Solis Battery Storage, Maintenance and Recovery Policy

Solis Battery Storage, Maintenance and Recovery Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define Solis' requirements for the storage, maintenance, inspection, recovery, and warranty treatment of batteries and battery-powered products held within Solis facilities or supplied to customers.

This policy ensures:

• Battery performance and safety are maintained throughout the storage period.
• Stock is managed to minimise degradation caused by prolonged storage.
• Responsibilities are clearly defined.
• Customers are provided with clear information regarding battery care and warranty coverage.
• Consistent decision-making regarding battery recovery and replacement.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All batteries held in Solis warehouses, service centres, and storage locations.
• Battery-powered products held in inventory.
• New products awaiting sale.
• Returned products containing batteries.
• All Solis employees involved in purchasing, warehousing, service, sales, and customer support.

3. Policy Statement

Batteries are consumable components that naturally self-discharge over time. If batteries are stored for extended periods without maintenance charging, they may suffer reduced capacity, performance degradation, or permanent failure.

Solis will implement storage and maintenance practices designed to preserve battery health while inventory remains under Solis control.

Where technically feasible and safe, batteries that have become discharged during storage may be assessed and recovered. Recovery is not guaranteed and will be subject to safety and manufacturer guidelines.

4. Responsibilities

Operations and Warehouse Team

The Operations and Warehouse Team shall:

• Store batteries in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
• Maintain appropriate environmental conditions.
• Monitor stock age using a FIFO (First In, First Out) methodology.
• Conduct periodic battery inspections.
• Arrange maintenance charging where required.
• Escalate batteries showing signs of deterioration

The Service Department shall:

• Assess batteries reported as deeply discharged.
• Determine whether safe recovery is possible.
• Record all recovery attempts and outcomes.
• Recommend replacement when recovery is not possible or economically viable.
• Review battery-related warranty claims.
• Determine claim eligibility in accordance with warranty conditions.
• Escalate disputed cases where required.

The Sales & Product Team shall:

• Ensure customers receive appropriate battery storage and maintenance information.
• Communicate any battery care requirements applicable to prolonged storage.
• Make no warranty representations outside of approved warranty documentation.
• Customer Service Team

5. Storage Requirements

All batteries shall be stored:

• In clean, dry conditions.
• Away from direct sunlight.
• Within manufacturer-recommended temperature limits -  10°C to 25°C, 
• Away from moisture and corrosive environments.
• In accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

Where specified by the Solis, batteries must undergo maintenance charging at defined intervals.

Stock shall be reviewed regularly to identify products approaching maintenance-charge deadlines.

6. Inventory Management

To minimise battery degradation:

• Stock rotation shall be used wherever practicable.
• Inventory age shall be monitored monthly.
• Stock exceeding recommended storage periods shall be identified and reviewed.
• Products approaching maximum storage duration shall be prioritised for sale, service inspection, or maintenance charging.

7. Battery Recovery Process

Where a battery is found to be excessively discharged:

• The battery shall be quarantined and inspected.
• A qualified technician shall assess whether recovery is safe and technically feasible.
• Recovery shall only be attempted using approved chargers and procedures.
• Recovery attempts shall be recorded within service records.
• Batteries failing recovery or showing signs of damage shall be removed from service and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

Under no circumstances shall staff attempt recovery methods not approved by the battery or equipment manufacturer.

8. Warranty Position

Batteries Under Solis Control

Where a battery becomes unserviceable due to inadequate stock management, failure to follow maintenance charging requirements, or prolonged storage while under Solis control, Solis will determine the appropriate corrective action, which may include battery replacement prior to sale.

Customer-Owned Batteries

Battery failures resulting from:

• Prolonged storage,
• Failure to maintain charge,
• Deep discharge,
• Improper storage conditions,
• Lack of required maintenance charging,

shall not normally be considered manufacturing defects and are therefore not covered under warranty unless expressly stated otherwise.

Warranty coverage remains subject to the terms and conditions applicable to the product sold.

9. Customer Communication

Where applicable, Solis shall provide customers with:

• Recommended storage conditions.
• Maintenance charging requirements.
• Guidance on expected battery shelf life.
• Warranty exclusions relating to improper storage or maintenance.

This information may be communicated through:

• User manuals.
• Product documentation.
• Warranty statements.
• Sales literature.
• Technical support communications.

10. Records

The following records shall be maintained:

• Battery inspection logs.
• Maintenance charging records.
• Warranty claim decisions (Freshdesk)
• Disposal records.

Records shall be retained in accordance with Solis document retention requirements.

11. Exceptions

Any deviation from this policy must be approved by the Operations Manager and documented with supporting justification.

12. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually or following:

• Changes in battery technology.
• Changes to manufacturer requirements.
• Significant warranty events.
• Regulatory changes affecting battery storage or disposal.

Key Principle

While batteries remain under Solis control, Solis is responsible for maintaining them in accordance with manufacturer storage requirements. Once supplied to the customer, responsibility transfers to the customer, and battery failures caused by prolonged storage, deep discharge, or failure to maintain charge are not considered warranty defects unless otherwise stated in the product warranty.