Oxidation in Solar Batteries: Causes , Prevention, and Cleaning

Solar batteries provide your system with storage for excess solar power. For the most part, they’ll do this without much maintenance or effort from you. However, in some cases, you might notice a white residue develop on your battery terminals. This is called oxidation. If left untreated, oxidation can cause reduced efficiency of your batteries over time and even lead to total battery failure. Keep reading to learn more about what oxidation is, how to prevent it, and how to clean it from your batteries’ terminals.

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What Is Oxidation in Batteries?

Oxidation in solar batteries refers to the chemical reaction that occurs when the metal components in your batteries—particularly, the terminals—come into contact with oxygen and other environmental factors. This chemical reaction can form a buildup of white, or even bluish or green, deposits on the terminals. The buildup interferes with creating a secure connection on the terminals and reduces electrical conductivity.

Common Causes of Battery Oxidation

Several factors can contribute to oxidation and corrosion on battery terminals. Here are just a few of them:

• Electrolyte Leakage or Gassing: Lead-acid batteries naturally release hydrogen gas, which can react with oxygen and metal components to cause corrosion.
• Humidity and Moisture Exposure: High humidity increases the rate of oxidation in batteries and make it more likely you’ll encounter this issue.
• Poor Electrical Connections: Loose battery terminals cause electrical resistance. This generates heat and creates the perfect environment for oxidation.
• Overcharging and Undercharging: Improper charging cycles increase the release of gases, leading to terminal buildup.
• Battery Age and Wear: As batteries age, the breakdown of internal components can increase the likelihood of oxidation.

Preventing Battery Oxidation

Unfortunately, not all oxidation can be avoided. Simple age, for example, can lead to eventual oxidation, and there’s not much anyone can do about that. However, proper battery care and usage can delay this buildup. Keep terminals clean and dry. Apply a protective coating like anti-corrosion sprays to create a protective barrier on the terminals, and use a battery charger to help avoid undercharging and overcharging. Make sure you tighten your battery terminals as well to minimize resistance and heat buildup.

Cleaning Oxidation Buildup

If you already have oxidation buildup on your batteries, you need to clean it off. Disconnect the batteries to prevent electrical shocks and prepare a cleaning solution of baking soda and water into a paste.  Use a wire brush or toothbrush to scrub the terminals with the cleaning solution. Rinse it off and dry it thoroughly before applying the protective coating and reconnecting the Pylontech Pelio rechargeable battery.