Many Australian homeowners have decided to incorporate a solar battery to optimise the efficiency of their solar system. This enables them to store excess energy around the clock even when solar production has stopped. Having this extra capacity maximises the cost-effectiveness of the whole residential solar system while lowering grid dependence. Solar battery storage can also increase power reliability in areas prone to major weather events by providing backup electricity to run essential appliances during grid outages.
Furthermore, homes can operate almost fully on clean solar power by combining solar panels and battery storage, drastically shrinking a household’s carbon footprint. For environmentally-minded homeowners, moving to such a self-sufficient solar setup allows meaningful contribution to the broader societal shift from fossil fuels.
With proper maintenance and optimal operating conditions, a modern solar battery is designed to last over a decade under Australian conditions. Higher-end batteries may even serve households for 15+ years before replacement is advised. Follow these do’s and don’ts to optimise the lifespan and performance of your solar battery.
The Do’s: Best Practices for Solar Battery Maintenance
Check the Battery Interface
The battery interface is the digital control panel connected to your battery management system. This lets you view vital statistics like:
– Current battery charge level
– Energy input and output
– Operating temperature
– Warning alerts
Check the interface weekly to ensure your solar battery storage is running smoothly. Also, watch for sudden performance drops or temperature changes, which may indicate an issue.
Keep Batteries Cool and Dry
A lithium-ion solar battery works optimally in moderate temperatures between 10°C and 30°C when kept out of direct sunlight and keeps the unit away from potential water damage such as floods, pipes, sprinklers, etc. While some batteries have an IP65 weatherproof rating, liquid exposure can still be very problematic.
Prevent Dust Build-Up
While sealed batteries don’t require much hands-on maintenance, regular exterior cleaning keeps the system in good shape. Gently wipe down the battery case every few months to avoid accumulated dust, grime or insects interfering with cooling vents and fans.
Maintain Access Space
When installing a solar battery Sydney, ensure sufficient space around the unit for airflow and future maintenance procedures. Cabling and piping must also be safely routed away from the battery to prevent potential hazards.
Update Software
Pre-installed software manages your solar panels and battery interface, keeping the system interconnected. If updates are released for improved performance or security, be sure to install them via the app or online portal. Regular software maintenance enhances the reliability of your solar system.
The Don’ts: What to Avoid for Solar Battery Longevity
Discharge Batteries Fully
Deep cycling your battery (repeatedly discharging over 80% then recharging) regularly will lead to faster degradation of overall solar battery storage capacity over time, as this rapid, deep charge and discharge process puts extra strain on the internal battery components. A lithium-ion battery works best if discharged only to a maximum of 80% before recharging.
Overcharging
While a newer solar battery Sydney comes equipped with built-in charge protection mechanisms to prevent overcharging, sustained overcharging above recommended voltages still reduces battery lifespan substantially. It is recommended to stick within advisable parameters if you want it to last.
Ignore Warning Alerts
If your battery interface displays warning symbols, alerts or error messages, quickly contact your original solar installer. Never ignore potential operating issues flagged by the system, as fast troubleshooting prevents lasting damage. Call our experts at Solar Path at 1300 4744 51 for any issue you are experiencing with your solar system or if you have general questions.
Attempt DIY Repairs
Solar batteries contain complex circuitry and hazardous materials that require expert handling. Never try opening, tampering with or repairing the unit yourself, as DIY repairs risk significant injury to yourself and further damage to the sophisticated components inside. Additionally, amateur tampering will immediately void the warranty coverage on your solar battery.
Expose Batteries to Damage
Do not place heavy objects on solar battery units or expose them to destructive elements like hammers or sharp tools during handling and installation. Even minor exterior cracks to the battery casing can seriously jeopardise performance and safety.
Go Too Long Without Cleaning
While today’s batteries require relatively little physical maintenance, letting dust or grime accumulate for too long can cause thermal issues when cooling vents and fans are congested, restricting crucial airflow that reduces internal heat build-up. To avoid critical temperature-regulating problems before they arise, stick to periodic exterior wipe-downs before build-up gets excessive.
Time to Install Solar Battery Storage
Solar panels, when paired with solar battery storage, form robust and independent home energy systems and are paving the way for the future.
If your solar setup lacks an integrated solar battery, now may be the ideal time to invest. Australian government incentives remain in place to encourage more homeowners to add solar battery storage. These include federal renewable energy subsidies, cash rebates, and state government interest-free loans. By acting whilst these battery rebates and financial incentives are available, you can make substantial savings on the upfront cost of a quality solar battery installation.
Contact our team at Solar Path to discuss tailored solar battery storage options for your needs. As an authorised Tesla Powerwall installer, our experts help Australian homeowners choose high-quality batteries for optimal reliability and maximise eligibility for solar incentives.
With Solar Path guiding your solar and battery upgrade, take advantage of current incentives and book your inquiry appointment today!
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