BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WINTER CONSIDERATIONS FOR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
With winter finally behind us, it’s a good time for installers to take stock of the challenges they faced on site and plan for the next cold season. Giulio Stangarone MIET, technical engineer at UK renewables distributor Segen, explores how cold conditions impact battery energy storage systems and shares practical tips to ensure installations continue to perform reliably when temperatures drop again
O
ver the past year, Segen has seen a major surge in demand for battery energy storage systems, as installers increasingly include
batteries as standard in their projects. However, as adoption grows, so too does the need to understand how these systems behave in real-world conditions, especially during the winter months.
HOW COLD TEMPERATURES AFFECT LITHIUM BATTERIES
For lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP) batteries, cold temperatures are far from ideal – a fact made clear by the spike of enquiries to our technical support helpline during the winter. The cold snap didn’t just chill rooftops, it highlighted how temperature can directly affect battery behaviour. The behaviour of lithium batteries during cold weather is dictated by chemistry and protection systems. When temperatures drop, the internal chemical reactions that allow charging and discharging to occur slow down. If a battery is charged too quickly while cold, it can lead to lithium plating, a process where lithium deposits on the anode as a metallic layer. Over time, this can form dendrites, needle-like structures that could create internal short circuits and permanently damage the battery. To prevent this, the Battery Management System (BMS) automatically reduces charging current in cold conditions. Customers may notice slower charging or limited capacity during the winter. This is a protective measure, not a fault, and installers should set expectations during onboarding. Explaining these behaviours helps customers to understand the system’s safeguards and maintain confidence in their battery’s performance. Some modern battery systems include internal heaters or ‘winter
modes’ that raise cell temperature during charging. These features can mitigate performance loss in very cold climates, but below-freezing temperatures will still cause some reduction in charging speed.
LOCATION MATTERS Beyond setting customer expectations, what else can installers do to help battery systems perform optimally in cold conditions? While much of a battery’s behaviour in low temperatures is ultimately out of the installer’s hands – dictated by chemistry and controlled by the BMS – there are practical steps that can make a real difference. This starts right at the beginning: during design and installation. Careful siting of the battery system is the first consideration. Selecting an appropriate location is a delicate balance: installers must satisfy the customer’s preferences while meeting the technical requirements for safe, efficient operation. In residential installations, lofts are a common choice for storage units, but they bring their own engineering challenges. Pronounced seasonal temperature variations can expose equipment to extreme heat or cold, making careful assessment essential to protect long-term performance and system reliability. While an external garage, carport or outbuilding might seem like a perfect out-of-the-way alternative location, prolonged exposure to low temperatures can degrade battery performance. IP (Ingress Protection) ratings often add to the confusion. Although an IP rating defines a product’s resistance to dust and moisture, it is frequently misconstrued as a measure of suitability for all outdoor conditions. A battery rated at IP65,
for instance, may be robust against environmental ingress, yet its performance can still be compromised by extreme ambient temperatures. Although adding extra insulation around a battery may appear beneficial, it rarely results in a meaningful performance improvement. In most cases, a sheltered indoor location such as a utility room is the optimal choice. Where outdoor installation is unavoidable, careful positioning becomes essential. Locating the battery away from direct exposure to wind, rain and snow can help reduce stress and support more stable operating conditions and overall performance. For more information on protecting electrical battery systems installed in dwellings, installers are advised to refer to BSI PAS 63100.
Giulio Stangarone
EDUCATING USERS ON WINTER OPERATION AND SAFEGUARDS In addition to careful system placement, battery performance in cold conditions is also influenced by how the system is operated. While installers typically do not control day-to-day settings, they play an important role in educating customers on how operational choices affect battery behaviour. Regular use of the battery during the winter should be encouraged, as normal charging and discharging generates internal heat that helps prevent excessively low temperatures. Ahead of an expected cold period, it can also be beneficial to increase the battery’s minimum state of charge (SOC). A higher minimum SOC prompts the system to draw from the grid more frequently, keeping the battery active and maintaining internal warmth. This approach also has another benefit. Battery voltage, and therefore the SOC, is temperature dependent. A sudden drop in ambient temperature can cause the displayed SOC to fall unexpectedly, which can trigger communication faults. Advising system owners to raise the minimum SOC before a cold snap – and demonstrating how to adjust it via the battery’s app – can further help to maximise system reliability and prevent unexpected issues.
MINIMISING ISSUES, MAXIMISING TRUST Winter presents unique challenges for battery energy storage systems, but with careful planning and proactive guidance, installers can turn potential problems into opportunities. By selecting optimal locations and educating homeowners on operational best practices, installers can minimise under-performance issues and reduce customer complaints. This not only protects system reliability but also builds trust with homeowners, strengthening the installer’s reputation and laying the foundation for future business. In short, informed installation and clear communication can help ensure both seasonal resilience and long-term success.
Segen
www.segen.co.uk/info/
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ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2026
www.essmag.co.uk
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