What is the life span of a home battery, and how is it maintained?

Home batteries last about 10–15 years, influenced by chemistry, usage, and conditions. Proper maintenance—cleaning, monitoring charge, checking connections, and regular servicing—helps maximise lifespan and performance.

Lifespan of a home battery

Based on current manufacturing techniques, you can generally expect a home battery to typically last anything from 10 to 15 years, depending on several factors such as usage patterns, depth of discharge (DoD), and environmental conditions. Most home batteries come with a 10-year warranty, which covers a certain number of charge-discharge cycles or energy throughput.

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Factors affecting lifespan

  • Battery chemistry: Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries are commonly used in home energy storage systems and generally have a longer lifespan.
  • Cycle life: The number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity significantly degrades. This typically ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 cycles.
  • Depth of discharge (DoD): Shallower discharge cycles put less stress on the battery cells, extending their lifespan.
  • Environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity, and exposure to extreme weather can negatively impact battery performance and longevity.
  • Battery management system (BMS): A well-designed BMS optimises battery performance, prevents overcharging or over-discharging, and detects issues.
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Working with your home battery installer to maintain a home battery

  • Keep it clean and dry: Ask your installer to regularly clean the battery to remove dust and debris, and ensure it stays dry to prevent corrosion.
  • Monitor charge levels: Ensure your installer regularly checks the battery's charge level to ensure it operates efficiently.
  • Check connections: Ask your installer to inspect the battery's connections for tightness and corrosion.
  • Test backup power: Make sure your home battery installer periodically tests the battery's backup power to ensure it functions correctly during outages.
  • Regular servicing: Have the battery serviced by a professional to check performance and address any issues.

By following these maintenance tips, you can maximise the lifespan and performance of your home battery.