The Do’s And Don’ts Of Solar Battery Maintenance
One way to maximize your solar power system is by using a solar battery. It stores the excess electricity generated by your solar panels, which means the stored energy can be used to power your home when the panels don’t generate enough electricity, especially during nighttime or power outages.
To ensure your solar battery remains in great shape at all times, Green Air Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., a top solar panel company, shares the do’s and don’ts of solar battery maintenance.
DO Check the Charge Level
To determine the state of charge or depth of discharge, be sure to check the specific gravity and voltage of the battery. Failure to monitor these two factors may cause your battery to undergo significant sulfation. If this happens, you may overcharge the battery to minimize the damage. However, this may not completely reverse the damage.
Don’t Forget the Charging Phases
There are three charging phases: float, bulk, and absorption. Float charging, also known as trickle charging, consists of charging the battery at the same rate that it is discharging. This way, you keep the batteries fully charged. Bulk charging occurs when you start to charge a discharged battery. In this process, the voltage rises toward the maximum permissible level. Absorption charging follows the bulk step, but the voltage is held constant at the maximum level, and the current starts to decrease until the battery is fully charged.
DO Clean Your Battery Regularly
Like your solar panels, your solar battery should be cleaned regularly to keep it in great shape. Solar batteries should be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and distilled water using a battery terminal cleaner brush. Rinse the terminals with water right afterward. Remember that all connections are tight and the metal components are coated with a commercial sealant or a high-temperature grease. Before cleaning, don’t forget to remove the clamps first.
DON’T Overlook Safety Measures
Lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen, which is flammable in the presence of oxygen. To prevent fire, you need to follow safety precautions whenever you are near your battery bank. When removing metal items, always use thick gloves and protective eyewear. In the event of an acid leak, you can use baking soda and water to neutralize the acid.
For more inquiries regarding solar power systems and solar batteries, get in touch with Green Air Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Our solar power experts are more than glad to assist you with your solar installation project. Call us today at (925) 954-9998 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve California homeowners, including residents in and around Oakland, CA.
