Decoding Your Solar Battery Warranty: Throughput Explained
Thinking of adding a battery to your solar system? Smart move! Solar batteries are a fantastic way to maximise your solar investment, store excess energy, and even provide backup power during outages. But before you take the plunge, it's crucial to understand the warranty that comes with it. Sorting through all the jargon and technical specs can be overwhelming, so let's break down one of the most important aspects: the throughput warranty.
You will learn how solar battery warranties work, what to look out for, and how to pick a battery that gives you the right kind of protection for your home. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the warranties for the products we install, you might want to check out this Complete Guide.
What is Solar Battery Throughput?
Simply put, throughput is the total amount of energy your battery is guaranteed to deliver over its lifespan. It's like the odometer on your car – it measures the total 'distance' (in this case, energy) the battery travels. Throughput is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh).
Think of it this way: a 10kWh battery with a 30MWh throughput warranty is guaranteed to deliver 30,000 kWh of energy throughout its life. After that it is possible that the battery could fail or underperform.
Why is Throughput Important?
Throughput warranties are essential because they protect you against premature battery degradation. All batteries degrade over time with usage. This is a natural process. The throughput warranty gives you assurance that your battery will perform as expected for a defined period.
Other types of warranties exist for solar batteries, including:
- Product Warranty: This covers manufacturing defects and typically lasts around 10 years.
- Cycle Warranty: This specifies the number of complete charge and discharge cycles the battery can handle before the warranty expires.
- Capacity Warranty: This guarantees a certain percentage of the battery's original capacity will remain after a specific time (e.g., 70% after 10 years).
- Workmanship Warranty: This covers errors during the installation process, recommended by the Clean Energy Council at a minimum 5 years.
Most solar battery warranties have multiple limits – a time limit (e.g., 10 years), a cycle limit (e.g., 6000 cycles), and a throughput limit (e.g., 30MWh). The warranty ends when whichever of these limits is reached first. This is why understanding throughput is so vital.
How to Calculate if a Throughput Warranty is Right for You
To determine if a particular throughput warranty is sufficient for your needs, consider the following:
- Your Daily Energy Usage: Estimate how much energy you typically use from your battery each day. This will vary depending on your household's consumption patterns, the size of your solar system, and your energy goals (e.g., self-consumption, backup power).
- The Battery's Capacity: Know the usable capacity of the battery you're considering.
- Calculate Expected Battery Lifespan: Divide the throughput warranty (in kWh) by your daily energy usage (in kWh) to estimate how long the battery will last.
Example:
- You use 5 kWh from your battery daily.
- The battery has a throughput warranty of 30 MWh (30,000 kWh).
Expected lifespan: 30,000 kWh / 5 kWh/day = 6,000 days.
6,000 days / 365 days/year = approximately 16.4 years.
In this scenario, if the battery also has a 10-year time warranty, the warranty will expire before you reach the throughput limit.
What to Watch Out For
- Warranty Fine Print: Carefully read the warranty document. Pay attention to any exclusions, limitations, or conditions that could affect your coverage.
- Realistic Energy Usage: Be realistic about your daily energy usage. Don't underestimate it to make the warranty seem more appealing.
- Installation Quality: Proper installation is vital for battery performance and longevity. Ensure your installer provides a solid workmanship warranty (5 years minimum is a good start) and is accredited.
- Operating Conditions: Extreme temperatures and improper usage can impact battery life. Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal performance.
Choosing the Right Battery
Selecting a solar battery is a significant investment. Take the time to research different brands, compare warranties, and consider your energy needs and budget. Don't be afraid to ask installers questions. A reputable installer will be happy to explain the warranties in detail and help you choose a battery that provides the right protection for your home.
By understanding throughput warranties, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of solar battery storage with peace of mind.
