If you want an off-grid solar system, you need the best solar battery available. There are 4 different batteries commonly used for solar systems. These include lead-acid batteries, sealed gel cell batteries, AGM batteries, and lithium batteries.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the least expensive option, and they’ve been around for a long time. These types of batteries are great for short-term backup solar power. The downside to these types of batteries is that they have a short lifespan and require regular maintenance. As with most other batteries besides lithium, the usable capacity of lead-acid batteries is only about 50%. If you want to use lead-acid batteries for your solar system, you must store them in a ventilated area and keep up regular maintenance.
Sealed Gel Cell Batteries
Unlike lead-acid batteries, sealed gel cell batteries are leak proof because they have electrolytes stored in gel form. If you need a battery for occasional use, sealed gel batteries are ideal. They can keep for a long time without being charged and they discharge slowly. There is no maintenance associated with these types of batteries, but their lifespan is short. Sealed gel cell batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
AGM Off-Grid Solar Batteries
AGM batteries are sealed and work much like gel cell batteries. AGM is short for absorbed glass mat. They’re spill-proof and will not leak and perform better than sealed gel cell batteries delivering peak power. AGM batteries last a little longer than both sealed gel and lead-acid batteries, but they are susceptible to overcharging.
Lithium Off-Grid Solar Batteries
Lithium batteries are the newest solar battery type, and they’re the most reliable battery on the market. The longest lasting battery type is lithium batteries. They don’t overheat, and they’re not susceptible to overcharging or undercharging. They’re leak proof, maintenance free, and eco-friendly.
You can use lithium batteries for your short-term, long-term, or intermittent power needs. You don’t have to replace lithium batteries often, and they’re not susceptible to heat or cold. As the most energy-efficient type of battery, lithium batteries have a use capacity of 80 to 100% whereas the other batteries offer 50%.
Which Solar Battery Is Best?
If you’re testing a solar setup or just need a short-term battery, lead acid or gel type batteries may work just fine. But all things considered, lithium batteries are the best batteries for solar off grid. The only downside to these batteries is that they’re more expensive than any other type. Given their extreme reliability and durability, they’re probably still the best option if you need a permanent battery setup for your solar system.
