A home battery can help you use more of your own solar, lower your power bills and reduce your carbon footprint. But if you’re new to owning a battery, you may be unsure of what’s expected when it comes to maintaining your new system. 

That’s why we’re sharing a few simple habits to support the longevity of your battery and help it perform as expected. 

Please note: Always check the maintenance tips and requirements provided by your battery manufacturer in order to ensure optimal performance and longetivity. If you’re ever unsure, contact your installer or the manufacturer before doing anything yourself. 

1. Check your battery’s performance regularly 

Most modern home batteries come with an app that lets you see: 

• Your current charge level 

• How much energy your battery has used 

• When your battery is charging and discharging 

If your battery is draining faster than usual or charging slower than normal, reach out to your battery manufacturer’s support team. Some systems also offer opt-in alerts to help you monitor system performance. 

Quick tip: Set a weekly reminder on your phone to check your battery app and monitor for any unexpected changes. 

2. Do a simple visual check every few months 

Checking your battery is quick and easy – you don’t need tools or technical knowledge. Just look for: 

• Dust buildup 

• Loose wires 

• Moisture or rust 

• Cracks or physical damage 

If you see anything unusual, contact your installer immediately. If your battery is in a high-dust, coastal, or high-humidity area, more frequent checks may be needed to prevent corrosion.  

3. Only use approved accessories 

Your battery is designed to work with specific parts. Using unapproved cables, chargers or add-ons can: 

• Reduce performance 

• Damage the system 

• Void your warranty 

If you want to add anything to your setup, always check with your installer first.  

4. Avoid full discharge

One of the most important parts of battery ownership is optimising your charge and discharge cycles without accelerating wear and tear. 

To help maintain the longevity of your battery, it’s generally recommended you avoid fully discharging it(below 20%) or leaving the battery turned off for long periods. This can cause long-term damage to your system and dramatically shorten its lifespan.  

Be sure to check your battery’s manual for advice on the recommended ‘Depth of Discharge’ (DoD) – manufacturers will typically specify a maximum DoD for best performance.  

5. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule 

Your battery manufacturer will typically provide a recommended maintenance schedule.  

This can include professional servicing and software upgrades to ensure the system is running efficiently. Following this schedule may be required to ensure the warranty remains valid.  

To explore more guides and helpful tips, visit the Flow Power residential resource page. 

If you’re considering installing a home battery, click here to compare your options.