Can you put a home battery outside?

You don’t have to install a home battery inside. Many modern systems are designed to endure changing weather conditions and can also be placed outside. However, not every battery is suitable for outdoor installation. In this article, we explain what to look for, including IP ratings, temperature limits, weather protection and the best location for your home battery.

Why would you place a home battery outside?

Placing a home battery outside of your home has a few benefits, for example saving space in your home. If you live in an apartment or small home, there is not always enough space for a home battery. By placing it outside, this won’t be a problem.

Some people also feel more comfortable installing a home battery outside. Modern batteries are very safe and thoroughly tested, but having the system outside the main living area can still give some users extra peace of mind.

Which home batteries are suitable for outdoor installation?

Whether a home battery can be installed outside mainly depends on its IP rating. Many batteries have an IP65 rating, which means they are dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets, including rain. That is fine if you place the battery in a sheltered spot, but not for a battery in a fully exposed location. If you want to place a home battery completely in the open to rain and wind, a battery with IP66 is a better choice.

IP rating	Protection	Suited for
IP20	Protects against larger objects and accidental contact, but offers no real water protection.	Dry, climate-controlled indoor spaces only.
IP55	Protected against dust and water jets, but not completely dust-tight.	Sheltered outdoor areas, garages or utility spaces.
IP65	Fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets, including rain.	Outdoor installation and unheated spaces.
IP66	Fully dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets.	More exposed outdoor locations and heavier weather conditions.
IP67	Fully dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water.	Locations with a higher risk of water exposure or extreme weather.

What IP rating does an outdoor home battery need?

For a fully exposed outdoor installation, an IP66-rated battery is a better option. IP66 means the battery is completely dust-tight and protected against water from any direction. This makes it suitable for heavy rain and more exposed outdoor locations without a separate cover. However, IP66 does not mean the battery can be submerged in water, so it should still be installed in a location where water cannot collect around the unit.

How do temperature and weather affect a home battery?

Installing a home battery in extreme weather conditions can affect its performance and lifespan. Very high or low temperatures, direct sunlight and severe weather can put extra stress on the battery and, in some cases, cause permanent damage.

Heat is one of the biggest factors that can affect a home battery. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside the battery cells, which can cause them to wear out faster and gradually lose storage capacity. Most batteries have built-in protection that reduces performance or shuts the system down if it becomes too hot.

Cold weather can temporarily change the efficiency and the capacity of the battery. The cold causes the battery to lose power and 10 to 50% of the capacity depending on the conditions. The difference between the heat and the cold is that the damage is permanent when it is caused by heat.

Where is the best place to install a home battery outside?

The best place to install a home battery outside is in a sheltered location, raised slightly above the ground and protected from direct rain. Choose a spot that does not get too humid, hot or cold, and avoid constant direct sunlight. A covered and ventilated location helps keep the battery at a more stable temperature and protects it from the weather.

What should you check before installing a battery outside?

Is it a good idea to install a home battery outside?

Installing a home battery outside can be a good option if you do not have enough space indoors. Protecting the battery from heavy rain, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will help it stay safe, efficient and reliable for many years. If you are still weighing up where and how to install a system, our guide to choosing a home battery covers the other factors worth considering first.