8 Tips For Extending Battery Life For Your Solar Power System (1)

8 Tips For Extending
Battery Life For Your
Solar Power System

Created By : Kimbery Andrade

Tip 1 : Limit the number of batteries

Try to limit the number of batteries in the
bank. The more batteries equal more
connections, each connection increases
resistance, and resistance can cause
uneven charging. Limit your bank to 16
batteries or less if you can.

Tip 2 : Rotate your Batteries

If you have a large bank of batteries,
rotate the batteries within the bank
periodically. Batteries toward the
middle of the bank may not receive as
good of charge as the batteries on the
outside. Rotating the batteries
periodically, will help balance this out.

Tip 3 : Use large battery interconnect cables

Using large battery interconnect cables,
reduces resistance and allows for even
charging. We suggest a 4/0 size cable for
12V and 24V systems, and 2/0 for 48V
systems.

Tip 4 : Not charging batteries can be damaging

Batteries should never be left
uncharged for extended amounts of
time. Make sure to leave your
charging source on allowing the
batteries to continue to charge.
Leaving batteries uncharged can cause
damage to them.

Tip 5 : Use only distilled water

We do not recommend adding battery
additives or electrolytes as they do more
harm than good to the battery.

Tip 6 : Properly charge your battery

There is no substitute for properly charging
your batteries, unfortunately, there is really
no way to verify battery desulfators
increase battery life. The decision to use
battery desulfators is up to you and if it’s
worth the extra money.

Tip 7 : Allow gassing or boiling

Gassing or “boiling” is normal for batteries and
critical part of proper charging. Your batteries
should gas on a regular basis, preferably daily.
Batteries will begin gassing at approximately
14.1Vdc(12V nominal system), 28.2 Vdc (24V)
or 56.4 Vdc(48V). This process will produce hyd
rogen and water, therefore, it is very important
for yourbattery bank to have adequate ventilation
to avoid hydrogen buildup.

Tip 8 : Battery Equalization

Equalization is a controlled overcharge of your batteries.
Overcharging sounds bad, but it can actually be very good
for your batteries. Since, individual cells within your
batteries can be unevenly charged over time through the
process of normal cycling. This prevents some cells from
reaching a full-charge on a regular basis, which can allow
sulfation to build up on the plates. Equalization provides an
opportunity to return all the cells to full charge, as a result,
knock some of the sulfation off the plates through the
process of gassing. Furthermore, gassing can help to mix
your electrolyte to prevent it from stratifying. Consult your
inverter or charge controller manual for instructions on how
to equalize and refer to your battery manufacturer for proper
equalization instructions.

THANK YOU