How does temperature affect batteries?

At higher temperatures, the battery capacity will increase, while at lower temperatures, battery capacity will decrease. While this may seem advantageous for climates with higher temperatures, the lifespan of a battery will actually decrease the higher the temperature the battery is exposed to over time.

The standard temperature a battery would be rated at is 77 °F (25 °C):

• At temperatures above this you will experience increased capacity but lower lifespan
• At temperatures below this you will experience reduced capacity but higher lifespan 

With an increase of 18 °F (10 °C) above the standard temperature you can expect a reduced lifespan (cycle count) by about 50%. Dropping down to 32 °F (0 °C) will reduce the battery capacity by up to 25%.

Carmanah utilizes temperature compensation for battery charging and will take ambient temperature into consideration in our Solar Power Reports for system sizing.