Yes, solar batteries do need to be replaced eventually. While solar energy is a clean and cost-effective form of power, the batteries that store this energy are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, factors like depreciation, negligence, and overcharging can degrade the battery’s performance. Most manufacturers claim their solar batteries can last up to 30 years, but this lifespan can be shortened due to various reasons.
Regular maintenance is essential; solar batteries require fluid refills and cleaning to function optimally. Overcharging is a common issue that can lead to battery damage, but this can be mitigated by using high-quality maintainers that automatically shut off the current once the battery is fully charged. A completely drained battery is likely to have a shortened lifespan, so investing in a solar battery trickle charger can be beneficial.
Quality matters. Low-quality batteries are less durable and efficient. Therefore, it’s crucial to read customer reviews and opt for high-quality batteries that can store charge for extended periods. If you notice performance issues, manufacturers generally offer up to 30 years of warranty for replacements.
When should you replace your solar battery? Signs include a pool of liquid near the battery, inability to light up your residence the whole night, or discoloration near the base. The cost of a standard solar battery replacement ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, not including installation. Most solar rechargeable batteries can last up to four years without needing a replacement.
Do solar batteries need to be replaced?
Solar is the cheapest and the cleanest form of energy. After setting up the solar equipment, the solar panel harvests energy from the sun which is then stored in solar batteries. As simple as all these sounds, do you know your battery might become defective and need a replacement?
Every gadget has its expiry date. Others last longer depending on the quality and the maintenance care provided. This applies to solar batteries. Most solar battery manufacturers indicate that their batteries last up to 30 years without the need for a replacement.
However, not all batteries get to complete their life span. Here is why.
1. Negligence
Most people assume that batteries do not need any care. The opposite is true. If you do not maintain your batteries, they might end up getting damaged.
- Solar batteries require a fluid refill once in a while to prevent the lead oxide plates from drying. Distilled water is the best refill fluid as it does not react with the plates.
- Regular cleaning of the battery and the solar panel is required if you want your battery to last longer. A dirty solar panel will inhibit the charging process of the battery.
2. Overcharging
It is possible to assume that solar energy can cause battery overcharge. You might even not know that is a dangerous thing When the battery overcharged the plates might burst and or even worse explode.
- To prevent an overcharge, it is better to invest in high-quality maintainers. Maintainers also known as battery tenders automatically shut off any current from reaching the battery once it is fully charged.
- Check if your solar panel has a hot spot. Hot spots collect most heat from the sun and all the energy is directed to the solar battery which might lead to overcharging.
3. Drained battery
There is a high possibility that a drained battery will not reach its expiry date. When the battery is completely drained the electrolyte plates dry up and constant draining eventually damages the battery.
- Invest in a solar battery trickle for effective charging even in bad weather.
- A solar battery tender stores some extra charge on the battery if the battery is not in use to prevent the battery from draining.
- Place the solar panel where it is exposed to the sun. During winter.
- Do not buy a solar battery that has been in storage for more than six months. This battery cannot hold a charge for long.
- Ensure you set up the solar lights system correctly. Some setups might be reversing the solar charging process causing a discharge.
- Your solar sensor should be up and running throughout. A solar sensor automatically shuts the solar lights during the day for charging.
4. Low-quality solar batteries
It is no no-brainer, low-quality products cannot serve you for long. A cheap solar battery lacks some important features that make your battery last longer.
- Invest in a high-quality battery. High-quality batteries can store charge for a long time. Their discharge rate is also low.
- Make sure you read customer reviews before you buy any solar batteries. This way you will know what to expect with the battery you will buy.
5. Defective battery
Sometimes the battery not reaching its life span is not your fault. You might have bought a battery with defects. If you happen to notice your battery is not storing charge for long, contact the manufacturers for replacement. Manufacturers of solar batteries offer 30 years on their items.
When Should I Replace My Solar Battery?
There are a number of reasons why you should replace your solar batteries. One of the reasons is to reduce the frustration of being in the dark. Below are some of the common indicators you should change your battery.
- In case of a pool of liquid pool near the battery which indicates the battery is leaking.
- If the battery cannot light up your residence the whole night. This means the battery is drained.
- When the battery is not charging entirely
- If you notice discoloration near the base of the battery.
- Rechargeable batteries are replaced once in four years.
- When the battery has completed its life span.
- Sometimes you can replace the battery if you are going for more quality batteries.
The above reasons are some of the common indicators that your solar batteries need to be replaced. You can check here for some other indicators that your solar battery need a replacement.
How much does it cost to Replace Solar Batteries?
If you bought your battery with your solar lighting equipment it might have been expensive. However, you only need a battery during replacement. Factors like quality, size, and brand will determine the amount you spend on your solar battery.
A standard solar battery will cost you around $5000-$8000+. This however does not include the cost of installation.
How long do solar rechargeable batteries last?
Most solar light companies indicate that their rechargeable batteries can last up to four years without a replacement. You should again read customer reviews to reduce future frustrations. Rechargeable batteries are quite affordable.
You can get a set of ten rechargeable batteries for $200.
Can you Replace Solar Lights Batteries with Regular Batteries?
Solar light batteries have specifications that are unique. For example, most solar batteries use lithium-ion or flooded lead batteries while normal batteries are lead-ion. Normal batteries have thin lead-oxide plates that cannot withstand constant discharge and recharge.
Normal batteries also have very low power holding capacity. For this reason, normal batteries are not ideal for solar lights.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
