How Long Do Solar Batteries Last? Lifespan, Warranties & Maintenance
Solar battery storage is becoming increasingly popular for backup power and protection against rising electricity costs, especially as more and more utility companies adopt time-of-use pricing structures.
But batteries aren’t cheap. Before you buy one, it’s important to understand how long a solar battery will last and when you’ll have to replace it.
The short answer is: most modern solar batteries last 10–15 years. But solar battery lifespan depends on several factors, including battery type, usage, and environment. In this guide, we break down what homeowners in the greater Cincinnati and Columbus areas should realistically expect.
What’s the Typical Solar Battery Lifespan?
The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are popular today have a 10-15 year lifespan. But that doesn’t mean your battery will just suddenly stop working after 15 years. Instead, performance will drop slowly over time until the battery is no longer useful, which could be well after the lifespan its warranty promises.
How Battery Warranties Factor In
Solar batteries come with manufacturer warranties that vary by brand and model. They’re typically 10-12 years long, with a guarantee that the battery will maintain at least 70% of its original energy capacity at the end of the warranty period or after a certain number of cycles, whichever comes first.
What does that mean for you?
Let’s say you install a 15 kWh battery like the FranklinWH aPower 2. At the end of its 12-year warranty period, the battery should still have 10.5 kWh of its original 15 kWh capacity. So, even though the warranty has ended, your battery is still working and has a sizable amount of storage.
What Impacts Solar Battery Lifespan?
The 10-15-year lifespan of a solar battery backup system is just an estimate. There are a few key factors that can shorten or extend your solar battery’s life.
1. Battery Type and Chemistry
Most residential solar batteries installed today use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. LFP batteries have long lifespans, usually 10-15 years, among many other benefits. Lead-acid batteries, a less common yet still available option, have a much lower life expectancy of just 4-8 years.
2. Battery Cycles and Usage Patterns
Battery lifespan is often measured in cycles, not just years.
A cycle occurs when a battery fully discharges and then recharges. Batteries that are deeply discharged every day will wear out faster than those that operate within moderate charge ranges.
3. Temperature and Installation Location
Extreme heat or cold can reduce battery lifespan.
For homeowners in the Greater Cincinnati area, seasonal temperature swings make installation location especially important. Batteries installed in garages may last longer than those exposed to outdoor weather extremes.
How Does Solar Battery Maintenance Impact Lifespan?
Solar batteries—like solar panels—are incredibly low maintenance. Unlike mechanical equipment, such as your furnace or air conditioner, they don’t have any moving parts, so they’re less prone to wear and tear. As long as your battery is installed properly and operated according to manufacturer guidelines, there’s little homeowners need to do beyond monitoring system performance.
Will You Need to Replace Your Battery Before Your Solar Panels?
Yes, you will likely need to replace your batteries before your solar panels. Solar panels last for decades—usually 25-30+ years—which is longer than your battery will last. Most homeowners end up replacing their batteries once during their solar panel’s lifespan.
Are Solar Batteries Worth It If They Only Last 10–15 Years?
Yes. For most homeowners, solar batteries are worth it, even though they don’t last quite as long as solar panels. Their 10-15 year lifespan is still impressive (that’s about the same lifespan as a central air conditioner), and they provide many benefits, including:
Peace of mind during severe weather
Protection against rising utility rates and time-of-use pricing
Greater energy independence
Interested in Solar Battery Backup for Your Home?
Want to find out whether solar battery storage is worth it for your home? Schedule a free assessment with Sustainergy Cooperative! We’re a local, worker-owned solar company serving the greater Cincinnati and Columbus areas. Our technicians are committed to quality and will stop at nothing to provide you with the best service possible because, as worker-owners, your success is their success!
