https://www.blueboxbatteries.co.uk/blog/vrla-battery-discharge-testing-52#.

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Discharge testing — Discharge testing is the only form of test that will determine the
actual capacity of the string. Battery capacity testing is essential for determining the
performance of a battery and its predicted life curve.

IEEE standards (see IEEE Standards At a Glance) recommend that discharge testing
be performed at the time of a battery strings installation and then every two to five years
after that, depending on the age and capacity of the string.

Myth 1: Capacity testing ruins the battery and is expensive

This myth creates confusion among test professionals. Excessive charging and
discharging with too many cycles will reduce the service life. However, when conducted
in accordance with the applicable standards and manufacturers’ recommendations,
capacity testing will not reduce the battery service life.