How to Maintain Your Off-Grid Battery Storage System

Off-grid solar system packages with batteries are one of the modern investments you can get for your home. Offering an effective way to insure households from skyrocketing energy bills, these have seen a rise in popularity during recent years despite coming with a cost. 

If you're one of those who are currently benefitting from a battery energy storage system or planning to get one, you'd know that this setup comes with a hefty upfront cost. There are several power components included plus installation fees so naturally, you'd want something that will last you for years—decades, even. 

Battery storage systems are typically designed for long-lasting use and have good warranty offers. Despite this, proper and regular maintenance still does wonders not only in longevity but also in performance. A well-kept power setup will give your an optimal runtime as well, perfect especially for an off grid solar system that serves as the main source of electricity for an establishment. 

What Are the Best Maintenance Tips For An Off Grid Battery System?

Solar Panels

• Solar panel cleaning is a must. Dirty panels affect overall efficiency. This is especially important for solar arrays mounted on roofs where debris, dirt, and dust can easily pile up. Ideally, your solar panels should be cleaned at least once a year or as needed. 

• Ensure good sunlight exposure. See to it that there are no shadows blocking your panels' surface such as tall trees and shrubs to allow maximum solar power generation. 

Batteries

• Check your battery's charge level. As much as possible, Try not to discharge it down to the recommended state of charge (SOC). Lithium batteries typically can be used up to 80% of their charge compared to lead-acid batteries which can only be discharged up to 50%. Similarly, overcharging your batteries also has detrimental effects so ensure proper recharge with devices like voltmeters or amp-hour meters. 

• If you're using multiple batteries, make sure not to mix old and new ones as this will affect the performance of your new batteries. It's better to replace an entire batch instead to avoid degradation over time.

• Inspect your solar battery storage system from terminals down to connections. These can loosen as the metal expands and contracts during charge and discharge cycles, which results in power loss and potential damage.

Inverter

• Keep it cool. Install your inverter in a well-ventilated area to prevent heating from daily usage and prevent moisture or dust from accumulating to avoid damaging the inverter system. 

• Stick to your inverter's load capacity. Overloading it with high electrical devices can cause irreversible damage and even an explosion. Also, unplug the appliance as soon as it's no longer in use to reduce your inverter's load. 

How Long Do Off-Grid Systems Last?

The life expectancy of an off grid solar system complete with batteries usually lasts up to 25 years for the solar panels and between 5-10 years for the battery and inverter. 

These warranty offers are backed by the manufacturer's guarantee that your components will still hold around 80% of their capacity at the end of their service life. 

It's important to note as well that it doesn't mean your system will automatically stop performing. Your solar panels will still produce energy and your power pack will still store it for later use, but the overall efficiency of the system will gradually decline. 

Experts also believe that consistent maintenance goes a long way and might even contribute to your system performing well beyond its warranty years. 

Seasonal Maintenance Tips For Off-Grid Components

Changing temperatures

Protect your power pack from extreme heat or cold. While lithium is known to be versatile under changing temperatures, constant exposure to it might still impact its lifespan. You also want to make sure to keep your batteries fully charged before leaving for the season. 

Running loads when you're away

If you're going away but will continue running your loads via your battery storage system, only keep the appliances you plan to operate plugged in to reduce the risk of your system shutting down due to low battery charge. 

Leaving your system with zero load

Shut off the inverter to prevent it from continuously drawing power and draining your batteries. What you need to keep running is your solar charge controller, since it will regulate power to keep your batteries full while you're gone. 

Why Choose VoltX Energy Off Grid Battery Storage Systems?

If you're yet to install your own off grid battery storage system, make sure to check out your options at VoltX Energy. Aside from a variety of options that can accommodate small, medium, and large-scale power requirements, all components here are sourced from trusted and reputable manufacturers for long-lasting quality. 

We also offer a 25-year warranty for our Tier-1 solar panels and 10 years of warranty for our batteries and hybrid inverters. Browse our packages, request a FREE quote and our team of experts will get in touch with you for assistance. Shop now!