With all the time you and others spent determining which solar panels your industrial facility should have, your discussion about solar batteries may have been limited. However, your ability to keep those batteries lasting will affect your overall solar setup. How can the life of these components be prolonged?
Choose Correct Type
A wise decision to make early on is what battery types will be purchased and used. Lithium-ion types, for example, usually have the steepest costs. Because these batteries cycle, they're likely to be used when high voltage is needed. Electric vehicles and other machines that require high levels of power may use this battery type.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, sometimes called VRLA (Valve Regulated) or sealed lead acid batteries, are used for different emergency vehicles and backup power. AGM batteries don't contain liquid at all; therefore, they can often be reliable to have around because you don't have to worry about how they're positioned or what side up they're placed. Flooded lead acid batteries, usually the cheapest on the market, are oftentimes used for hospitals, mobile phone towers and similar applications. Unlike the other types, flooded types must be refilled periodically. Prolonging solar battery life is easier when you begin with one that is suited to the facility's tasks.
Place Underground
To protect the battery, wiring and terminals, seriously consider burying the batteries if possible. Changes in temperature and humidity above ground can be sporadic and frequent, which could affect battery life. However, placing them beneath the soil can ensure a much more constant temperature environment. If you are using flooded batteries, because they must be refilled, burying them may not be done. Be aware that you'll have to take other measures to control their exposure to extreme, fluctuating temperatures, especially in winter.
Read Documentation
Trojan batteries and other high-end manufacturer batteries are likely to come with documentation. Many times the documentation is stuck in a drawer, but read it. The manual and warranty are must-see items; if you follow directions from the manual and utilize the included warranty, your batteries should be fine.
Look for Monitoring Features
Technology can be a partner when trying to keep batteries working. Many AGM batteries, for instance, are linked to various "smart" technologies which can monitor the health of a battery and permit remote-control access.
Your industrial solar batteries form the basis of your facility's solar system. Ensuring longevity and making smart decisions will keep the batteries and panels functional.
