In the world of renewable energy, solar batteries play a pivotal role. They store the energy harnessed by solar panels, allowing for a consistent power supply even when the sun isn’t shining. However, like all solar power system components, they require regular upkeep to function at their best.
Proper maintenance can get some added life from your batteries, further reducing costs. If you’re switching to solar panels with a battery bank, check our solar maintenance advice for optimum performance of your solar battery.
1. Never overcharge or over-discharge a cell.
The most common causes of premature failure of LiFePO4 cells are overcharging and over-discharging. Even a single occurrence can cause permanent damage to the cell, and such misuse voids the warranty. Overcharging also causes heating within a cell, and prolonged or extreme overcharging has the potential to cause a fire.
2. Clean your terminals before installation.
The terminals on top of the batteries are made of aluminum and copper, which over time build up an oxide layer when exposed to air. Before installing your cell interconnectors and BMS modules, clean the battery terminals thoroughly with a wire brush to remove oxidation. If using bare copper cell interconnectors, these should be cleaned too. Removing the oxide layer will greatly improve conduction and reduce heat buildup at the terminal.
3. Charge frequently and in shallower cycles.
With lithium batteries, you will get longer cell life if you avoid very deep discharges. We recommend sticking to the 70-80% DoD (Depth of Discharge) maximum, except in emergencies.
4. Store batteries at a stable, warm temperature.
The ideal operating temperature for most solar batteries is 77 degrees Fahrenheit, or 25 degrees Celsius–just barely above the normal temperature of your living room. Extreme conditions in either direction can significantly reduce their potential charging cycles. In the summer, keep the batteries in well-ventilated, cooler areas with some sort of protection against the sun. When winter rolls around, bring the batteries inside if it gets really cold. Using regular electrical power will cost less than buying a new battery bank.
5. Do a routine inspection for issues once a month.
Regular checks can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Check for corrosion on the terminals or leakage near them. Corrosion can be cleaned off by disconnecting the batteries and scrubbing the terminals with a toothbrush using a mixture of hot water and baking soda.
Should you notice a more serious concern, call your service provider and schedule a maintenance service.
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