before buying one of your own or recommending one to someone else. Reading reviews may be helpful.

The following are some older Goal Zero lead-acid solar generators and their rated lifecycles.

By comparing the results of the “typical” lifespan of lead-acid batteries, PowerTech Inc. determined the “typical” lifespan of a battery based on known parameters. Using more than 50% of a lead-acid battery’s rated capacity will result in diminished service life.

The “depth of discharge” is related to a lead-acid battery’s usable capacity and is measured by the Depth of Discharge DOD Percent.

Cycle Life of Lithium-Ion (NMC) Solar Generators

Lithium-ion battery technology is a well-known solution for energy storage in personal electronics. Solar generators using Lithium-ion batteries have been gaining popularity due to their high energy density, small size, and low cost.

There are numerous off-grid solar generator manufacturers, and choosing the right one can be difficult. Before buying a solar generator, it’s essential to understand its key components: its lithium-ion battery.

The following is a list of various solar generators equipped with lithium-ion NMC batteries. These batteries are usually halfway between LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries in their rated lifespan.

Typically, the difference in Jackery and Goal Zero power stations rates from 500 cycles to 80% capacity. Among the different portable power stations available today, those with lithium-ion batteries tend to have the most excellent variety in battery lifetime.

Solar Generators With LiFePO4 Batteries

LiFePO4 batteries surpass the NMC versions of lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency.

Bluetti’s AC200P, AC200MAX, AC300, and EP500 generators utilize LiFePO4 batteries. Because the number of cycles is at least 1,000 greater than that of the lithium-ion cells in my examples, LiFePO4 batteries are the longest-lasting cell types found in solar generators.

How To Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Generator?

Solar generators are a great way to provide power for your home or office during a power outage. However, like all electronics, they will eventually need to be replaced. Here are some tips on extending your solar generator’s lifespan.

Keep the Battery Charge Between 20–80%

It is damaging to charge a battery beyond 80% as opposed to being beneficial. When the battery is full, it gets into an overcharged state, which causes unnecessary stress on the battery, shortening its life.

The sweet spot is keeping the charge on most batteries between 20% and 80%. It will keep the battery functioning for a long time.

Recalibrate the Battery Every Few Months

To function optimally, you must recabrilate the battery every few months. Otherwise, it won’t hold a charge either and will die prematurely. You can recalibrate the battery by referring to the manual.

It is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes. Make sure you recalibrate it every few months to keep the battery in good shape.

Clean the Solar Panels Regularly

It’s essential to regularly clean solar panels to get the most energy out of them. Dust and dirt can collect on the panels, preventing light from reaching the solar cells and damaging internal components.

It will decrease the amount of energy generated and shorten the panels’ lifespan. You can clean your solar panels using a damp cloth and some soapy water. Make sure to rinse them off with cold water and allow them to dry thoroughly before using them again.

Your solar generator should last for years using these guidelines.

Conclusion

Solar batteries are essential content of any solar-powered system. They store the energy collected by the solar panels so you can use it later. Solar batteries have a wide range of applications, from powering small devices to entire homes. 

universal battery

Some pumps require more energy than others, but a solar generator can provide enough energy. The lifespan of a solar battery depends on several factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, how it is used, and how well it is maintained.

With proper care, most solar batteries will last for several years. 

FAQ

How long do solar lithium batteries last?

Solar batteries are made to store the extra energy produced by solar panels during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. The ability to use solar energy to power buildings even when the sun isn’t out is a major benefit of this technology.

Most solar batteries are built to last between 5 and 10 years with proper care. Checking and cleaning the battery on a regular basis are two examples of maintenance that can increase battery life and functionality.

To save money on monthly power costs, many individuals are turning to solar batteries that store energy generated by solar panels rather than the grid.

How often do you replace solar batteries?

Solar batteries are made to store the extra energy produced by solar panels during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. Depending on how well they are cared for, these batteries can have a lifespan anywhere from five to ten years.

However, the battery should be tested on a regular basis to detect any problems and solve them as soon as possible. There comes a time when a solar battery either stops working or has simply run its course and has to be replaced.

If you want your solar panel system to function at peak efficiency, it’s recommended that you get new solar batteries every 5-10 years.

Do solar batteries expire?

Solar batteries are made to store the extra energy produced by solar panels during the day for use at night or on cloudy days. Although these batteries are built to survive, they will eventually lose their effectiveness and need to be swapped out.

Solar batteries typically last between 5 and 15 years, while this range is wide and can be affected by a number of circumstances. Among these are environmental conditions, battery lifecycle, and battery type.

A solar battery, for instance, may have a shorter lifespan if it is subjected to high temperatures or frequent usage than one that is used less frequently and kept out of the elements. If you want to get the most out of your solar battery and keep it running smoothly for as long as possible, you should give it a once-over on a regular basis to make sure everything is in working order.