solar batteries are an important part of the solar electricity system. They are designed to store energy and preserve it for later use so that solar energy can be utilized even when the weather does not allow adequate sunlight.
however, just like any electrical part, they might have issues that cause them to get drained faster than usual.
In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons behind your solar batteries draining quickly and how you can fix that.
If you are worried about your solar batteries draining too fast, there might be several factors in play that might need to be analyzed first which are typically as the result of one or more issues with the batteries, inverter, and the solar panels.
PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERies
While most batteries last for years with proper care; poor installation, improper use, or an inappropriate environment can cause issues with charging hence making the batteries drain quickly.
Battery age. The older a battery gets, the faster it loses power and the longer it will take to charge – it may have trouble keeping charge too. Solar batteries from PylonTech, our preferred provider, have a warranted lifetime of 10 years and a design life of greater than 15 years. If your solar batteries are old, it may be time to look for a replacement.
Too little capacity. Smaller battery banks made up of lower-capacity or a small number of batteries when compared to the solar system or house energy usage, won’t be able to sustain a charge for long. If you’re running a washing machine or heat pump using battery power, these can quickly drain the batteries if not sized correctly. The power load for your home or business determines the size of the battery capable to with stand that power load for longer periods.
We get alot of inquiries from clients who would want to power a fridge with a lower capacity battery such as 12v, 100ah gel battery, these solar batteries are designed for small power loads such as tvs and charging phones, that don’t take up too much power, hence putting a fridge on that small battery will drain the battery very quickly.
In the same breath, if your household electricity demand increases or is significantly greater than what your solar batteries can provide or your solar energy system can generate, your solar batteries won’t receive enough energy to charge them.
Taqon Electrico provides higly effiecnt solar batteries suitable for any size of solar system, we give professional recommendations based on experience on the right size of solar battery to get for your solar system. Click the link to view our solar batteries catalogue
Battery damage. Simple wear and tear can result in a solar battery being unable to charge. One of the most common problems with lead acid batteries is ‘sulfation’, which occurs when the solar battery is unable to reach a full charge for a long time. Keep an eye out for a greenish discoloration around your lead acid batteries if you have them – this is a sure sign of sulfation.
Rapid/frequent cycling. A “cycle” occurs when a battery fully charges and then fully discharges. If you cycle frequently and/or rapidly, your battery may incur damage. Most solar-powered homes cycle about once per day. Taqon Electrico systems use an internal battery management system and high-end solar inverters to safely manage cycling.
Overheating. Solar batteries are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. If the environment around them is too hot, they can suffer from a ‘thermal runaway’. This happens when the internal heat generated through the battery’s operation can’t dissipate fast enough. This can cause damage to the battery but can also be easily negated with a selection of the right solar battery equipment and installation location.
Blown fuse. There may be fuses in your solar battery that will trigger if the battery gets too hot or if there is a short circuit. Once blown, the fuses will need to be replaced for the battery to recharge again.
PROBLEMS WITH THE CHARGE CONTROLLER OR INVERTER
Your solar system will come with a charge controller, either separate from or built into the inverter. This helps to keep the solar system in check by regulating the voltage and current flow from the solar panels to the batteries. This prevents issues like overcharging and overheating, making sure your system is durable and safe to use.
Like all electrical equipment, the charge controller can become damaged, and this can result in issues with solar battery charging.
Loose wiring. The charge for the battery runs through the charge controller, so loose wiring between them can result in the electricity never reaching its destination. Your charge controller should show a voltage reading if it has a display.
Low battery bank voltage. Some charge controllers stop charging a battery if the voltage falls below a certain value, which will be stated in your manual.
Defective charge controller. Sometimes the problem is with the charge controller itself. Poor quality charge controllers or charge controllers not rated for the load on the system can simply break. They can be tested using a multimeter, but it’s best to leave this kind of diagnosis to a professional.
At Taqon Electrico we have top of the range hybrid solar inverters with inbuilt solar controllers that comes with warranties of upto 5 years depending on the type of solar inverter brand you choose. Click the link to view our solar inverters catalogue
PROBLEMS WITH THE SOLAR PANELS
Solar power starts with the solar panels. If there’s a problem with them, it will affect the entire system – your solar battery charge rate included.
Weather issues. Rain or clouds can block the sunlight from hitting your panels and reduce power generation. Low power generation may result in the batteries not being charged as fast or as much as usual.
Shade. Overhanging trees or nearby buildings can cast shade on your solar panels, blocking the sunlight and stopping them from charging your batteries. This is why solar panel placement is an integral part of solar installation.
In addtion, dirty solar panels can also contribute to poor power generation by the solar panels as dirt blocks solar panel cells from effectively collecting solar energy to charge battery which leads to the batteries being undercharged hence draining quickly. Always make sure that your solar panels are cleaned once in a while so they can be free from dirt. If there is dirt on the surface of the solar panel it can reduce the light being absorbed.
Taqon Electrico offers an affordable solar panel cleaning service with a reasonably priced rate card. Let professionals clean your solar panels to avoid any unneccessary damage to them. Click the link to view our solar panels cleaning price list.
Hot spots. After some time in operation, solar panels can develop hot spots. These are small points on your panel that heat up more than the rest, created when parts of shade cover some solar cells. These hot spots can end up consuming power rather than making it and can impact solar panel power output.
Cracked panels. Solar panels are tough once installed, but they can be cracked by blunt force trauma. These cracks can cause mechanical failures, so keep an eye out for obvious cracks as well as odd patterns on your panels.
Having a true expert design and install your solar system from the beginning is the best way to prevent issues with your batteries. A lot of these problems emerge from a bad installation using poor products and neglecting your system. Taqon Electrico offers solar system maintanance service which covers all the system componets to check any problems with the system and make sure that all the solar products are working as theyy should for an overall efficiently working system.
Get in touch with us at Taqon Electrico for a high- quality solar system installation that will last longer and give you a piece of mind.
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