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Good Solar Battery Maintenance Practices to Keep Solar Panels Running Efficiently

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Do you need to optimize your solar battery maintenance and performance? PES Solar can help when you call (800) 650-6519!

With the correct solar battery maintenance, you can significantly lengthen the lifespan of your renewable energy source. Solar batteries sometimes get a bad rep for having poor batteries. However, the poor maintenance practices often cause battery failure—not the solar battery itself.

We’ll explore good solar battery maintenance practices that will make using solar energy more manageable than ever. For best results, working with Tampa’s trusted solar panel installation contractors will ensure you’re using the suitable types of batteries.

Some General Maintenance Practices for Solar Batteries

Many factors can affect your solar batteries’ longevity, including depth of discharge and even storage temperature. However, sulfation is the leading cause of battery failure.

Sulfation is when sulfur crystals populate a battery’s lead plates. These sulfur crystals essentially stop chemical reactions from occurring. This process happens when a battery has a low electrolyte level or charge, resulting in flooded batteries.

Since sulfation is the leading cause of solar battery failures, it’s essential to know how to check and combat this process. Three tools can help with this process:

  • A temperature-compensating hydrometer
  • Distilled water
  • Digital voltmeter

Checking Your Battery’s Fluid Level

Unsealed batteries are the only types of batteries in which you can check the fluid level. Start the process by opening up your battery cap and taking a quick peek inside. You’ll then want to pour distilled water inside it until no metal surfaces are noticeable.

Be careful not to pour too much water inside your battery, or else it might spill. Luckily, most batteries come with a fill line indicating their electrolyte level.

Checking Your Battery’s Depth of Discharge

To determine your battery’s depth of discharge, you’ll first need to know its charging voltages and specific gravity.

You can use a digital voltmeter to pinpoint your battery’s charging voltages. This information will help determine your battery’s depth of discharge and specific gravity. Knowing these two elements can prevent sulfation.

Although many batteries or controllers indicate when they become charged, their readout can be inaccurate. Additionally, they may not notify you when they become charged. Instead, they may alert you when they’re almost fully charged.

A temperature-compensating hydrometer provides an accurate readout. This device measures each cell to gauge when your battery’s ultimately charged.

Cleaning Your Solar Batteries

Cleaning your batteries routinely is another good solar battery maintenance practice. For example, you can mix distilled water and baking soda as a cleaning solution. Then, clean your battery using a battery terminal cleaner brush.

Rinse off your battery terminals using water, then apply a sealant or a high-temperature grease (such as WD-40). For solar panels, clean their batteries at least twice a year so they can supply their renewable energy efficiently.

Call PES Solar Today

Solar energy is a reliable and efficient alternative source of energy. However, you’ll need to implement certain maintenance practices for the best results. Luckily, PES Solar can help the Tampa, FL, community with all their solar energy needs.

To discover more solar battery maintenance practices or learn whether you can use solar panels without a battery, call PES Solar today at (800) 650-6519!

Austin Miller

Austin Miller

With over two decades of experience in the solar and electrical contracting industry, Austin Miller brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As the proprietor of PES Solar, his profound understanding of solar energy and its cost-saving potential is unmatched. Austin's unwavering passion for the solar sector drives his mission to help businesses and homeowners maximize their savings while embracing renewable energy solutions.