Best Place to Store Batteries – Introduction and Battery Type

How do you keep your batteries? Did you know that this could be the reason you are not getting the best from the batteries?

Batteries are indeed very important to the modern generation. However, they run out of power. Even the best rechargeable batteries will run empty after using for a certain time.

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Consider moving around in the field with your camera, for instance. You may not have a ready place to charge them once they run empty. But you don’t want to stop your project.

The best solution is to have several batteries, which brings us to storage when they are not in use.

Even if you don’t have many batteries, just the way you store the ones you have matters a lot. For instance, when winter hits, your solar batteries will no longer be useful. That means finding the right way to keep them safe until summer.

Batteries lose power even then are not in use. Depending on the type, it can lose up to 5% of its shelf-life every month.

But with proper storage, you can save them. Your aim should be to use the batteries for as long as possible.

In this guide, we will be looking at storage techniques for LiPo, Solar, and Alkaline batteries.

Best Place to Store LiPo Batteries

Lipo batteries are considered one of the best battery technologies around. They offer more capacity and power, which makes them attractive to a wide range of users.

The electrical aspect of these batteries is not complicated. But storing them physically is.

The batteries contain very reactive chemicals. These are the features that allow them to produce more power and so cannot be removed. That also means you have to handle them with great care. You must treat them as lightly as possible.

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If you are new to lipo, you can insulate the leads before storing them. Simply put a rubber cap or electrical tape on the caps, and you are set.

Now, you need to have a lipo storage bag, at the very least. These cases are made from fire-retardant materials. In case of any fire, therefore, you are protected. The bags will not stifle the flames. They may not completely protect the batteries from catching fire, but they will give you enough time to take the right action.

When storing lipo batteries:

Keep them in fireproof areas. As stated above, the batteries feature highly reactive materials that will catch fire if mishandled. The most recommended places include your garage or in a metal/glass box far from any flammable material. In this case, safety comes from fires.

Store lipo batteries in temperature-controlled areas. High temperatures and heat increase the reaction with the batteries, which could lead to explosions. The place should not be too hot or too cold. It should be as dry as possible.

If you have ammo boxes, keep your lipo boxes in them. They feature fireproof materials, which ensure some safety.

If you cannot access these storage materials, you can create your own DIY lipo storage. Take a bag and fill it with sand, and then store your batteries in them. The flame would tear the lipo storage bag if anything were to happen, allowing sand to fall on it, extinguishing the flames.

Always keep a fire extinguisher close. Anything can happen to lipo batteries, causing them to catch fire. It’s therefore crucial that you always have an extinguisher nearby.

These suggestions are not only for storing lipos but also for charging them. The reason we have included them is to ensure extra safety. You will be storing the batteries for a long time, and you may not be around to keep an eye on them – safety should be your priority.

Best Place to Store Solar Batteries

When winter hits, the temperatures drop, and snow sets in! Goodbye sunshine. It’s time for you to think of an alternative power source if you have been using solar.

Understand that solar batteries perform better in warm conditions. Most of them are rated at 77 degrees. Also, they lose about 10% of their efficiency if the temperature is lower than that.

Winter days have shorter sunlight hours; some don’t even have any. That means you will be using more electricity.

Your batteries will be facing more demands than usual, especially in off-grid systems. Proper care keeps them safe through the cold and prolongs their life span.

Here are some tips on how to keep them safe:

Shelter the batteries from the weather and protect them from low temperatures.

You can store low-maintenance batteries in the house.

Many solar systems use flooded batteries. They emit hydrogen gas and should therefore be stored in well-ventilated areas. A garage, a protected shed, or any enclosed storage bag should be good.

Store the batteries in a sturdy, well-ventilated battery box. You can even insulate the box if necessary.

Perform regular maintenance. It is good to keep your batteries in good condition by checking them regularly. Most manufactures offer specific instructions, which could be an excellent place to start. Even if there are no such instructions, periodically clean the battery terminals and ensure everything is secure.

If you are going on a vacation during the winter months, take extra precautions when storing the batteries. Disconnect them for long-time storage.

Best Place to Store Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are the most popular battery type. They are not rechargeable, but most of them work longer than rechargeable ones on a single charge.

Most important, storing the batteries is relatively straightforward.

So, what is the best place to store alkaline batteries? Most people will tell you to keep them in a fridge or a freezer. But this could have your batteries even more.

Store in a cool, dry place. The normal room temperature should be good enough for the batteries.

Check the humidity of the storage place. Alkaline batteries are better in conditions of about 50% relative humidity.

Clean the terminals and place the batteries in a container. Don’t store them in a loose container that could cause them to rub against metal objects.

Keep away from heat.

It is time to store your batteries properly. We hope the tips shared in this guide have been helpful. Let us know if you have any questions or leave your comment.