Winter can be brutal on battery life, sometimes slashing capacity by as much as half. The colder temperatures and shorter days may lead to performance problems for your solar-powered equipment.
Read on for Kalitec’s top 5 practical pointers on how to make sure your solar-powered units deliver optimal results all year round.
Tip #1: Select the Right Solar-Powered System
Start by making sure your solar panel is the right size for the job.
A monocrystalline solar panel is the best and most durable choice and will help your battery stay charged, no matter how cloudy it is outside. Known for its resistance to cold, a sealed AGM battery is the key to solar power efficiency. Check to make sure the model you choose is made to operate even on days with limited sunlight.
At Kalitec, our solar power kits are designed specifically to meet the energy consumption needs of each of our units.
Tip #2: Location, Location, Location (Aka Here Comes the Sun!)
Make sure your solar panel is installed in a place that is exposed to as much sunlight as possible. Shade, even partial shade, from trees and buildings can reduce output by as much as 95%.
Not sure where to set up your solar panel? Contact Kalitec’s expert installation team! We would be happy to have a closer look and make suggestions that will
maximize your system’s performance. Don’t forget to re-evaluate your location every year and make any necessary adjustments (e.g., prune nearby trees).
Tip #3: Southern Exposure
Mount your solar panel so that it faces directly south. This will maximize exposure to the sun and improve battery life.
An angle of up to 30 degrees is acceptable to compensate fortrees, buildings or other obstructions. Note, however, that this can reduce solar panel performance by approximately 10%.
Tip #4: Clean and Clear
our solar panels should be tilted 60 degrees to keep snow or debris from building up on the surface. At Kalitec, our mounting systems are pre-adjusted to a 60-degree angle for your convenience.
If you do notice an accumulation of snow, dirt or anything else on the panel, be sure to clear it off to avoid losing battery capacity.
Tip #5: The Importance of Regular Recharging
If you take good care of your batteries, you can extend their life by as long as 5 years. Try to avoid letting a battery become deeply discharged for a prolonged period of time. This can cause premature aging and gradually reduce charging capacity. Simply follow the above tips to ensure your battery receives a full and regular charge.
One last piece of advice: if you need to store a battery, charge it first – and recharge it every 6 months to boost your battery life over the long term.