A solar power system can provide you with free, renewable power all day long. But what about when the sun goes down or the weather is cloudy? If you want to continue using solar power then, rather than switching back to the grid, you’ll need a battery bank. A solar battery bank greatly increases your solar power system’s usability, but they can take up quite a bit of space. So, where can you store it? Keep reading to learn the best locations for solar battery installation.

The Ideal Environment

Before getting into some ideal locations for your solar battery, it’s important to understand the conditions that you should be looking for that create the ideal environment for a solar battery bank. First, you’ll want somewhere that’s relatively accessible so that you can check on the batteries periodically. However, it should be out of the way enough so that it’s not an obstruction. Keep in mind that modern batteries require almost no maintenance, so you won’t need to access the battery bank very often; just make sure that it’s not overly difficult to do so when needed.

Second, you’ll want the space to be relatively clean. There shouldn’t be an excess of dirt, dust, or debris, as these elements can settle on the contacts and cause them to corrode more quickly. When you do check on your batteries, it’s a good idea to dust them off or wipe down the contacts to ensure those connections are good.

Finally, it’s best to place your battery bank in a slightly cooler environment, if at all possible. Batteries and other solar equipment all perform more efficiently at cooler temperatures. So, while garages may be a popular option, it may not be the best choice for individuals whose garage temperatures skyrocket in the summer.

The Best Location Choices

So, with the above requirements in mind, what are the best choices for installation location? Here are a few recommendations to consider:

• Basement – If you have an unfinished or partially finished basement, this can be the ideal location for your battery bank. It’s easy to access, stays cooler than the rest of the house in most instances, and doesn’t typically have an excess of dust or debris.
• Under the stairs – Do you have a spacious closet under your staircase? Depending on the size and configuration of your battery bank, this could be an ideal installation location. It’s temperature controlled like the rest of your home and easy to get in and out of. However, if you have a very large battery bank (or a very small closet) this may not work.
• Garage – As mentioned above, this might not work if your garage gets very hot. However, if the summer temperatures are more moderate, a garage offers plenty of space for installing a battery bank.

If you’re going to install a home solar battery, these locations are all good installation locations.