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The best 12V Battery Megastore Deals for Off-Grid Solar
There are 3 types of 12V solar batteries:
- Lead acid batteries have been around a lot longer and have caps so you have to unscrew them to top up using de-ionized water.
- An AGM battery is completely sealed and maintenance free while generally giving you more recharging cycles which means it will last longer.
- GEL batteries are completely sealed and maintenance free, this means you do not have to top up and is ideal for all leisure vehicles.
- Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) is the safest of the mainstream li-ion battery types. The round-trip energy efficiency of a LFP battery is 92%.
What brands of 12V battery megastore deals can I find in your DIY store?
- Lead Acid 12 volt batteries: unfortunately are not available at this stage
- AGM 12 volt batteries: Victron, Phaesun, Hoppecke, Intact, Rolls and Odyssey
- GEL 12 volt batteries: Victron, Trojan, Phaesun, Sonnenschein and Hoppecke
- Lithium Ion 12 volt batteries: Victron, CS Electronic, Super B, Sonnenrepublic and Phaesun
The Different Types of 12V Batteries You Can Use with Your DIY Solar System
There are a few different kinds of batteries you can use for your home solar power system. Each has different benefits, uses, price-rages, et cetera, of course, so it’s best to study up a bit to see which best fits your needs rather than just going with something that looks good on paper.
So, the question comes down to, what is the best type of battery to use with solar panels? The reality is, it will vary from situation to situation.
12V Lithium-Ion Batteries
Probably the most commonly familiar batteries for anything are lithium batteries. We use this type of battery in most household devices that we use rechargeable batteries for – think cameras, flashlights, remotes.
They’re also extremely popular for solar devices and equipment that are outdoors because they can endure harsher weather than some other types. For example, trail cameras – we highly recommend lithium batteries over any other kind for this reason.
The main issue with this battery type is that they tend to run about four-times the cost of other solar batteries. But, when you consider performance value, they’re worth the extra expense in many cases.
The life cycle and capacity on lithium-ion batteries is pretty darn good, especially considering their size and weight compared to others.
They’re also highly efficient and have a long lifespan while being stable and safe and barely need any maintenance.
12V Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Probably the longest used batteries are the flooded lead acid batteries. They’ve been around since 1859. The two biggest advantages to these are that they’re nearly 99% recyclable and that they’re affordable. They’re also easy to take care of once their lifespan has passed.
There are different kinds of lead-acid batteries – flooded, sealed, and absorbed glass mat (AGM).
Flooded batteries are intended to handle regularly, daily charging cycles. They do, however, emit gas a byproduct, so they need to be well-ventilated. They also need regular maintenance, thanks to the fact that every cell in the battery has to submerged in water in order to function. You have to add water every couple of months to keep these plates submerged properly.
These batteries are best for folks who are looking for a more hands-on approach to their DIY solar power systems. They are more affordable than lithium-ion, but need that regular attention.
12V Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries
As mentioned, the other kind of lead-acid battery is the sealed variety. These are better for folks who won’t be around for regular checkups on their devices.
They’re spill-proof and non-hazardous and a self-contained system.
These are best for places like remote properties like hunting lodges you only use seasonally. They also don’t self-discharge if they sit around unused for a while.
12V AGM Batteries
This lead-acid battery type has a special glass mat separator that wicks the electrolyte solution between the plates of the battery.
The design enables fiberglass to saturate in electrolyte, which creates a “dry” state.
This type of battery is ideal for placement of the battery on its side for use with your RV, electronics, or other uses. The nature of the battery prevents the plates from going “dry” because of the absorption of the fiberglass of the electrolyte fluids.
12V Gel Batteries
Finally, there are gel batteries. These are probably the least likely to be chosen since they have more disadvantages than most other types. Their advantages are also minor, compared to other options.
They used fumed silica to thicken electrolyte, which makes the cells sturdier – which helps to prevent leakage if damage occurs. They are low maintenance as well and tend to be durable and resistant to foul weather, shock, and vibration.
However, they have narrow charging profiles, damage easily through overcharging or improper use, and they don’t have great amp-hour capacity. Plus, they tend to be expensive.
Of all the battery types, these are the ones we least recommend for use with your solar energy system.
How Many 12V Batteries Do You Need?
First, you need to understand how much energy your battery is capable of storing. From there, you select a DIY solar panel that replenish your energy at the appropriate rate based on your typical pattern of use.
Clear as mud, right?
Here’s a basic formula.
Battery capacity is measure in amp hours, marked as Ah. You have to convert the number of Ah into watt hours. You do this by multiplying Ah by the voltage.
For example, if you have a 20Ah, 12V battery, the watt hours formula is 20 x 12 = 240. Your battery can supply 240 watts for one hour or 120 watts for two hours or 2 watts for 120 hours.
If you’re a visual learner, you may find a video more helpful than a black and white formula on the page. So, while this video is specifically speaking of 0Bills products, the formulas work for any situation in determining the size and number of batteries you need for your setup. If you are unable to determine this on your own, consult an electrician.
How Does All of This Work Together? DIY
The best batteries for solar power storage have to be paired with the proper solar panels. The right wattage matches up with the right voltage (as mentioned above) to create a system that runs everything smoothly. But they also have to have some other components to create the system.
The solar batteries work by storing up the energy generated by the solar panels during daylight hours. They save them in the form of DC energy. This means they need a power inverter to convert the DC energy into AC energy that’s usable in your devices.
Generally speaking, at home you use either 120V or 230V.
You also need a solar charge controller. This device helps to make sure that the energy that’s produced by the panels doesn’t overcharge the batteries.
It also keeps the power that’s stored in the cells from running back into the panels and therefore draining the batteries overnight when the panels are not charging via the daylight.
12V Battery Life Span in our Battery Megastore
The life span of a battery is the literal period of time that the battery is useful for before it’s no longer able to recharge and hold a charge. This life span can be measured in cycles (the number of times the battery can discharge and recharge) or in terms of hours, days, or years.
The life span of a battery will vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including battery type, battery size, and brand.
The longer lasting a lifespan you need, the more expensive the battery will be. For example, a lithium battery will be several hundred dollars more than a flooded lead-acid battery. This longevity is based on the type, yes, but also the quality of manufacture and the size of the battery.
Batteries for use with DIY solar systems with last between 5 and 20 years. More typically, 5-15. You’re almost guaranteed to have to replace the battery at least once during the lifespan of your solar power system, which typically will last 20 to 30 years.
There are some factors that affect that longevity of the battery:
- Solar battery usage – how often it recharges after use and what kind of overcharging protection you’ve got
- Solar battery temperature – how hot that battery gets can affect its lifespan, just like how cold it gets
- Maintenance required – the type of and frequency of maintenance required can also affect the lifespan of a solar battery
How to Choose the Right Solar Battery for Your Needs
In you search in our 12V battery megastore here are some basic things to consider for choosing the best batteries for DIY solar off grid living include the following.
- Battery Capacity – will the Ah rating meet your needs?
- Charging Time – the best off grid battery will charge within a few hours, including gel and lithium batteries
- Ease of Installation – the best off grid solar batteries will be easy to install for anyone, no electrician required
- Your Budget – think long-term and short-term. Can you afford this today? Is the investment in your future worth more for the long run?
- Battery Lifespan – when you’ll need to replace it should factor into your decision. If you only need it for 5 years, then anything should do, pretty much, but if you need long-lasting, plan for that.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty – even if they don’t have amazing ones that last for decades, you should at least have a couple of years on the warranty. Always inquire about extended warranties, as well.
Reviews of the 4 Best Solar Batteries on our Battery Megastore
Whether you’re looking for what is the best battery bank to use with a 400watt solar system or you’re just looking for a single solar battery to run your RV, these options are the best of best in solar deep cycle batteries. All at best retail prices possible in our solar battery megastore. Visit our DIY Shop here >
You need advise how to install a 12V battery system for your boat, motorhome, RV, caravan or campervan? Visit the No 1 off-grid specialist Youtube Channel here: Victron Energy.