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batteries, you would need to install a larger Keeping the batteries cooler than 70-75
battery to get the needed 42 amp-hours of will not significantly extend their life but
capacity. will reduce their capacity. Discharged bat-
teries may freeze and burst, so maintain
Over the lifetime of the solar electric
an adequate charge on the batteries in
system, batteries will be the most expensive
cold weather.
component of the renewable energy system
in an off-grid home due to maintenance and 3. Maintain the same charge in all the
replacement costs. Initial costs for residential batteries. Although the entire series of
batteries range from $80 to $200 per kWh. batteries may have an overall charge of
24 volts, some cells may have more or less
What should you look for when
voltage than neighboring batteries.
purchasing a new battery?
1. A long cycle life, or how many deep 4. Inspect your batteries often. Some things
discharges the batteries can provide. to look for are leakage (buildup on the
outside of the battery), appropriate fluid
2. Thick lead platesthe thicker the plates,
levels (for flooded batteries), and equal
the deeper the discharge and the longer
voltage. Your battery manufacturer may
the battery life.
have additional recommendations.
3. If you have flooded batteries, look for Battery Tips
space at the bottom of the battery case
1. The largest cost, over the life of the
to hold sloughed-off material, which can
system, is the batteries. The lifetime cost,
lower the batterys performance level, and
including maintenance, of your batteries
adequate head space above the plates so
is dependent on your initial purchase
you dont have to water as often.
price, how well you adhere to a mainte-
Flooded (unsealed, watered) batteries nance schedule, and the replacement
may be the least expensive choice. However, interval for the batteries you select.
flooded batteries require periodic electrolyte
2. The energy storage capacity of a battery
maintenance by adding distilled water and
is measured in watt-hours, which is the
equalizing the charge among cells. Keep in
amp-hour rating times the voltage. For
mind that sealed batteries still require main-
example, a 12-volt, 100-amp-hour battery
tenance, even though you dont have to
has a storage capacity of 1,200 watt-hours,
check electrolyte levels. Sealed batteries are
which is the same as a 600-amp-hour, 2-
sometimes specified in difficult or remote
volt battery.
locations.
3. Follow manufacturer recommendations
Battery Maintenance
for voltage set points. Make sure that your
All batteries will wear out in 1-15 years,
charger or charge controller will supply
even if they are rarely used, because the
the correct voltage.
acid in the battery wears down the internal
components regardless of use. However, you 4. Place batteries in a well-ventilated,
can maximize the life of your battery bank temperature-moderated area because
by adhering to the following practices: batteries give off gases that could
accumulate to form an explosive mixture.
1. Avoid repeated deep discharging of bat-
Batteries should be kept in an uncluttered,
teries. The more a battery is discharged,
dry area of a shed or garage or placed in
the shorter its lifetime. In addition, if your
a vented box with a strong lock for easy
batteries are deeply discharged every
but safe access.
day, you should increase the size of your Produced for the
5. Always refer to the battery manufactur- U.S. Department of Energy
battery bank.
by the National Renewable
ers recommendations for use and Energy Laboratory, a DOE
2. Keep batteries at rated temperatures.
maintenance. national laboratory
Battery life is rated for 70-75 tempera-
DOE/GO-102002-1608
tures. Keeping batteries warmer than this October 2002
significantly reduces their life. Passive Printed with a renewable-source ink on
solar is a great way to heat a battery stor- paper containing at least 50% wastepaper,
including 20% postconsumer waste
age unit, but it must be well insulated.