As the quest for steady power increases daily, many homeowners now use solar power as an alternative. Solar systems are a good source of electricity but sometimes have some issues, such as Inverter battery discharging quickly.
If your inverter battery is dying faster than expected or drains fast, there is a way out.
Rapid battery drain can be due to a circuit overload, a faulty charge controller or an aging battery.
Read to the end so you can get the full details on how to reduce inverter power consumption.
Top reasons why your Inverter Drains Battery Fast
There are several factors that can cause inverter batteries to drain overnight or very fast. These include:
Lack of maintenance
Lack of battery maintenance can lead to a quicker discharge. Neglecting to clean the battery terminals, not maintaining the water levels, and not checking the battery health can all reduce the lifespan of the battery.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery maintenance to ensure longevity
Overloading the inverter
When you plug too many appliances into the inverter, it will draw more energy from the battery to serve those devices. This excessive load can lead to a quick discharge of the battery.
Make sure you manage the loads on the battery, to make it last longer.
Low-quality inverters
A low-quality inverter can make your battery not to last long because of energy loss during conversion. Inverters are known to convert DC to AC currents for home use.
A low-quality inverter may lose lots of energy during the conversion. So, it is advisable to choose a reliable brand of an inverter for high energy efficiency and better battery retention.
Aging battery
Batteries come with a limited lifespan that decreases as they get older. If your battery has been in use for a long time, you will notice a decline in the battery’s capacity to hold charges.
This can be fixed by replacing the old battery to maintain optimal performance.
Environmental factors
The type of environment you keep your battery in will also affect its performance. Your battery should be in a well-ventilated place to save the battery from overheating.
Avoid keeping your battery in direct sun, or exposing it to moisture to extend the life of your inverter battery.
Charge controller failure
A faulty charge controller can either overcharge an inverter battery or undercharge it. If your charge controller is faulty, it’s high time you replace it to save your battery.
Deep discharge
Normally, an inverter should be connected to the charge controller which controls the charging and discharge of the battery.
If for any reason the inverter is connected directly to the battery, it can drain the battery until it will be off.
Such acts can harm the battery and reduce its efficiency.
How to stop an inverter from draining your battery
Below are some ways you can stop your inverters from consuming more power
Identify & Eliminate Parasitic Loads
Some appliances are known to drain batteries even when they are off. To find out what is running the battery,
Unplug all devices connected to the inverter (chargers, modems and LED lights) and watch the battery for 24 hours.
If the battery holds charge, a hidden drain exists.
Check the battery health
Using a multimeter, check the battery’s health. Connect the positive (red) probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative (black) probe to the negative terminal.
A fully charged and healthy 12V battery should read around 12.6 to 12.8 volts
Inspect the wiring and connections
Clean the terminals and make sure that the wire connections are tight to reduce resistance.
Switch to Lithium Batteries (If Applicable)
Lithium batteries are the strongest among all the solar batteries. Though it is more expensive, but usually 2–3x longer lifespan.
If you have the money, I suggest buying it because you will enjoy it.
Ways to prevent your inverter from draining your battery bank
If your inverter battery is not lasting long, there are several ways you can prevent it from reoccurring. These include:
Buying quality batteries
The first step to preventing the inverter from draining the battery is to buy a quality battery.
Lithium and tubular batteries are known for these features. They are built to withstand deep discharge unlike car batteries.
When going for a lithium or tubular inverter battery, make sure you consider the capacity (Amp), brand reputation and warranty.
Install and fully charge the battery
For optimal performance of your solar system, make sure it is installed properly. Call a professional solar engineer if you cannot do it yourself.
Make sure the battery is fully charged before using it for the first time. You can see the state of charge of the battery through the charge controller.
Check the water level
Tubular batteries require periodic checking of the water level in the battery cells. Ensure you do this once every four to six months and top it up with distilled water when needed.
Neglecting this can reduce battery life.
Inspect and clean battery terminals and inverter cables
Dust can accumulate on the battery terminal, leading to poor conduction of electricity. Always inspect the wires and battery terminals for dust, damage or rusting. Clean and replace when necessary.
Avoid overloading the inverter
When you plug many loads into an inverter, it will draw more power, making your battery drain faster. Avoid overloading the inverter by understanding its load capacity.
Use a quality inverter
A good quality inverter will ensure efficient energy conversion, reducing energy loss.
Need a professional? Call mariaelectricals team.
If your inverter battery is discharging quickly and you cannot troubleshoot and fix it by yourself, or you want to install a new solar system in your home, call us for professional guidance.
FAQ
Can an inverter drain a battery when it is off?
Yes, an inverter can drain your battery even when it is off. But only under certain conditions:
- When there is a standby power consumption
- The inverter has a faulty switch or relay
- Loose connection/ short circuit
- backfeed or reverse current into the inverter.
What is the best battery for an inverter to avoid drain?
The best batteries for inverters to avoid draining are lithium batteries. It has a lifespan of about 8 to 15 years.
The second on the list is tubular batteries.