How to Prepare Your Solar Batteries for Winter

Posted by The PowerStore Inc on November 12th, 2021

Slightly colder weather can actually improve the performance of your solar power system and decrease the rate of self-discharge in your batteries. But if you live in an area that gets extremely cold, it’s important that you properly prepare those batteries for the winter chill. If temperatures drop too low, your battery bank’s efficiency can decline significantly. So, here are a few ways that you can prepare your batteries for winter to minimize that efficiency loss and make sure they’re working properly.

Store Them Properly

Proper storage is your primary defense against weather-related battery issues. Ensure your batteries are sheltered from the most extreme temperatures by storing them in a protected space. Certain batteries (specifically, sealed ones) can be stored in a space in your home. However, if you have flooded batteries or any other kind of battery that emits gasses or has the potential to leak, it should be stored in a protected space outside of the home.

A garage, protected shed, or an enclosed porch are all great options for storing your battery bank. Just make sure that the area is well ventilated. It’s also a good idea to have your batteries stored in a sturdy battery box that’s properly vented. If your battery box is designed for outdoor use and properly insulated to prevent below-freezing temperatures, you may be able to install the battery bank outdoors, close to the home.

Perform Proper Maintenance

Just as you would winterize your plumbing and your garden, you should winterize your batteries. Perform proper maintenance before the colder weather sets in. While exact maintenance will vary depending on the type of battery you have, most batteries will benefit from cleaning the terminals. You can clean any corrosion off the terminals using a mixture of water and baking soda. Make sure to wear gloves while you clean the terminals and double-check that they’re secure while you’re at it. If you have flooded batteries, check the water level (as you should do every month or 2) and top it off with distilled water if needed.

Prepare for Storage

If you’re leaving for the winter months, make sure you store your batteries properly. You should turn all DC loads off and turn off your inverter, but leave the charge controller on. The exception to this is if you have a reliable generator, and your inverter can automatically start the generator to charge the batteries if needed.

With proper maintenance and preparation, your Generac PWRcellor other types of solar batteries should perform well all winter long.