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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/solar-battery-cycle

In NREL's guide, what typically counts as one battery cycle?

Each time the battery is discharged and then recharged.

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  1. Every full day of calendar time
  2. Each time the inverter restarts
  3. Each time it is discharged and then recharged ✔

Why: NREL's O&M guide defines a cycle as each time the battery is discharged and then recharged. A battery that stores solar every day runs roughly 365 cycles a year.

Huh, didn't know that: Enphase's IQ Battery 5P page lists a 15-year limited warranty up to 6,000 cycles.

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What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? I guess I'm out of time.
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References

Answer: Each time it is discharged and then recharged. NREL's O&M guide defines a cycle as each time the battery is discharged and then recharged. A battery that stores solar every day runs roughly 365 cycles a year.

  1. NREL: Best Practices for Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy19osti/73822.pdf
    A cycle is typically defined as each instance the battery is discharged and then recharged.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Enphase: IQ Battery 5P enphase.com/store/storage/gen3/iq-battery-5p
    covered by a 15-year limited warranty up to 6,000 cycles
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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