Solar power can be a real asset after a severe storm knocks the utility grid out. If you are living off-grid, you may have enough stored energy to see you through until the clouds clear. However, if you only turn to solar energy when you need it you’ll be glad you stored the battery somewhere safe. Stand a better chance to have a storm-ready battery when you need it with these tips.
Choosing the Right Battery for Your Application
1… Flooded lead-acid batteries are the least expensive, and therefore the most popular solution. But they do need topping up and checking.
2… More expensive absorbent-glass-mat ones cost more. However, they store more energy, last longer and are almost maintenance free.
3… Lithium-ion batteries have greatest density and least maintenance. But they could overheat and catch fire from storm damage.
You may also like to consider a storm-ready battery that’s suitable for recycling. Materials in flooded lead-acid and absorbent-glass-mat ones are 95% recoverable for reuse.
Making Sure You Have a Storm-Ready Battery
No battery lasts forever. You need to test your solar batteries regularly, and replace them before they fail. Follow these life-extension tips to help them last longer:
1… Store your absorbent-glass-mat and lithium-ion batteries inside your home where temperatures remain between 50 and 85 °F.
2… Flooded lead-acid batteries need space to vent hydrogen gas. Keep them in a vented box in a convenient shed or garage.
3… If you have several solar batteries leave air gaps of roughly ½” between each battery to prevent their cores from getting warm in use.
Using Solar Batteries Wisely When You Need Them
Never allow a battery to fall as low as 20% of stated total charge unless you have to. They lose 10% of their capacity for every 15-20 degrees below 80 °F, and the grid outage could last longer than you expect.
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