Why Solar Batteries Fail Quickly in Nigeria and How to Fix It
Solar power is very popular in Nigeria. A lot of people are switching to solar in order to reduce how much they depend on the national grid, which is often unreliable.
However, a lot of people always complain that their solar batteries do not last as long as they should. This has become a major problem, especially when you consider the fact that solar batteries are way more expensive to replace.
So, why do solar batteries fail quickly in Nigeria? Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why this happens and how you can avoid them.
1. Poor Quality Batteries and Components
One of the biggest reasons that makes your solar battery fail is obviously poor quality. A lot of sellers out there import very cheap and low-quality batteries in order to make more profit.
Because of this, the batteries are unable to last long since they are made with very inferior materials. Some of the batteries that we see advertised as long-lasting are actually fake.
In reality, most Nigerians unknowingly buy these fake batteries because they are cheaper. In the end, they end up wasting money because they will need to replace these obviously fake batteries.
Solution:
To solve this issue, make sure you always buy from very trusted brands and certified dealers like Arenahub. Do not go for the cheapest option; most times, they are always the inferior ones.
You should know that investing in a good battery will help you save money in the long run since you don’t have to change batteries within just a few months of purchasing.
Always check for warranties and customer reviews to see what other customers are saying about the battery. Once the reviews are positive and there is a warranty, then you should proceed and buy the battery. They are likely original.
2. Bad Installation and System Design
Many solar installers in Nigeria lack proper training and orientation. They may decide to install a solar system that is practically too small for the quantity of electricity your home or business consumes.
When this is done, it can easily cause your battery to overwork its limit, and this will make the battery wear out faster than expected.
Another mistake a lot of these untrained solar installers make is using the wrong type of inverter. This can actually damage your battery in no time.
If your solar system is not installed correctly, it will only mean that power is not going to flow efficiently. This will inevitably reduce the lifespan of your battery.
Solution:
To solve this problem, always make sure that you make use of professional, certified solar installers like Arenahub.
Also, make sure the system is designed based on your actual electricity consumption. You should use the right solar inverter and panel for your battery size. That will mean your battery is going to last longer.
3. Lack of Maintenance
One mistake a lot of people make is forgetting about their solar system immediately after the installation is done and dusted.
You should know that your solar batteries need to be maintained regularly so that they can last long enough for you to enjoy them. Over time, dirt and corrosion can damage your battery terminals and also reduce their performance.
So, you should always be on the lookout and make sure you clean your battery very well. Also, always try to check for loose wires or leaks, as this could cause sudden failure.
If you do not maintain your battery properly, they are never going to last long, no matter how good and high-quality the battery happens to be.
Solution:
Try to ensure that you clean your battery terminals regularly so as to remove dust and other debris that might be accumulating.
Check for any loose connections or leaks in the battery, and always make sure that a technician inspects your system at least once every year.
4. Overcharging and Deep Discharging
One of the fastest ways to damage your solar battery is by overcharging it or allowing it to drain completely.
When the system no longer has a proper charge controller, this inevitably causes the battery to overheat or wear out completely. On the other hand, when we talk about discharging, we simply mean the process of allowing your battery to drain until it is completely empty.
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If you allow this to happen frequently, chances are that your battery capacity is going to be reduced permanently.
Solution:
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always make use of a charge controller so as to avoid overcharging. Secondly, never let your battery drain out completely before recharging it.
Once you notice that your battery is getting low, make sure you get it charged up. If possible, you should make use of only lithium batteries. This is because they handle charging way better than lead-acid batteries.
5. Nigeria’s Harsh Weather Conditions
The hot climate in Nigeria affects the performance of solar batteries. This is because high temperatures can easily cause the battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to lots of damage.
Also, very extreme heat weakens your battery plates, causing them to wear out faster than expected. Humidity and rainfall can also cause severe damage to your battery terminals. When they get exposed, that could also lead to rust and short circuits.
Solution:
In order not to find yourself in this terrible situation, always keep your battery in a place that is cool and also well-ventilated. You should protect your battery from direct sunlight and water.
Finally, make use of battery enclosures to control the temperature and humidity around your battery. If you follow our instructions as given in this blog post, we assure you that you are going to keep enjoying your solar battery for as long as possible.
Remember, at Arenahub, we can give you the very best batteries in the market.
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