What Is the Life Expectancy of a Solar Battery?

Learn the Factors That Impact the Life of a Home Battery Unit

According to recent data, 7 out of 10 solar panel shoppers express interest in adding a battery to their solar systems.¹Home energy storage lets you keep the excess electricity your solar panels produce during the day and use it when you need it most, such as back-up power during a power outage, at night, or when utility rates are the highest.²Learn more about solar battery storage.

We understand that solar storage is a significant, long-term investment in your home. That’s why we’re answering common questions about the life expectancy of a solar battery to help you understand the benefits of switching to renewable energy.

How Long Does a Solar Battery Last?

Home solar battery units last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. If you decide to install a solar battery today, it’s almost certain you’ll need a replacement in the future to match the 20- to 30-year lifespan of your solar power system.³

Certain factors may prolong your solar battery’s life. Here’s a simple list:

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5 Factors That Affect Home Solar Battery Life

Solar Battery Type:

If you’re asking, “What are the best batteries for solar power?” then you need to know that solar power batteries are made with one of three different chemical compositions: lead acid, lithium ion, or saltwater. Of the three types, lithium-ion batteries (also known as li-ion batteries) are the most common sources of energy storage for a home solar system.⁴

Lead-Acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries have been used in off-grid energy systems for decades, and while they’re one of the least expensive options on the market, lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan, and lower depth of discharge (DoD) compared to lithium-ion batteries. The opposite of charging, a battery’s DoD reflects the amount of power the battery is able to discharge relative to its full kilowatt-hours (kWh) capacity.⁵

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

When it comes to home energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries are the gold standard because they're lighter, more compact, and have a longer lifespan and higher DoD than lead-acid batteries. Not only that, but higher demand has decreased the cost of lithium-ion batteries by 85%, making solar power backed by solar storage that much more attainable.⁶

Saltwater Batteries:

Unlike lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, saltwater batteries don’t contain heavy metals and instead rely on saltwater electrolytes. This makes saltwater batteries more environmentally friendly and allows them to be easily recycled.

Still, as a new technology, saltwater batteries remain somewhat untested.⁷ If you’re looking to maximize your solar energy potential, lithium-ion batteries will offer the most reliable source of power.
Solar Battery Usage:

The life expectancy of a solar battery is mostly determined by its usage cycles. Luckily, most solar batteries are generally deep-cycle batteries, which allows them to discharge up to 80% of their stored energy before recharging.

Some battery banks need to be manually discharged before recharging. With Brightbox, your solar battery charges automatically to avoid overcharging and to ensure your battery stays healthy and efficient for as long as possible.⁸
Solar Battery Temperature:

Depending on where you live, where you install your battery storage system at home can make a huge difference. This is because your battery unit should be kept at an optimal temperature to maximize its life and efficiency.

For example, if you live in areas with temperate/mild temperatures, your battery could be installed outdoors. Whereas, in regions with harsh temperatures, your battery will perform optimally only if it’s installed in your garage or basement.⁹Sunrun’s Solar Advisors can help you determine the best placement for your solar battery.
Solar Battery Warranty

Solar battery manufacturers offer a wide range of warranties for their battery products. Typically, lead-acid batteries are found on the low-end of the warranty spectrum, and lithium-ion batteries are covered for 10 years or more.¹⁰ Sunrun offers one of the most comprehensive solar system warranties including roof and panel protection, so you can enjoy solar power worry-free.
Solar Battery Maintenance

Proper maintenance will play a key role in your solar battery’s longevity. Maintaining your solar system costs $150-$300 annually, while repairs could cost anywhere between $100-$3,200.¹¹ Backed by Sunrun’s Solar guarantee, our comprehensive solar energy storage service eliminates the cost of maintenance by remotely monitoring your solar panels and battery 24/7.

Enjoy All the Benefits of Solar Battery Storage with Brightbox, Today

Brightbox is not just a solar battery—it’s a holistic solar energy storage service with a battery unit charged by the panels on your roof, giving you more control over your home energy needs while managing the cost on your terms.

Want to hold on to a slice of the sun for yourself? Start with a free solar quote. Some of our solar plans could let you go solar for as little as $0 down.