Expected Cycle Life of Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid
Lead-Acid Batteries: Generally have a cycle life of 500 to 1,500 cycles, with a lifespan of 3–5 years for flooded lead-acid (FLA) and
Batteries operate reliably with gradual, predictable capacity degradation. Wear-Out Period (10+ years): As batteries approach their design life, failure rates increase due to accumulated wear and chemical breakdown. Multiple environmental and operational factors significantly impact how long your solar battery will last.
Lead-acid batteries (flooded or sealed): These are the most traditional type and also the shortest-lived, typically lasting 3 to 7 years. They're more affordable upfront but require regular maintenance and don't hold up as well over time. When people talk about battery lifespan, they're often referring to “cycle life.”
While not as long-lasting as LiFePO₄, they still typically deliver around 10 years of service with proper care. Saltwater batteries: These are a newer, environmentally friendly option. They use saltwater electrolytes instead of heavy metals and offer a similar lifespan to lithium options—often around 10 to 15 years.
For example, a lithium battery might be rated for 5,000 cycles. If you cycle it once a day, that gives you roughly 13–14 years of use. But if you're only cycling it every few days, you could stretch that out even further. The depth of each cycle also matters.
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